This week, April 15-21, is National Volunteer Week, set aside to recognize those who contribute in so many ways to the betterment of society.

On Saturday night I had the privilege to attend our local Volunteer Centre's 'Awards of Excellence', where they acknowledged and honoured those people in our community who volunteer.

The presenter talked about all the range of activities that the various volunteers being honoured were involved in - everything from Girl Guide Leaders, those who keep various Music, Drama, and other Arts Societies operating, to the people who run the local Wildlife Rescue Centre. It was a daunting, and humbling, list. Most of the people who were being honoured were very quiet, humble people who just see a need, and fill it. The common denominator was the longevity of their service to the community, and how most of them really didn't go seeking any sort of recognition. (In order to be considered for the award, the volunteers had to be nominated by others. No self-aggrandizement allowed!)

Do you know a volunteer? Please acknowledge and honour them here.

Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.

"Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer. " A fine idea, MLeh. I volunteer my time tutoring new Canadians in literacy, helping them learn to speak English, as well as read and write English. I am actually learning a bit of Chinese as well, in that most of the students in my group are from China. So, "each one teach one". Paix, mon amie.

Our local youth sports association is 100% volunteer. I have worked on it for a number of years, but there are people who have been with it for 25 years--long after their kids have ceased to be eligible.

I do volunteer work with a local dog rescue (for pugs) -- Pugalug Club Pug Rescue Home Page (http://pugalug.com) and over the years I've also done a fair bit of computer related volunteer work assembling and setting up machines destined for schools, underprivileged kids, etc.

I do volunteer work with a local dog rescue (for pugs) -- Pugalug Club Pug Rescue Home Page (http://pugalug.com) and over the years I've also done a fair bit of computer related volunteer work assembling and setting up machines destined for schools, underprivileged kids, etc.

Kudos, mguertin. My wife is the lead person for dachshund rescue here in NL, but has only had to bring in one abandoned doxie from PEI to a home here in St.John's. We just took in a rescue doxie last week. These sorts of volunteers, and those who work at the SPCA, or like organizations, truly do some fine work for the non-human members of our communities. Paix, mon ami.

I volunteer my services to the local seniors group to teach new Mac owners how to use their computers. I have taught dozens of seniors email and web surfing on their new Macs every year for nearly 10 years now. I have somehow become to 'go to guy' for Macs and spend many hours each month helping with basic skills and sometimes very frustrating 'senior' issues. (See the things that make you want to cry thread). I once considered starting a business and charging by the hour, but decided the satisfaction I get from helping people with few resources and mostly on fixed incomes get some enjoyment out of their Macs was a better station in life.

I just started volunteering with the Navy League of Canada.

I have been on the volunteer board of directors for our local community centre for a few years now. It takes a lot of hours but is very rewarding work. As a part of this, i am also a regular member of the Association Presidents Group, a collaboration between the 24 community centers in Vancouver.

I have been volunteering at our local SPCA since they opened almost 3 years ago.
I also volunteer with GEMS Girls' Club at my church, and other church events when needed.

I used to volunteer with St. John Ambulance volunteer medical response, was a volunteer firefighter, and also volunteered in concessions and ushering at a theatre.

I volunteer my services to the local seniors group to teach new Mac owners how to use their computers. I have taught dozens of seniors email and web surfing on their new Macs every year for nearly 10 years now. I have somehow become to 'go to guy' for Macs and spend many hours each month helping with basic skills and sometimes very frustrating 'senior' issues. (See the things that make you want to cry thread). I once considered starting a business and charging by the hour, but decided the satisfaction I get from helping people with few resources and mostly on fixed incomes get some enjoyment out of their Macs was a better station in life.

Also did that during my years in Calgary. An experience that is uniquely simultaneously rewarding and frustrating.

Also did that during my years in Calgary. An experience that is uniquely simultaneously rewarding and frustrating.

Not hard to tell you've been there, done that with a pat observation like that one. ;)