Medicine Hat News

Why volunteer?

- Joanne Ellis Joanne Ellis is the volunteer coordinato­r for the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre

In the words of the Greek philosophe­r Aristotle, “What is the essence of Life? To serve others and to do good.” These timeless words echo the profound benefits of volunteeri­ng that experts have recognized. But what exactly makes volunteeri­ng such a worthwhile endeavor?

First and foremost, volunteeri­ng offers a long list of physical and mental rewards. When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we disrupt tension-producing patterns, fostering happiness and health. The act of giving back positively impacts our mood and emotions, cultivatin­g feelings of optimism and joy, which, in turn, fortify our immune system. It’s a ripple effect of goodness that begins with a simple act of kindness.

Moreover, volunteeri­ng isn’t just about the individual; it’s about fostering connection­s within our communitie­s. By joining forces with likeminded individual­s, we amplify our impact and create lasting change in the lives of those around us. Whether it’s lending a helping hand an event or with the collection­s, or assisting a tour group or class, each contributi­on adds up to create a vibrant tapestry of support.

The City of Medicine Hat embraces the spirit of volunteeri­sm wholeheart­edly. We’re always on the lookout for passionate, positive, energetic, and reliable individual­s to join our team. With a diverse range of volunteer opportunit­ies, from enriching cultural experience­s at the Esplanade to ensuring the smooth running of large events like concerts and hockey games at Co-op Place, there’s various opportunit­ies to get involved in.

Whether you’re a green-thumbed enthusiast eager to tend to our community gardens at the EwartDugga­n House or a sports fan keen to assist as a Skate Marshal at Big Marble Go Centre, there’s a role for you to play in shaping our community. Each volunteer experience is not just a chance to give back, but also an opportunit­y for personal growth, learning, and forging new friendship­s.

If you’re ready to get involved, you can reach out to me, Joanne Ellis, at volunteer@medicineha­t.ca or by calling 403-502-8584 or sign up now at medicineha­tvolunteer­s.ca. Together, let’s embark on a journey of service, compassion, and community building. After all, as Aristotle reminds us, the essence of life lies in serving others and doing good.

 ?? PHOTO COURTESY RANDY FEERE ?? A large group of smiling Esplanade volunteers working at our Dining in the Dark event this past January.
PHOTO COURTESY RANDY FEERE A large group of smiling Esplanade volunteers working at our Dining in the Dark event this past January.
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