Volunteers contributions 'Titanic'
A local volunteer encouraged others to mentor youth
The crowd at the annual Langley City Volunteer Banquet took part in a song and dance (Singin' in the Rain with Langley lyrics) at the urging of City Councillor Dave Hall.
Photograph by: Heather Colpitts , Langley Advance
Where will the next generation of volunteers come from, wonders Sharon Fisher.
She was selected to deliver the speech for volunteers at the annual Langley City Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Feb. 1.
Fisher's efforts include the Soroptimists of the Langleys and abroad, the Native Daughters of B.C., a 2010 Olympics, City committee work, Girl Guides and sports groups.
She praised the work of the volunteers and encouraged community groups to think about the future.
"It provides a solid base to expose our young people to active citizenship," she said. "They can find their place in the world, including their social responsibilities, opportunities and future leadership roles."
With a bit of humour, she reminded people about the value of volunteers.
"Noah's Ark was built by volunteers but the Titanic was built by professionals," she noted.
Pastor Dave McTaggart, from Southgate Church, quoted Romans 12 about each person having different talents, and said the annual banquet is to celebrate "you using your gifts and abilities for others," he said.
Only a few representatives from each of the volunteer groups active in the City can be invited to the annual banquet.
Mayor Peter Fassbender asked those attending to take back the community's thanks to the rest of the people in their organizations.
During the evening, he also paid tribute to John Jeffery, a longtime resident active in the community who died earlier this month.
"I've been doing this for close to 20 years and I'm still astonished by what gets accomplished," said Councillor Ted Schaffer.
Langley's federal and provincial politicians also attended to, as MP Mark Warawa said, acknowledge "all of you do to make the Langleys such an amazing community."
He said there would not be enough money to pay people for the amount of work that volunteers accomplish - "It would be millions."
MLA Mary Polak grew up in Langley, able to see all that volunteers have done for the community.
"I only see great things for the future of the Langleys and I thank you all for what you do for that," she said.
The crowd at the annual Langley City Volunteer Banquet took part in a song and dance (Singin' in the Rain with Langley lyrics) at the urging of City Councillor Dave Hall.
Photograph by: Heather Colpitts , Langley Advance
