VOLUNTEERING – A FAMILY TRADITION
To celebrate National Volunteer Week, this week we will be posting content about people who give their precious time to others, who get involved at the Volunteer Centre or elsewhere. Thank you to all the volunteers, your contribution to our community is invaluable!
Written by Mary Lachance (a long-time CABMN volunteer)
Brenda Clark, whom we have chosen to highlight, is a third generation community volunteer, (after her parents and grandparents) and who is, in turn, followed by two more generations, (her children and grandchildren).She shared this experience with us.
CABMN: Why did you first get involved in volunteering?
ANSWER: “Volunteering for events was just a normal thing in our household growing up. It was never a question of “Will we?”.It was only a matter of “where” and How much time do we have to devote to something. Simply a way of living that benefits everyone..”
CABMN: I recall your Grandmother Maude was a Sunday school teacher, an important volunteer action.
ANSWER: “And My parents were involved in so many things in this community. Church, school, The CAB, clubs, Dad was a volunteer Fireman – all while running a business. They have always impressed me.
My early volunteer efforts started with the United Church. My parents were a big part of the church at that time. With the many church sponsored activities, there was always something to do. Also growing up in the grocery store gave plenty of opportunities to lend people a hand.”
CABMN: Can you talk about Volunteering as a family tradition, how it starts, what keeps it going?
ANSWER: “I know that Mom and Dad were always happy to see any of their children lending a helping hand. My sister Cynthia, in Ottawa, sits on many committees, and volunteers with the community flower gardens. My brother James, was “sound man” for the GREASE tour by the CAB Youth group, lugging equipment from school to school, and making sure everything was just perfect.”
CABM: When did you first volunteer for the CABMN and What has been your favorite Volunteer sector?
ANSWER: “We moved back to Mansonville in the summer of 1989. The first real event was for the children’s Halloween party in the New Horizon’s Room of the Reilly House…
Over the years, Youth groups and Youth activities is certainly where I have spent the most hours. I was so lucky as a child and teenager to benefit from the Church Youth activities, it just seemed natural to give back to community in that same area. The Youth Center is where I got to know Mable (and the CAB) and where my children benefitted from activities and volunteered as well.
My children learned at an early age how to volunteer and organize and they have both found partners in life with the same viewpoint about volunteering and bettering the community in which they live. (My granddaughters), Kate and Alexis continue to amaze me with their own brand of volunteering at the CAB. They understand that we all have needs and can help one another. These are Life skills. I am sure that (my grandson) Conner will pick up where his big cousins leave off.”
CABMN: What words would you offer to a would-be volunteer?
ANSWER: “Do it! Do it! Do it! It is heart-warming to know that we CAN make a difference, each one of us with a positive outlook and a little time to give!”
Brenda had other wonderful things to share but unfortunately time and space have meant some painful editing. But one more thing we touched on was Volunteer recognition, to which she commented that some volunteers, herself included, do not seek to have a light shining on them, preferring to work behind the scenes. However with all due respect, Brenda, this is our light, shining on you, and your family for the years and generations of community volunteering.