Every May we recognize the efforts of the many volunteers in Madawaska Valley. Retired MPP John Yakabuski was keynote speaker at the 2025 Volunteer Appreciation lunch held at the Royal Canadian Legion Barry’s Bay Branch 406 at the end of last month. Below is an excerpt from his address that underscores not only the significant impact that volunteers have on our community, but also the many benefits they enjoy from volunteering.
“I’ve always said, whatever we do it’s always about people. Because each and every one of those organizations impact the lives of people, each and every day. So this is the impact you have.
“But I also want to point out that I have never met a volunteer – not a single one – that isn’t grateful for the opportunity to do just that. I have never met a volunteer that when you sit down and you talk to them and you’re talking about their volunteer work, they absolutely are grateful for the fact that what they do – yes, it enhances the lives of so many others – but boy oh boy does it enhance their own life as well. They feel they are more complete, more a member of that community – absolutely more a vital part of that community – because of what they do. They don’t measure the $33 an hour that they are giving. They don’t. They are happy to do it. And they are grateful for the way that their lives are enhanced not only by feeling as more part of that community but by being more involved and more integrated with other people in their community. By volunteering you get to meet some wonderful people that you would not have met otherwise. You get to make friends that you would never have even known.”
“So while I want to thank you personally for all you do for others, I also want to say how fortunate you are to be in a position to be able to give that time, that guidance, those efforts, that friendship. We are always grateful for the lives that we have, each and every day. We look forward to continue to giving in whatever way we can. It makes us all better. And you all made everyone else better too. So thank you very much. Enjoy your lunch.”
