Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 21/99) - Look around, and you'll see hundreds of selfless individuals quietly trying to hold the social fabric of Yellowknife together.

"Given the overwhelming needs of the people in our community, it's very important to recognize those individuals who raise money and deliver direct services to improve quality of life," Storefront for Voluntary Agencies executive director, Denise Bekkema said.

National Volunteer Week is Apr. 18-25 and many events are planned locally. Several elected officials, including NWT finance minister Charles Dent and Yellowknife South MLA Seamus Henry, are pledging an hour of service at a volunteer agency this week.

Wednesday is Volunteer Spirit Day, so if you bump into a volunteer wearing their agencies's logo, give them a pat on the back. The Community Service Awards and Serendipity Fair is this Sunday, starting at 11:00 a.m., at St. Pat's high school.

At the Community Service Awards, 36 volunteers will be honoured, 12 youth volunteers and four corporate citizens. The Serendipity Fair is a voluntary agency trade show that includes a minstrel clown, puppet show, face painting and non-stop entertainment from 12-3 p.m.

"Looking at the faces of the people Yellowknife volunteers have helped directly, I can say we have many reasons to celebrate," Bekkema said.

"At some point in our lives, all of us benefit from the services of a volunteer or a voluntary agency. As someone who has worked with hundreds of voluntary agencies in Yellowknife, I guess I can say I'm in awe of the selflessness and commitment of Yellowknifers to help others."

Each year in Yellowknife, more than 300 voluntary agencies create over 400 jobs and contribute an estimated $13 million to the local economy.

Mayor Dave Lovell, who is slated for an hour of volunteer service this week, said the numbers speak for themselves.

"We simply wouldn't have the lifestyle we enjoy if it wasn't for the dedicated volunteer force we have," Lovell said.

"They're active at all levels of the community and have a positive effect on all age groups. They make this community tick."