Exceptional people recognized
Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Dec 08/00) - It's amazing the time some people will spend with trivial activities during their spare time.
But, what is more amazing, is the time people often give up in order to help others.
"I feel good about myself, it makes me feel good helping others," said Clara Kelly, 40, of Fort Good Hope, who has been volunteering since she was a teenager.
She was one of two others volunteers invited to speak during the launching of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers held Tuesday at the legislative assembly.
Not only is she hoping to recruit more volunteers in her community, but she is taking the opportunity to recognize and to encourage those involved.
Especially for those helping elders, those who are ill and organizing community events.
"It takes a lot of time and work. It takes you away from your family a lot of times, but encourages your family to get involve also."
For Lloyd Brunes, 70, of Hay River, volunteering leads to personal gratification.
"It also means keeping me physically healthy, mentally healthy and it does wonders to my heart," he said, adding, "I jut hope that more seniors get more active in volunteering, because I find it very rewarding."
Volunteering can range from sharing meat from a caribou hunt, shovelling a driveway or looking after someone's children, said Jake Ootes Education and Culture Minister.
"We don't always call these things volunteering, but they are," said Ootes.
The youth of today also play a role in volunteering.
A 1999 survey, indicates that 41 per cent of all Northerners over the age of 15 volunteer from within organized groups, said Ootes.
Youth such as Candace Underhay of Yellowknife, who was chosen as spokesperson of the Canadian Youth Against Impaired Driving conference to be held in March.
She is part of a growing number of youth making a difference in their Northern communities.
"They're making positive changes in their community and people are beginning to notice," said Underhay.
"At the end of that, their smiles for a quiet thank-you speak volumes for me," said Brunes.
