Volunteers are the heartbeat of the community

When it comes to opportunities to volunteer, Whitecourt has many options to choose from. A quick look at the town’s website shows just how many opportunities there are for people to get involved in the community. There are no less than 25 different postings that range from janitorial services at Tennille’s Hope to helping with the set up of the Christmas float for the Rotary Club. Regardless of your talents or the time available in your schedule, there is something that you can do to make your community shine.

Amanda Stanchfield said that for her, “it’s just something that needs to be done.” Born and raised in Whitecourt, Stanchfield is the third generation in her family to call the community home. “They all volunteered their whole lives for various things. There’s always a need for it, and if we didn’t take our turns to do it, future generations wouldn’t have the wonderful activities and resources we have today.”

The Scott Family is a well known Whitecourt powerhouse when it comes to all things volunteering. Brian and Val Scott are involved in many organizations and always seem to find the time to add in more. “I grew up in a family that volunteered, so it was a natural evolution for me. The friends I have made and the experiences I have had volunteering are a huge part of my life,” explained Val. “Volunteering rewards you in ways you never expect, and I will happily continue to as long as I am physically able.”

Her son, Kyle, and his wife Koren are carrying on the spirit of volunteering while sharing the love of it with their son, Declan. “You can’t beat the togetherness of bringing people together, collectively,” said Koren. “While volunteering is great for the social impact on those it serves, it also feels great to be connected to something bigger. I volunteer because it feels amazing to be connected to like-minded individuals in my community who care about one another and want to make our world a better place. And hey, having fun is an added bonus!”

For Kyle, the wanting to help began at a young age, and it has carried him into adulthood. After serving his country as a soldier, he returned home and found himself in a situation that many other veterans have had to struggle through. Rather than solve the problem for himself, he chose to help others solve it too. “Volunteering to help veterans in need came from my own frustrating experiences being medically retired from the army. I wanted to help prevent those frustrations from happening to other veterans, and to try and educate and assist the mountain of veterans out there that don’t even know they qualify for assistance or benefits.”

Over the years, he has helped hundreds and has changed lives. “Knowing you’ve helped improve someone’s quality of life and mental health is irreplaceable. It’s also good for your own mental health.” Kyle said that volunteers are the reason that most communities can function and that life as we known it can be enjoyed. “Volunteers are literally the heartbeat of any functioning society. Goodwill organizations, social services, youth sports and clubs, firefighters, helper parents in schools, homeless shelters, food banks, senior’s welfare visits and beyond. The list could go on forever.” He said that he plans to raise his son with volunteering in mind. “We want to make it a family affair where we go out and volunteer together.”

The common thread for many volunteers is that they learned from their parents, or that someone they looked up to volunteered, and they inspired them to do their part too. “We need to get more youth involved these days. This is our way of doing that. Teach them young,” he concluded. For Kelly Lovdahl, volunteering gives her a chance to pay life back what she feels she owes it. “I think we have a responsibility to help our fellow man. I get warm fuzzy feelings giving back to life as I’ve overcome many challenges, and I feel I owe for that!”

Catherine Ann MacDonald is one of the smiling faces that volunteer with Girl Guides. “I do it for the joy of seeing the children laugh and have such a great time! I also love seeing them accomplish and overcome so much while earning their badges,” she said. The journey of volunteering started 12 years ago for Sharlene Munday when she would help at her children’s school. “I did the Emergency Lunch Program as I lived close to the school because I thought that kids should never go hungry. I also did the Labels For Education program at Pat Hardy for years.”

She also helped with Girl Guides when there were no leaders available. “Rather than see my kids miss out on a great program, I stayed and helped.” She has been a fixture with Pumpjack Players for several years and is currently the president. She has also helped teach about geocaching and has helped grow the hobby. “I really enjoy giving to the community. When we work together, we make this a town that is full of possibilities and opportunities for everyone!”

As a volunteer firefighter in Anselmo, Tyler Kristiansen said that he does it to give back. He said that it also helps him live out a dream. “I wanted to be an army medic, but for family reasons, I was needed at home. Firefighting ticks that box off in my life.” He also gives his time towards the local air cadet’s program so that he can pass off his knowledge to the next generation. “I love seeing smiles on the cadet’s faces when they realize they have improved.” His volunteering also includes the Dreams Come Alive Children’s Charity. “It is 100 percent run by volunteers. We started it because we wanted to see as much of the proceeds as possible going to children and not being used for wages for millionaires.”

Volunteering can be as simple as picking up trash and disposing of it properly. You can work independently for your community, or you can work collectively with like-minded people. The options for how to best serve the place you call home are endless. If you would like to join a local organization, you can call one directly, or you can visit www.whitecourt.ca/community/volunteer-opportunies to see what is available.