Smoky River Family and Community Support Services held its annual Volunteer Appreciation night on June 16.

The event was held outside of the Town of McLennan office, with the intent to celebrate the region’s most prized volunteers.

“We believe it is important to recognize and thank our volunteers for their contributions to the community,” says FCSS community program coordinator Anita Portsmouth.

“Each award is sponsored by a different organization or person. The awards are chosen by a committee based on the criteria that is predetermined,” she adds.

There are multiple categories of awards available to be given to volunteers within the community. The Lifetime Volunteer award is given to a senior volunteer who has demonstrated excellence in long-term service to the community and has shown dedication to volunteerism. This year’s award was given to Pao-Su (Bobo) Simard.

The Youth Volunteer-of-the-Year is given to an exceptional youth who is an active role model and demonstrated leadership, service, and achievements within their community. They have a commitment to volunteering in the community in a variety of ways, are an upstanding student and community member, and various other requirements. The Youth Volunteer-of-the-Year was awarded to Laurence Soucy.

Volunteer-of-the-Year is a community member whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the well-being of their community and fellow community members. They show a commitment to volunteering in the community in a variety of ways, are in good standing with the community, and belong to more than one organization. Maryse Simon was the recipient of this year’s award.

Finally, the Family-of-the-Year goes to a family that has made significant, sustained and unpaid contributions to their community, setting an example for future generations. This year’s Volunteer-Family-of- the-Year is Jean Cote’s Griffin Family (Richard, Melissa, Jayce, Macy, Madyson, and Mila).

“Our communities would not exist without volunteers,” says Portsmouth.

“Volunteers build parks, community centres, playgrounds and much more. They provide extra curricular activities for our youth through coaching teams, fundraising to maintain facilities, allow for field trips and countless other things,” she adds.

Portsmouth says because of volunteers the region has ski hills, golf courses, seniors’ centres, bowling alleys, walking trails, museums, cultural centres, libraries and countless other facilities.

“They are the neighbour who brings a bowl of soup to a sick friend or the youth who shovels the senior’s driveway,” she expresses.

“FCSS relies on the community to assist with programs and activities throughout the year,” she adds.

“Volunteers make it possible to host family dances, movie in the park, summer youth activities and much more. Our fundraiser for our Christmas voucher program would not be possible without our volunteers as well as donations. We could not offer the variety of programs we do without volunteers.”

Portsmouth says their team is proud of the strength of the volunteer community in the Smoky River Region. She says it’s a great way to connect with the community and they are very fortunate in the Smoky River Region to have so many people willing to give their time in dedication to serving the area.