The District of Mission’s 2011 Community Service Awards ceremony was full of positive elements from start to end.
The wall banner at the Leisure Centre was the first positive touch to catch my eye: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has (Anthropologist Margaret Mead).”
The district honoured one group and 17 individuals, ages 18 to 91 years, for their selfless volunteerism. Margaret would be very pleased with Mission’s committed citizens – and the work goes on.
After the ceremony, and a relaxing chai latte at the Park’s restaurant, I got home in time to check my e-mails before dinner. The first item was from Gorilla Gardener (GG) coordinator Heidi Smith.
Heidi‘s email reported that she and Gorilla Gardener Patrick Hamilton had tidied up the sidewalk edges on Saturday outside the liquidation store on Horne Street. Heidi and over 20 others are making a difference, but they are looking for more to join the GG group. Check them out on Facebook: Mission Gorilla Gardeners.
Two other organizations close to my heart are Communities in Bloom and the Mission City Farmers Market. Both are working hard, but also are looking for volunteers. Each group has specific tasks needing attention and would be delighted to receive even a few hours of volunteer time every week from now until the end of September. Just call me at 604-615-0992 and I’ll pass along your name and contact information.
Both societies are fundraising with annual raffles to support their activities, which, in turn, contribute to the sustainability of our community.
On June 18, I’ll be at the market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. where you can purchase your tickets while checking out the vendors’ offerings. It’s cookbook exchange and country music Saturday at the library parking lot, and it’s a fun place to be.
Keep blooming, Mission.