March 27, 2006
Volunteerism in Langley
Members Statements [click to view vidoe]

M. Polak: On February 3, at a very special dinner, Veronica Volunteer, a.k.a. Pauline Huth, shared her experiences as a lifelong volunteer. Pauline's alter ego Veronica made it up close and personal. Pauline Huth is the executive director at Langley's Meals on Wheels. Her speech at the Langley city volunteer appreciation dinner brought the house down. As she played the role of Veronica Volunteer, every honoured volunteer in the room saw a bit of themselves.

          Volunteers from all walks of life give rides, visit the sick and elderly, prepare meals and assist all manner of charitable organizations. They give of themselves, asking nothing in return. Yet according to Veronica Volunteer, it is the best and most satisfying lifestyle one could possibly imagine.

          My riding of Langley is rich in the spirit of volunteerism, so much so that appreciation events are a regular feature of the social calendar. In addition to the Langley city volunteer appreciation where Veronica Volunteer made her appearance, two upcoming events will pay tribute to those generous individuals who make our community the welcoming, supportive place that it is. On April 6 the township of Langley will honour its volunteers, and on April 7 the local RCMP detachment will pay tribute to community members who work to enhance the community aspect of policing.

          Volunteers are the unsung heroes of my community and yours. Their contributions are invaluable. Somehow an award or gala dinner just doesn't seem to suffice to show how much we appreciate the work that they do, so the next time you meet a volunteer, take the time to thank them. Let them know personally how much their work means to you.