A lifetime of helping
Charlene Blake earns Outstanding Volunteer Award
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Monday, May 23, 2016
TSIIGEHTCHIC/ARCTIC RED RIVER
Charlene Blake has always been a helper. That's why the Tsiigehtchic woman was awarded a Government of the Northwest Territories Outstanding Volunteer Award earlier this month, thanking her for years of service to her community.
Charlene Blake stands with Tsiigehtchic mayor Phillip Blake after receiving her Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Government of the Northwest Territories earlier this month. - photo courtesy of Charlene Blake |
Blake said she and her siblings spent their childhoods assisting their mom with community events.
"Growing up, my mom was the recreation co-ordinator. Whatever she was doing, we were behind her helping in any way we can," Blake said.
"Running the canteen, helping with the games, cleaning up or helping pick up food for feasts, just anything. That's kind of how we grew up."
Learning what it takes to make an event a success meant mastering organizational skills, Blake said.
"I do a lot of planning and it does take a good plan to have a good outcome," she said.
Though her volunteer work began much earlier, Blake has been a member of Tsiigehtchic's recreation committee since
2007.
Blake had just returned to the community after living in Inuvik for a couple of years. She began helping the recreation co-ordinator with carnivals and other events, as well as inviting others to volunteer.
The recreation committee now organizes everything from Kiddie Carnivals to the annual Canoe Daze celebrations.
"I work very hard and alongside a bunch of different volunteers to have our committee going," Blake said.
"I'm really proud with how far we've come as a committee and how successful our really big events are becoming."
In addition to her work on the recreation committee, Blake also puts her organizational skills to good use at her job as a community health representative with the Tsiigehtchic health centre.
Blake hosts a weekly health and wellness program on the local radio station, as well as delivering health programs at Chief Paul Niditchie School and helping out with programs through the community's Aboriginal Wellness program.
For Blake, volunteering her own time is the best way to encourage others to to the same.
"Now i just do it because I enjoy it," she said.
"I always believe the more you help, the more successful the event will be and the more helpers will be there to support you."
