The Power of Volunteering - NeighbourWoods North
A community reflection on volunteering in Owen Sound, exploring how getting involved builds connections, strengthens community, and creates a sense of belonging — by Sandy Stevenson.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
by Sandy Stevenson for NeighbourWoods North
On April 16, Owen Sound’s volunteer of the year award will be presented as the Jan Chamberlain Volunteer of the Year Award. I feel so privileged to have known Jan — and so thankful that I learned from her about the many ways we can all work toward making our community the best place to live and work.
I came to Owen Sound to work in 1993. Although not a resident then, I quickly discovered a community with a long and interesting history.
Organizations promoting music and the arts were strong and committed. Sports and athletics for all ages and all abilities filled the calendar. Groups fundraising for those less fortunate were active and resourceful.
And there was a detectable sense of pride in those who had been here all their lives.
Because of my association with OSCVI, I was asked to be part of the Owen Sound 150th Anniversary Committee, “Calling all Owens!” That’s where I first met and worked with Jan, the most enthusiastic and community spirited woman.
The committee was made up of Owen Sound’s movers and shakers… those who step up to take on projects and initiatives that celebrate and enrich the community for all who call this place home.
Jan and the others seemed to know everyone; to know who to go to for help; to know who to ask for financial support; to know how to celebrate the uniqueness of Owen Sound. And they pulled together an incredible weekend of homecoming events for thousands who came from all over the world.
As many of you know, once you are seen to be on a committee or project your name is out there! Before long I was asked to volunteer with several committees and projects (Zonta Club, GB Symphony, Harmony Centre, Hike for Hospice)… and here is what I learned:
You meet talented, committed people when you volunteer; often you meet people you would never have met in your everyday life
You learn so much about your community, its history, its strengths and shortcomings
You feel like you belong – even though you might be a newcomer
You get to use your talents and skills — and you master new ones
Almost 10 years ago, a “newcomer” to our city, Lloyd Lewis, asked a few of us on our morning hike if we might be interested in planting trees on the hospital grounds. Several of us stepped up – and now, when you drive by Brightshores, you can see hundreds of trees of all sizes emerging from the stony soil.
This is the project called Neighbourwoods North.
Over the years, many community members of all ages have helped on Saturday mornings to plant and water and weed the trees and pollinating beds — all to enrich the environment and spirit of this wonderful community.
There are times in our lives when we are too busy to take on extra responsibilities; when work pressures, childcare, establishing a home and more leave no room to fit anything else in.
But when the time comes that you can spare a morning a week, an evening or even just a specific few days to help with a community project — volunteer! It will enrich your life, and the lives of everyone around you.
Thank you to sponsors of The Owen Sound Current Writers’ Fund, who make these community contributions possible. Contributions from the community do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of The Owen Sound Current and its editor or publisher.
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