It's Volunteer Week, and members of Drumheller’s volunteer community demonstrated the spirit of the valley to the Minister of Culture last Wednesday.
The Honourable Heather Klimchuk was hosted by the Town of Drumheller to a luncheon and the town showcased some of its volunteer pride.
“We have an expression in Drumheller and it is one word, ‘roar.’ Everyone who is a volunteer is an embodiment of that word,” said Community Services director Paul Salvatore. “What does roar mean? Roar is the passion and connection we offer the community in Drumheller. Roar is all the things we do working together to make our community a better place.”
The Minister was treated to a snap shot of just a few of the volunteer organizations in the valley as well as a presentation on the innovative Volunteer Drumheller website.
Area volunteers had a chance to share their volunteer experience with Minister Klimchuk. (l-r) FCSS Coordinator Cathy Smoliak, Natalie Westman, Maria Patterson, Kaine McDougald, Minister of Culture Heather Klimchuk, SpringFest Producer Brent Noland, DVSS principal Curtis LaPierre, and Michelle Salvatore.
Cathy Smoliak explained the innovative tool was introduced about three years ago to help connect those wishing to volunteer with groups looking for volunteers. This website has been effective, and the Drumheller Festival Committee has referenced it as a resource it has used as they go forward with the second annual Dinofest coming this June.
“They (the ministry) had commented to us prior to arranging the meeting they were very impressed with the work Volunteer Drumheller is doing,” said Salvatore.
The Minister also learned more about the East Coulee Spring Fest from Brent Noland and was even presented with tickets to this year’s show. There were also presentations from Cora Bolt of the Family Fun Committee, and Cindy Stelmaschuk of the Big Country Anti Violence Association. DVSS student Maria Patterson, who is on the cusp of achieving her silver Duke of Edinburgh Award spoke of her volunteer experience and aspirations, including a trip she is planning to Ghana this summer.
DVSS Principal Curtis LaPierre also spoke about some of the initiatives of the school including its Seniors Dinner, which will be turning 20 this year.
Klimchuk was appreciative of the presentations.
“Volunteers make our province hum. All of you here today are a huge part of the puzzle,” she said. “Being here today and feeling the spirit and passion that is alive and well in Drumheller—I appreciate it.
“I want to express my thanks to you, and on behalf of Premier Redford, we’ll continue to build Alberta, through volunteerism and partnerships with all levels of Government, that’s what it is all about.”