Hearts at work

By Carolyn Sloan

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Fifty-five volunteers from the municipalities of Annapolis County, Middleton, Bridgetown, and Annapolis Royal were honoured at the 28th annual volunteer awards, held at King’s Theatre April 30.

Since the award ceremonies began in 1981, 1010 volunteers have been recognized for their contributions to their communities. In addition to service clubs and organizations nominating their valued volunteers for awards, the four municipalities each nominated an outstanding citizen to receive a Provincial Volunteer of the Year award. Ceremonies for provincial volunteer awards were held in Halifax the week before, where recipients were honoured by Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Mayann Francis.

Before handing out the awards, municipal leaders spoke in turn about the significance of volunteers.

“Volunteers are essential in all municipal units,” said Middleton’s Mayor Calvin Eddy, explaining that without volunteers, many of the services in rural communities would cease to exist.

“It can be said that the value of one’s life can be measured by the value we bring to the lives of others,” he added.

Acting mayor for the Town of Annapolis Royal Jane DeWolfe noted the difficulty of finding volunteers these days, and emphasized the high standard that the evening’s honourees have set for those to follow.

“Volunteers are very special people,” she said. “They are the backbone of communities like ours.”

Both Bridgetown’s Mayor Art Marshall and Annapolis County Warden Peter Newton spoke of the economic as well a social value of volunteerism.

“Volunteer efforts in Nova Scotia are valued at two million dollars annually,” Marshall noted. “[As such] each volunteer…carries the weight of two Nova Scotians on their shoulders.”

“We take pride in knowing you and are grateful you live and bring life to our communities,” added the warden. “For your unselfish contribution to our lifestyle and quality of life, please accept a heartfelt thanks.”