National Volunteer Week:
On Friday, April 29 at a 5 to 7 p.m. event held in the basement of the Catholic church the CABMN in collaboration with the Municipality of Potton held the annual volunteer week celebration. This year’s theme was “Volunteering changes lives”.
With the support of municipal staff, Potton mayor, Bruno Côté, municipal counselors, CABMN volunteers, and staff the event celebrated the efforts of all of Potton’s volunteers who continue to contribute to community life. The event featured music by Stanley Lake and the Dixieland band, and a variety of delicious foods were served throughout the evening provided by local culinary businesses. The SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) group and youth centre team, Ethan Ball and Eleanor Côté served mocktails for those who preferred not to drink wine. Speeches were made by CABMN volunteer Mary Lachance, Potton mayor Bruno Côté, Ron Coughlin, co-founder of Citizen Advocacy now known as the CABMN, Debra Harding staff member on behalf of the volunteer coordination team, and Mable Hastings, director of the CABMN appeared via a prerecorded message due to Covid she could not attend in person. Throughout the event, 70 persons attended and enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate the efforts and the impact their volunteerism has on their community.
Local volunteers celebrated with a TREE OF LIFE
The Missisquoi North Volunteer Centre (CABMN) serving the western sector of the MRC Memphremagog (Potton, Bolton-Est, Saint-Etienne-de Bolton, Eastman, and Stukely), took the opportunity at last week’s Potton Municipal Volunteer party to announce an award dedicated to volunteers in the area.
At the organization’s annual volunteer party held each year in December, the group normally recognizes selected volunteers chosen by CABMN staff as “volunteers of the year,” those deemed by the staff team to have gone above and beyond in their volunteer efforts.
This year, the organization decided to do something different. “We wanted to find a way to recognize the efforts of all the volunteers in our region for their contributions throughout the Covid pandemic “It is impossible to highlight only a few people when so many have contributed to the well-being of neighbours, friends and in many cases, people they do not even know.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the rainbow has been used to symbolize resilience and the promise of brighter days to come. Representing life and moving forward and using the colors of the rainbow, the CABMN purchased a stained-glass TREE OF LIFE in celebration and recognition of all volunteers who have supported and aided others over the past three years.
“The tree is bright, rooted, and stands solid just like our volunteers. The question then surfaced, with only one stained glass and so many people to recognize, where do you put such a symbol? To answer this question, the organization referred to testimonials and calls it had received regarding the efforts made at Potton’s local pharmacy, Familiprix owners Cathy Riendeau and David Rousseau, and the staff at the pharmacy were exceptional at offering and providing services during Covid. The pharmacy even collaborated with the CABMN to provide free medical delivery service to keep those needing to self-isolate from having to leave their homes. The list of extras provided by the group was numerous and found Riendeau and her staff volunteering many extra hours themselves.
The CABMN determined that the Familiprix was the perfect location to display the stained glass as a thank you and a reminder to one and all for whatever part they played during the past three years in helping others.
The stained glass was presented by the CABMN volunteer coordination team to the pharmacy and some of their staff. Cathy Riendeau accepted the stained glass on behalf of the community, and it will hang at the pharmacy as a reminder to all that together, our roots run deep, and our branches reach out in support of others.
Excerpt from The Record, Monday, May 9, 2022, The Scoop by Mable Hastings
CABMN promotes, recognizes, and commends its volunteer action,
as well as fosters and develops volunteerism. In so doing,
the organization is viewed as a focal point for voluntary community outreach
by providing services that are not only important,
but have become essential for many.
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To our amazing bank of volunteers who give countless extra hours back to their community and the CABMN, we thank you most sincerely!
Volunteer Experience Testimonials
Sometimes life gets so challenging. In the last four years, I’ve lost my husband, retired from the post office and so lost my daily contact with my community, and then… Covid19! Thankfully I had the CABMN, and volunteering filled my need to be helpful to others, and this in turn helped me deal with the loneliness and isolation. Volunteering helps everyone!!
-Barbara Taylor-
The CABMN is not just a volunteer and resource center, it is the beating heart of Mansonville. We have been volunteers for several years and will continue to volunteer because people helping each other is what makes this community happy, healthy & safe. Whatever the needs are in Potton, the CABMN is there with support & assistance. Whether it is for people who are facing difficulty or causes that need support, for delivering programs tailored to varied populations, or delivering specialized services in extraordinary circumstances (ex. coordinating food & pharma deliveries during the pandemic), the CABMN is there to help. The Township of Potton is very blessed to have the CABMN.
-Deb and Pierre-
Nice work all of you!!!!!!! You have kept this town going throughout the pandemic.
If it wasn’t for you women of the CAB, there would have been no sense of community, no support for the elderly, no distribution of meds, no one to turn to, and no one to care.
Even though no one seems to see fit to give you an official thanks for that,
Here is at least my personal one!
THANK YOU!
-Almut-
I always enjoy being of service, driving and accompanying people is a nice way to meet new people, exchange ideas with them, and create a friendly bond.
-Christine Baudinet-
As I engaged in volunteering for the CAB a year and a half ago, I have to be honest and admit that at first, I was disappointed in being offered to work as a receptionist. It was not my first experience as a volunteer, and I saw myself as the savior (with the cape and everything) of the more vulnerable members of our community. But I did what I was asked, and I am glad I did. For one thing, it taught me humility and made me realize that when you get involved in volunteering, no task is too little, and everybody does a bit of the grunt work. That kind of work is necessary not only because as they say every little bit counts but also because you get to meet the heroes, the saviors who do day in and day out, do what is needed. And this year’s slogan is true: “Volunteering changes lives”. I am a better person for working in the company of such heroes and I feel like a part of this community like I have never felt before. I am eagerly waiting for the next challenges, hoping to contribute even if it’s by answering the phone.
-Madeleine Langlois-