Published in The BANAR February, 2018 by Evelyn Budd
I am always impressed when someone new at a meeting steps up and volunteers. This is what I have learned about Lynn Lefevre, our new BCA board secretary. Lynn is proud to be able to call Blackburn Hamlet home since 1995. After working for the Federal Government for 34 years, she decided it was time to retire last year and is now working part-time when opportunities present themselves. And Lynn has volunteer board experience. She was on the board of the Ferret Rescue Society of Ottawa and Area and was their Event Manager from 2004 to 2010. She was also the Event Manager for a large pet rescue event called Take The Plunge Ottawa from 2009 to 2011. Lynn was telling me that she is looking forward to working with the BCA board and the community throughout 2018 and beyond. I am looking forward to getting to know Lynn better.
Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organizations in need. And volunteering is a two-way street: It usually benefits you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer is a great way to make new friends and boost your skills.
Children watch everything you do. By giving back to the community, you show them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference and how it feels to help other people and enact change. It’s also a valuable way for you to get to know organizations in the community and find resources and activities for your children and family.
There is never a dull moment when you volunteer for something that is dear to you—your energy will increase and at the end of the day you will feel great!