Editorial — Don’t forget the volunteers

April 14, 2014 · 0 Comments

It’s fitting that the town of Caledon chose the Monday of National Volunteer Week to hold its annual Volunteer and Citizen Achievement Awards celebration.
It celebrates a very important component of just about any community, and especially Caledon. In addition to singling out one person for significant contributions over many years (and this year, it was the very worthy Clarence Pinkney), the event also praises the work of others. Some put in considerable time to add to the community, while others contribute a few hours here and there.
This event is put on by the Town every year, and one rather telling point is it’s not a case of always seeing the same faces. It’s annually a different group that gathers for the recognition. That proves what Mayor Marolyn Morrison indicated; that Caledon indeed has a very strong volunteer base.
There are people who devote much time coaching sports teams for young people, helping out with organizations like the Scouts and Guides, who take an hour or so a week delivering Meals on Wheels, or maybe spend an evening during the holidays helping party-goers safely get home through HomeJames.
While the more hours offered is better, any contribution is a big help to the community and should be remembered.
As Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones observed Monday night, it’s not so much the time these people have to offer, but the heart.
How true!