One person at a time can make change

The number of candidates seeking positions for the municipality amazes me and town and I applaud their initiative. Municipal government can be very demanding and extremely challenging.

I am also aware of some folks who are working behind the scenes in no small way to bring about positive developments through their volunteer associations with many groups and boards, and agencies

Just this week, Mason VanTassell assumed the chair of the Digby Area Community Health Board. Mason has long worked in the trenches to provide input to the district health authority on behalf of the citizens of Digby in various capacities on the community health board. As treasurer, member and district health authority board representative he has been a strong advocate for our needs and our community.

In my inbox this week I discovered a poster for a full day fundraiser sponsored by Captain’s Cabin Restaurant. For five years, owners Herbie Robicheau and Victor Palacious have set a day aside for the Digby General Hospital Auxiliary. On Friday, Oct. 17, between 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., all proceeds from the restaurant will be donated to the auxiliary. Staff donates time, Herbie and Victor provide location and food, and our hospital auxiliary benefits.

At the Digby Area Board of Trade meeting Thursday, Peter Robertson of the Wharf Rat Rally reported the preliminary figures associated with this event’s economic impact on our community. Indeed accommodations operators from as far away as Yarmouth and New Minas accrued significant benefits from what is now the largest rally in Eastern Canada. This event was entirely a volunteer effort.

Also this week I am aware that the Family Resource Centre in collaboration with the Black Educators Association regional educator program and the Digby RCMP detachment with the help of internationally recognized race relations expert Dr. Raymond Winbush have been working within our black communities to develop a strategy to enhance cooperation and opportunities for our young citizens.

This is just the tip of a large iceberg. Our rural community may have many needs but we also have many caring folks who are trying to make a difference. kristy@ns.sympatico.ca