28 — Sunday, April 18, 1999 — North Shore News THE GIFT OF GIVING BACK Celebrating those who make a difference Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.com FROM today until Saturday, April 24, Canadians will be cele- brating the efforts and energy that velunteers expend to make our country a better place to live. Volunteers of every age, economic group, race, reli- gion and ethnic background take time every day to help solve problems and create opportunities in their commu- nities. We are especially blessed with dedicated voluntcers on the North Shore. That’s why, for the past few weeks, North Shore Community Services (NSCS) has been asking residents to nominate their favourite vol- unteers for recognition in the Name Someone Whose Heart is in the Right Place program. The response was impres- sive. According to Barb MacLellan, of NSCS, volun- teers from all walks of life were nominated, and the nomina- tion forms came in from a variety of sources. “In some cases it was peo- ple who had worked with - them in the organization, often their volunteer coordi- nator. In other cases it was someone who had benefitted from the organization and knew the volunteer. They saw ‘the posters in the mall or the ads in the newspaper and they wanted to recognize (the vol- unteer),” said MacLellan. The committee who select- ed the final six are almost all former board members of NSCS, and have lengthy vol- unteer histories themselves. The final six nominees who were chosen for recognition not only are great examples of voluntecrism, but they also represent a cross-section of people and causes for which volunteerism is key. The committee wished to recognize the individuals themselves, but they hope the awards will draw attention to the wide variety of opportuni- ties for volunteers across the North Shore. The North Shore volun- teers whose names are in the right place for 1999 are: Brian Thirsk, 2 North Vancouver resident who has devoted hs time to the Norgate House Society, the North Vancouver Recreation Commission, Easter Seals Camp, the North Shore Stroke Recovery Club and Sr. Simon’s Anglican Church. His experience as a retired accoun- tant was valuable for the Norgate House project, a non-profit housing project for seniors; his playful attitude in the pool while working with stroke survivors for the rec centres’ Aquaturtles program and his general enthusiasm and dedication were all rea- NSAMH honours its volunteers THE North Shore _ Association for the Mentally Handicapped is just one of the local associations which depends on the hard work and energy of volunteers. On Wednesday evening, the association is to recognize the efforts of 34 of its 228 volunteers at a Volunteer Recognition Evening held at Leo Marshall Centre. Through their efforts in community awareness, pecr mentoring, as leisure compan- ions, in fundraising, events and administrative duties, these volunteers have helped improve the quality of life for people with a disability. The 34 volunteers to be honoured are: Sarah Chapman; Allison Cross; Janice Dao; Charlene Francis; Janet Friesen and Alice; Anissa Gablemann; Alexa Heming; Chris Hui; Ani Isbeceryan; Kate Jansea; Lee Jonat; Amanda Jordan; Sam King; Ken Lacombe; Amber Lafleur; Anita Lai; Leslie Leo; Rachel MacLean;. Farishad Marzara; Dawn Mende; Naznin Moloo; Cheryl Owen; Lisz Patrick; Keily Paus; Lucia Ponce de Leon; Kacheryne Racich; Lindsey Roberts; Bruce Robertson; Krystal Rupka; Jessica Schmidt; William Skuse; Aine Slind; Renata Smidova; Shannon Wotton. — Deana Lancaster How to contribute tf ‘you're tied by time HERE are some easy ways for busy people to volun- teer: B pull out some cans from your kitchen cupboards and bring them to vour local food bank drop-off,” @ clean out your closets and bring your extra clothes to the Salvation Army; @ be a guest speaker at a local school and share your exper- tise as a gardner, cook, engi- neer, artist, business person; Bi join with others at your reli- gious institution to help those in your community; B for Halloween this year, invite the children in your life to Trick or Treat for UNICEF and help get medication, vac- cines, clean water, nutritious food and education to mil- lions of children; @ contact Volunteer North Shore at 985-7168 for a list of ways and opportunitics you can help in our community. sons for his nomination. Susan and Rob Rozen, Lynn Valley residents who have devoted much of their time to music and drama pro- grams at Upper Lynn elemen- tary school, Argyle secondary school, and various communi- ty theatre groups. Several par- ents from the schools, and personal friends nominated them, saying they “went that extra mile, or miles, to make the school experience of a wide range of children an enriched, unique and highly memorable experience.” Junichi Fujii, a student in for Ailes wih North Yanc ' North Vancouver his first. year at university. Despite his busy school sched- ule he volunteers with the North Vancouver — Youth Band, organizing rehearsals and scheduling performances; at Seycove secondary school, at Seymour Community Services and with the local Lions Club. Called dedicated and reliable, Fujii is valued as a good team player with all the organizations he volun- teers with. Soraya Jamal volunteers her time with the Autism Society of B.C. to be a buddy to a young boy who has autism. Her work is especially valuable because people with autism often have difficulty finding friends who are under- standing and patient. Part of her role is to help her buddy find inclusion within the cam: munity. Wendy Lui, a West Van resident who volunteers her time with Sentinel secondary school. invaluable at the school by translating for and tutoring students, making displays and providing teacher support. The North Shore Rescue Team has been an especially an Active Part of your Community! 1999 BC: Gaines for Athletes _July T= I, 1999: yr en “A w eye seeking enthusiastic individuals, Yo fill a variety of positions in ithe’ ‘ follwing directorates: ‘Acominodation Administration », Caltural and Special Events », , whe have already Me nor SERIA Sao tet bte : Food Services Medical Promotions, Protocol ' +, Registration and Results Transportation Ny Many thanks o all of the dedicated individuals contributed much time end talent toward the success of this exciting event. Cheers for B.C. Games Volunteers! Whata Team! Contact the Games at 984-3200 or bcgamesns@bc.sympatico.ca www.nsnews.com/begames She makes herself’ valuable group of volunteers during this year’s record snowfall. The team dedicates countless hours of uncompen- sated time to help others and save lives. Members maintain high Jevels of training and per- sonal fitness, respond to calls at a moment’s notice at all hours of the day and night, and at times, place themselves at risk to effect a rescue. Because no one member could be singled out for recognition, the entire team is to be honoured during this year’s volunteer week festivi- ties.