Alive and thriving

Dear sir:
Following an article in last week’s Times, there has been much discussion about volunteerism in Chapple. I believe our community is very well served in this regard.
Volunteers serve on our fire department, as well as committees for recreation, playground, Chapple Planning Advisory, rec. hall renovation, emergency planning, disaster relief, and many others.
Volunteers plan, organize, sponsor, and serve at any number of events. They organize and coach sports, and serve as 4-H, Girl Guide, and Boy Scout leaders. They work in their community churches and schools.
For many, their efforts reach outside of our own township to serve on district agricultural, library, and health boards and service clubs. We have been represented at the WHO conference, on the Emo Fair board, and Border Concert executive.
Our volunteers’ jobs are as diverse as the people who serve and are served.
For Chapple Heritage alone, our volunteer members have been extraordinary. In 2001, more than 100 businesses and individuals either sponsored or worked at Chapple Days. A number of people come out each year to clean, maintain, construct, and work for the museum—all free of charge.
Besides the regular committee of 10 volunteers, we always have those willing to help out at our spring and fall suppers with donations of food, time, and talent.
Twenty-two companies and individuals recently gave of their time and equipment in the tear down and salvage of the blocks from the Barwick Hotel.
To date, more than 25 businesses and individuals have donated materials and labour toward the lighthouse building project. This does not even count the more than 100 that have purchased “bricks” at this time to support the construction.
We could never accomplish all we do without our volunteers. Many have stepped forward again in support of the 2003 Chapple Days.
Someone has said, “Volunteers are like yachts. No matter where they are, they arouse your curiosity. Who are they? Where do they come from? Why are they here? They could stay moored where it’s safe, and still justify their being, but they choose to cut through rough water, ride out the storms, and take chances.
“If you have to ask how much they cost, you can’t afford them.
“Volunteers and yachts have a lot in common these days. They are both part of an era that is disappearing from the North American scene and both are luxuries in a world that has become very practical.”
Yet, here in our township of about 900 people, volunteerism is alive and thriving. Thank you to all our volunteers, who are worth their weight in platinum—and more.
Signed,
Rilla Race
Chapple Heritage
Committee