Winston Churchill once said “we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
On Wednesday, April 22, Barrhead celebrated the individuals whose lives are dedicated to giving back to their community, through the Volunteer Appreciation Evening.
Of course, Barrhead is filled with people willing to give their time, services, and kindness, but some stand out amongst the crowd.
The Rosemary Empey Award, also known as the Volunteer of the Year Award, was founded in remembrance of Rosemary Empey, a volunteer who dedicated countless hours to the community.
“It was established in 1992 to formally recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication for the benefit of the community,” Ben Kellert, MC for the event, described.
Shawn Stephani, Dick Middlebrough, and Jennifer Thomas were nominated for the award.
Receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award this year for his outstanding work with youth and the community was Stephani.
“I am proud to be a Barrheadian,” Stephani said. “Building a better community like this, we are so blessed, and I want to thank all of you for being here, and for the great opportunity.”
Stephani also thanked his family for their continuous support and patience.
Presenting the award to Stephani was last year’s winner, Elaine Timm.
“To volunteer is wonderful, and Shawn, congratulations, I hope you honour it like I did,” Timm said.
The Make a Difference Group Award was the first to be presented, with the Barrhead Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, and the Neerlandia Community Theatre Group being recognized for their volunteerism.
“The award began as a Barrhead Public Library initiative to recognize groups who make a difference in our community,” Kellert said.
This year, the Barrhead Hospital Ladies Auxiliary received the award. The group has dedicated over 85 years of service collectively.
“This is a great honor, especially after 85 years,” Valerie Messmer, President of the Barrhead Hospital Ladies Auxiliary said. “All of my ladies are so wonderful to work with, I couldn’t do anything without them, and I want to thank the community for making this happen.”
The Long Standing Service Award was created in 2010 as a way of recognizing individuals who have a long-standing history of volunteering in the community.
“Their tireless perseverance to make our community a better place should not go unrecognized and unnoticed,” Kellert said.
Nominees were Marilyn Flock and Shirley Rechke.
This year, the Long Standing Service Award was given to Flock in recognition of her volunteer work with scouts, the 55 plus winter games, 4H beef projects, and the community garden.
“I think the best part of volunteering is the people that you get to work with, the people who always have your back and make great things happen, and my hats off to them, because without them, we can’t accomplish much,” Flock said.
