Volunteers the lifeblood of communities
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
– Audrey Hepburn
Last week, Canadians from coast to coast to coast commemorated National Volunteer Week, a time to reflect on the importance of volunteers and their many contributions to society. The selfless sharing of their time, skills, empathy and creativity is vital to the wellbeing of our communities.
South Shore municipalities held receptions to honour their dedicated volunteers and recognize the significant positive impact these kind-hearted individuals have on others within their communities.
For example, the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg (MODL) held its 2024 municipal volunteer reception on Apr. 16, recognizing 37 men and women, including Bruce Veinotte, MODL'S choice as this year's provincial volunteer representative. For more than six decades, Veinotte has volunteered his time to assist people and support a variety of causes in West Northfield.
At the reception in a Cookville hotel conference room, MODL Mayor Carolyn Bolivar-getson thanked the volunteers in attendance for their unwavering commitment to serving others.
“It is undeniable that the collective efforts of our volunteers contribute significantly to making our municipality a vibrant and desirable place to live. Your selflessness and dedication embody the spirit of community, and for that I am truly grateful,” she said.
Following is the list of volunteers honoured this year by MODL:
• Bruce Veinotte – Provincial volunteer representative, West Northfield
• Sam Jess – Barss Corner and Parkdale/maplewood Church
• Mitchell Beck – Barss Corner Community Hall
• Gregory Flinn and Lynn Roberts – Bridgewater Curling Club
• Charlene Morton – Bridgewater Photographic Society
• James Bunting and Hayzen Greek – Dayspring and District Fire Department
• Lynne Barkhouse – Elderfit Lunenburg
• Mary Ann Fiander – Flourish 55+ Healthy Activity Society
• Ramona Himmelman and Margaret Ann Teal – Lahave and District Fire Department Auxiliary
• Terri Foster – Livewires 4-H Club
• Colby Rafuse – Lunenburg and District Fire Department
• Joanne Hughes – Lunenburg County Hikers
• Bruce Reid and Marie Reid – New Germany and Area Lions Club
• Olivia Brown and Cameron Munro – New Germany Canada Day Committee
• Alex Greek, Leah Greek, Silas Jess, Tabi-ann Jess and Eliah Nolan – Parkdale/maplewood Community Centre
• Donna Smith – Parkdale/maplewood Community Museum
• Alan Joudrey and Catherine Mertens – Pinehurst Community Hall
• John Manzer – Pleasantville Baptist Church
• Gail Lewis – Ridgewood Assisted Living
• Howard Gibson – Royal Canadian Legion Branch 102
• Emily Black – SHAID Tree Animal Shelter
• Mustapha Maynard – South Shore Lightning Basketball Association
• Suzanne Kutach and Jay Robar – The 644 Revitalization Network
• Mary Morey – Union Square Community Hall
• Sara Harding – Walden Volunteer Fire Department
• Alicia Barry – YMCA of Southwest Nova Scotia
TAX CREDIT HIKE
On Nov. 29 last year, I wrote an opinion column — Giving credit where credit is due — in support of an increase from $3,000 to $10,000 in the federal tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search-and-rescue personnel.
For several years, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) had been strongly advocating for the increase. Vancouver Island NDP MP Gord Johns had been circulating a petition across Canada, as well as leading the charge for change in Parliament via his Bill-310, calling for amendments to the Income Tax Act. Support was widespread, including many thousands of Canadians who signed the petition in person or online, municipal governments and dozens of MPS from all political parties.
Finally, on Apr. 10, Harjit Sajjan, federal minister of Emergency Preparedness, announced an increase in the tax credit from $3,000 to $6,000 would be included in Federal Budget 2024.
“I know I speak for all Canadians when I thank volunteer firefighters and search-and-rescue personnel for their service to their communities,” said Sajjan during his announcement.
Although the increase didn't reach the desired $10,000 threshold, Sajjan's announcement was applauded by CAFC president Ken Mcmullen.
“This is a strong and meaningful recognition of the essential firefighting and search-and-rescue personnel who volunteer in our communities every day, and particularly during a grueling wildfire season. We can't do enough for these individuals, but this is a great start,” said Mcmullen.
Here's what I'm thinking: South
Shore residents who signed and submitted written and online petitions should be heartily congratulated for their efforts. Fire departments and search-andrescue teams appreciate your ongoing support.
There are 7,500 volunteer firefighters in Nova Scotia. Of those, approximately 2,200 are also medical first responders. Nationally, there are 90,000 volunteer firefighters, 71 per cent of all firefighters in the country. There are 15,000 search-and-rescue volunteers located across the country.