[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 59-04, October - December, 2005 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Volunteering

— Making life worthwhile

By Waldo Redekop, Editor/Publisher The Trillium

Ever wonder what this world would be like without volunteers? Those often invisible people who keep things running that you never see. Those under-appreciated individuals doing all of the thankless tasks that most take for granted. Those amazing people who do all those things without monetary rewards, always giving of their own time, usually paying a lot out of their own pockets and never asking for recognition or reimbursement.

Over the years, I, like many of you, have done a lot of volunteer work. Most of us are still doing it. I can recall my parents doing the same, so this is not something that this generation invented.

However, I am often surprised when talking with people to discover some of the interesting things they do as a volunteer, without much recognition except for the occasional “Thank you” that is sometimes given. And, usually that recognition and the pleasure that you see people receive from your hard work, makes the hours spent very enjoyable.

Of course, most of this district is run on volunteer labour. I won’t even begin to list all of the jobs done by our volunteers as I know that I will miss many. The Trillium, conventions, COTS, Harmony College North, web page, Chorus Director Workshop Intensive, e-mail list, Director Of the Future, Top Gun, Standing Ovation Program, etc. would not be able to take place if we had to pay the people to do the work.

If you just stop to think about the number of volunteers with whom you come into contact on a daily basis, it might surprise you. Churches, sports teams, clubs and lodges, fund-raisers (want to buy a ticket or CD?), recreational leagues, musical groups, most of the arts, your barbershop chapter, and the list goes on.  So when you are ushered to your seat or someone performs any service for you, smile and then say “Thank you” as that will probably be the only reward that the person receives for doing the work.

Jean de La Fontaine (1621-95), a French poet, once said “People must help one another; it is nature’s law.” Well, I am not sure it is nature’s law, nor am I certain that they MUST help one another, but when you do, it sure makes life more interesting for  you and those you helped. And, it does make you feel a little better about yourself and life in general.

Donna and I wish every one of you a very Merry Christmas and hope that next year will bring you all of the joy that you deserve.

Season's Greetings from Waldo & Donna   k