A Moment with the Mayor: Our community is looking for you

As I visit with more and more people and groups and attend events, I hear the overwhelming request for volunteers. Numerous examples exist for someone or people to offer an hour, afternoon, or evening to assist and help fill a need.

For some, volunteering comes from family asks being coaching, managing, leading or training, while for others, it’s the love of the sport or activity! In other youth organizations, it may be sharing your guidance and knowledge or helping develop the skills of today's youth.

Our residents, young and old, fill many of these roles in and around our community. The value of someone volunteering formally or informally is invaluable. How do we put a price on sharing knowledge or shovelling snow for a neighbour or friend who can't themselves? Our time is precious, and we’re pulled away by so many distractions that time disappears. 

We’re truly blessed to have volunteers who assist on so many fronts. The list is long and endless, yet there is always room for more. If you have an interest or a passion, our community has an opportunity for you to be appreciated. If you’re interested in making a difference in a young person's life, a few organizations that come to mind include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lloydminster, 186 Air Cadets – Lloydminster Squadron, Lloydminster Community Youth Centre, and numerous 4-H clubs in the area. Sports groups and teams are opportunities that are just waiting for volunteers to express an interest. Hockey, baseball, football, skating, soccer, skiing, and even rowing in Lloydminster could use a hand with their programs and fundraising.

Is being part of a club or service group something you have considered? The Royal Canadian Legion #39, Lions Club, Lloydminster Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, Kinsmen and Kinettes are just a few that come to mind. The Lloydminster Interval Home Society and the Olive Tree are also waiting for individuals, businesses or groups to help assist.

Oftentimes, we see our volunteering go full circle, seniors often lend a helping hand on many fronts in our community but may need assistance with shovelling snow off their driveways or sidewalks.

I hope this article may encourage you to think about being a helping hand for a neighbour next door or down the street. Maybe stepping out of your comfort zone and visiting an organization's office or website and inquiring about becoming involved. Our city has so many organizations and opportunities to get involved.

Life is better when you get involved.

Visit Lloydminster.ca/Volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities in Lloydminster. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out Volunteer Connector, an online platform connecting volunteers to organizations looking for people like you to help.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster