Where would we be without volunteers?
We need more to step up
As most Nova Scotians may know, we experienced our worst wildfire season ever in 2023.
The Barrington Lake wildfire was the largest wildfire in the province’s history and the Tantallon fire arguably had the largest impact on the city of Halifax since the horrific Halifax explosion of 1917. But, did you know that for most wildfires, it is usually local volunteer firefighters that first arrive at fight the wildfires? Most smaller communities outside of metro Halifax depend on fire brigades composed mostly or totally by volunteer men and women from the local community.
Now, put your hand up if you benefited from volunteers when you were growing up. I suspect that most, if not all of you, could have your hand up. Traditionally, especially here in the Maritimes, we have been blessed with an abundance of volunteers that contribute so richly to our lives. For instance, I cannot imagine how different my life would be if it hadn’t been for the extraordinary long-term volunteers and contributions of special people such as Campbell Gunn – for Boy Scouts, Keith Mackenzie – for CEC football, and Jed Ritcey for Junior Bearcat hockey.
Each of us can likely think of specific people that had special impacts on us at various stages of our lives. Volunteers like fire fighters, demonstrate amazing commitment of time, effort, and potentially their health due to the demands of the sector with training, preparations, operations and fire fighting health hazards. And they are doing all this, for the most part, for the health and welfare of other people and their families, often on their own volunteer time.
Over the past few decades, we have enjoyed the luxury of having a large number of volunteer organizations and activities to help our society enjoy a high quality of life. Some of those volunteer groups are community service groups such as the Rotary Club. There are local search and rescue organizations that provide invaluable service when needed at urgent times. There are valuable hospital and church groups that provide important service to others on an ongoing basis. There have been auxiliary groups supporting organizations such as fire brigades.
The number of volunteers involved with various sports teams and organizations would sink a ship. And then, of course, there are youth organizations such as Scouts Canada, Girl Guides and others, where countless volunteer leaders have significantly added to thousands of childrens’ lives in positive ways.
Most teachers have provided much volunteer time for the benefit of students and families over the years. Then there are community NGO’S, environmental groups, recreation groups, seniors’ assistance, music, theater, historical, and educational volunteers such as English as a second language for our new Canadians. The possibilities are endless.
The reality is that over the last decade or more, fewer people are coming forward to provide this valuable volunteer service. We are so fortunate to live in Nova Scotia where part of our culture has been reinvesting time and effort back into our communities and local organizations. But we need to increase the number of younger people coming forward to join or take the place of deserving seniors who have been involved for many years.
By getting involved with volunteer organizations such as fire brigades, not only do the communities benefit, but the volunteers benefit greatly also.
Tree Trivia: Speaking of volunteers and forests, this past week, one of the outstanding volunteers of Colchester – Larry Anthony, retired after a long and distinguished career with the Town of Truro Parks, Recreation and Culture Department. Larry was the foreman for the Victoria Park crew that has repeatedly worked their magic in maintaining and repairing our beautiful, majestic Victoria Park. Congratulations and thanks Larry!