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OPINION We wonder what kind of town Halton Hills would be if it didn't have its legion of dedi- cated volunteers. What would sports groups do without coaches or the cancer society without its net- work of drivers? Where would Georgetown Hospital be without its loyal auxiliary? Would the fall fairs and Santa Claus Parades be as success- ful if there were no volunteers to support these events? What would our town be like without the comforting hands of the volunteers at vari- ous social service groups? Even abandoned animals receive kindness from strangers who freely give of their valu- able time. Earth Day was just that much greener Monday thanks to the volunteers of all ages who cleaned up the community and planted shrubs and trees. Residents who offer up their time for the betterment of others make Halton Hills a great place to call home. We are a kinder, gentler more empathetic society because of these individuals. This week is the 71st annual National Vol- unteer Week and we thank the men, women and youth who selfl essly give of their time and talent to so many worthy causes, events and organizations. According to the Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, each year, more than 13 million Canadians volunteer more than over two billion hours of their time to help others. You simply can't put a price tag on that. We salute you. The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Edi- torial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The Independent & Free Press Saluting volunteers Steve Nease Letters to the editor Dear editor, The road to the Boston Marathon is very long and often turbulent, but one fi lled with such a sense of accomplish- ment and reward when the fi nish line is in sight. The fi nish line is the only thing a qualifi ed runner can think about for months. They cherish the moment they can say "I fi nished Boston". I know this feeling because I have been fortunate to participate in the event in 2006, 2008 and Monday, April 15 when tragedy struck. When I lined up to start the race my emotions ran high. The skies were bright… it was going to be a good day ahead. I was so excited to get started down the familiar route that is not only iconic but overfl owing with the most amazing spectators. While approaching the 22-mile marker I looked up to see the familiar CITGO sign that fl ashes brightly and brings the runners home to Boylston Street. When I rounded the corner to Boylston it all became clear-- my fi nal marathon would soon be over and I was so very happy! The fi nish line is full of exhausted, but exhilarated, runners searching for their loved ones for that victory hug. I had seen my family along the course and we had agreed to meet back at the hotel room instead of trying to fi nd ev- eryone together. I was blessed to have 10 family members cheering me on. The winds had picked up and I started to get a chill so made my way through the crowd and hopped in the fi rst taxi cab I could fi nd. I was greeted at the hotel by my family. Unfortunately the celebration did not last long because the television an- nounced the horrifi c bombings at the fi nish line-- a fi nish line that had pro- vided me with so much joy was now a place of carnage and destruction. I cannot try to imagine what the families and friends of the victims have been dealing with and will have to accept for the rest of their lives. Nobody can predict these terrible acts of violence, and we certainly don't want to live in a society of constant fear; however we need to be aware that some people are fi lled with darkness and anger. While Boston tries to recover, my heart goes out to the families of the young people who were killed and the hundreds of people left injured. The doctors, nurses, emergency response teams and hundreds of volunteers are heroes to us all! I also sympathize for the thou- sands of runners who did not get to cross that fi nish line. While it is not a concern in a moment of tragedy it should be recognized that they worked very hard to be there and their dream was shattered for now. I do truly hope those participants that did not fi nish will try again to get back to that beauti- ful place to receive their reward. The city needs our support-- whether it be in thought, prayer or acts of kindness. I know for certain I will be back-- as a very thankful and grateful spectator. Angela Cummings, Acton Letters policy 905-873-0301 Publisher: Dana Robbins General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@theifp.ca) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifi eds Kristie Pells (classifi ed@theifp.ca) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Heritage Halton Hills wants to designate the Exchange Hotel to save it from demolition. Should it be saved? • No (44%) • Yes. The Town should spend money to save the pre-Confederation building (39%,) • Yes, but only if the Town does not spend money (17%) WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) Local Boston Marathon participant vows to return Letters must include an address and daytime phone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publication is not guaranteed. 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