Held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, some of those who offer their time to help out around the community will be the stars of the evening next Wednesday at the seventh-annual volunteer recognition banquet.
“We have 10 volunteers we’re going to honour this year,” said Vanessa Hebert, executive director of the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau, which is organizing the dinner.
“But of course, I can’t tell you who they are beforehand. It’s supposed to be a surprise,” she added.
“With the volunteers this year, most of those we decided to honour do a lot of volunteering—not just one or two events,” noted Hebert. “They stand out because they’re always volunteering.
“And there’s a few who others who are just really good at doing one thing, too.”
The banquet, to be held at the Legion Hall, starts at 5 p.m., with supper being served around 5:30.
Last year, about 100 people gathered at the Legion as the bureau honoured 13 local volunteers who offered their time to various programs, including the Terry Fox Run, the Christmas Community dinner, and “Meals on Wheels.”
Receiving certificates of appreciation were Diane Maxey, Tricia Allan, Paulette Devos, Marj Hull-Katerick, Joyce Gosselin, Ed Katona, Lawrence Carter, Sue Drew, Jean Boileau, Goldie Goldamer, Darcy Maguire, and Gert and Dino D’Agostini.
Last year’s dinner marked Hebert’s first volunteer appreciation banquet.
“I think everyone enjoyed themselves at that one. There was an excellent meal, thanks to the Legion ladies, who also will be doing this dinner,” she enthused.
The menu will include fried chicken, meatballs and gravy, mashed potatoes, and more. Hebert also is arranging entertainment for the evening, but still was working out the details as of yesterday.
Volunteer bureau members can attend for free while guests must pay $10. Call 274-9555 to notify the volunteer bureau of your attendance.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
