October 2019 issue small

7
Program Manager, Senior Services by Adam Rutherford
I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know!
As I write this note to all of you, I’m catching
glimpses of our amazing staff teams (both City of
Guelph and GWSA) rushing around the Evergreen
in preparation of our annual Volunteer Appreciation
Event. I’ve been involved with Volunteer Appreciation
long before I set up my office in the Evergreen,
but it’s taken some time to really understand
how important this event is and just how
much our wonderful volunteers do for all of us.
The value of our volunteers is obvious. Yes, of
course it is! We know what volunteers mean to our
day to day operations. From the front desk to the
kitchen to our activity groups to the Sentinel and
on, our volunteers are truly the lifeblood of everything
we do. I’ve watched our volunteers step up
when we’ve been short-handed, give well beyond
their scheduled shifts, rise to the occasion when
we’ve needed leadership, given to the Evergreen
and our community when their effort was needed.
During our busy days, we sometimes miss the big
picture focusing on the tasks at hand, we can forget
that each small act of kindness is part of something
much bigger and, on occasion, we forget just
how much impact one individual can have on
many. In the case of our 400 or so volunteers, each
small act is repeated countless times a day and
1000s of times a year! As our kitchen volunteers
might say…“That’s no small potatoes!” In fact,
it’s massive!
So what didn’t I know? Well…it’s more of those
small things that add up. I’ve watched our volunteers
patiently teach their peers new skills, I’ve
watched our volunteers support community members
with kindness and compassion, I’ve watched
our volunteers support each other through life’s
small and large challenges, I’ve watched volunteers
show up for programs when the weather kept
participants away, and yes, I’ve even watched our
volunteers help little old ladies across the street!
I also didn’t know how much our amazing volunteers
would do to make each of my days a little
bit better, a little bit easier and a lot more fun. I
know when I walk into the Evergreen I’ll be greeted
with a round of hellos, a quick update on things
and maybe some playful teasing (if Joan’s in!). I
now know that meals, not just food, is cooking in
the kitchen, group leaders are selflessly setting up
for the day and another crew of volunteers are getting
ready for their outreach shifts in the community.
I also know that those greetings and the warmth
I noted is being shared with all customers, members,
staff and fellow volunteers. Our volunteers
have turned this building into a home for all of us.
In a few short hours, our annual Volunteer Appreciation
event will begin and I promise it will be
my honour and the honour of the entire City of
Guelph and GWSA staff teams to serve you and to
say thank you with our deepest gratitude.
Many, many thanks for everything you do for all
of us and for our community.
(Continued from page 6)
Experience working the sound
board and working as part of a
team.
Back Stage Assistance (2-4 positions):
Work alongside the Stage
Manager during performances;
working as part of a team; assist
with props or any organizing backstage.
Decorators: Assist on the Tuesday
prior to the show with the decorating
of the Auditorium in a
Christmas décor.
Ushers/Ticket Takers/ Greeters/
Snacks: As a team, welcome patrons,
assist them to their seats,
assist at the intermission show
with the sales of snacks and beverages
in two designated areas
The Variety show is also looking
for 2 people who have their food
safety certificate for the Friday
of the Variety show to cook finger
foods between the shows.
If you are interested in volunteering
in any of the areas listed
above or in any areas within the
Evergreen and joining the dynamic
team, please contact Samantha
in the office for more
information and to get started
with your volunteering experience.
Ph. 519-822-1260 Ext.
2096 or by email at samantha.ferrier@guelph.ca
T S - O 2019