Everywhere you look in Castlegar you can find the many volunteers who make this city a vibrant place. Whether it's Sculpturewalk, or Art Walk, or the many local festivals; not to mention any school or community sporting event, music, - most are almost all volunteer driven. Imagine the city without these events? it's tough. But without volunteers - quite simply, they don't happen. Fortunately, there is no shortage of volunteers willing to put their time in for the reward of feeling good about getting something done and helping people out.
On Thursday evening, the city of Castlegar held a volunteer appreciation evening at the Fireside Inn. Close to 100 people from dozens of different groups and clubs were in attendance.
"We had a great turnout," said Castlegar mayor Lawrence Chernoff, who, alongside the other council members, gave a speech thanking all the volunteers. "It's to give a little acknowledgement to all the volunteers in the community. It's a small thing to do, but important. We as council feel it's necessary."
Chernoff says that without the many volunteers, Castlegar would not be the great community it is.
"It's a nice way to recognize some of the people who volunteer," he said. "They put in all this time for no money, it's about dedication and pride in the community. Without volunteers - you couldn't accomplish anything in the community."