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Thursday, April 14, 2016 SALUTE TO VOUNTEERS The Independent & Free Press Special pullout section 4 Pages Volunteers are the roots of a strong community By Ann Coburn Director, Volunteer Halton National Volunteer Week takes place from April 10-16, 2016, and is a chance for us to celebrate and honour volunteers who have dedicated their time and efforts to deserving causes across the country, region, and community. National Volunteer Week is a campaign that looks to thank, show appreciation, as well as highlight the tremendous impacts our volunteers have left in creating strong, vibrant, and inclusive communities. Volunteers are the roots of strong communities, which is this year's theme for National Volunteer Week, and represents how Canada's volunteers are intertwined into virtually every aspect of an all-encompassing society. Volunteers are responsible for forming our earliest hospitals, orphanages, housing for seniors, and many health and social service agencies across the country. Even today, volunteers can be seen reaching out and giving back to their communities through organizations, neighbourhood groups, and the environment. The efforts of all Canada's volunteers have enriched Canadian life beyond compare! Canada's volunteers are diverse people from all walks of life. In spite of these differences, volunteers seem to have one thing in common: their desire and eagerness to make not just a difference in their community, but to leave their mark, their root, in society as well. It is vital that we give our volunteers the recognition they so greatly deserve. As exquisitely stated by Volunteer Canada, "Just like roots are essential for trees to bloom, volunteers are essential for communities to bloom... Even the tiniest volunteer effort leaves a profound and lasting mark in a community, much like tree rings that appear over time." Tree roots anchor the tree to the ground; keeping it stable and protecting it from harm. A tree's root is also responsible for producing the nutrients the tree needs in order to grow, develop, and repair itself. Similar to how a tree relies on its roots to grow, communities rely on its volunteers to yield the necessary nutrients needed for the community to collectively rally into action and find innovative ways to grow together. Volunteer Halton is honoured to witness those who have given their time and expertise and continue to grow their roots and leave a deep and lasting impact on the Halton community. We invite everyone to experience the world of volunteering by giving back to their communities. Plant your roots in your community and visit volunteerhalton.ca today. Volunteering for 70+ years Mountainview Residence is hosting a Volunteer Appreciation gourmet dinner with entertainment today (Thursday, April 14). The Residence has 20 volunteers that will be attending, including three who are retiring from volunteering due to health issues. They are Eleanor McLeod, who has volunteered in our community for 70 plus years (who above received a Certificate of Appreciation from Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnettee), Edith Klee, 40 years, and Mel Yach, 16 years. Many of the residence's other volunteers continue to volunteer; some have volunteered as long as 60 years in our community. Town Certificate sof Appreciation will be presented as well, Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong will also be sending the three "retirees" a letter of thank you. Photo courtesy of Mayor Rick Bonnette Our Volunteers are INCREDIBLY appreciated! www.links2care.ca 905-873-6502