THUNDER BAY — National volunteer week celebrates all of those who give time for their community, out of the goodness in their hearts.
On Monday, a flag was raised outside of city hall to mark the special occasion.
“Volunteers are the backbone of Thunder Bay,” said Ashley Fratpietro, president of Volunteer Thunder Bay.
“Many events, programs, and community services just wouldn't happen without our volunteers and their amazing efforts, time and energy and the love that they pour into their work, and Thunder Bay is better because of it,” she added.
Fratpietro, also the volunteer coordinator at Wesway, said raising the flag at city hall shows what volunteering is all about.
The Recreation & Culture Division Volunteer Program, sponsored by Tbaytel, is also extending its thank you to volunteers for "creating ripples of change and helping make our community stronger and more vibrant," a media release issued by the City of Thunder Bay said.
More than 5,000 hours annually are contributed by volunteers for community programs and special events.
"During this special week, and all year long, we thank them for their dedication, passion, and commitment to making a difference."
Leigh Abthorpe has been a lifelong volunteer in Thunder Bay.
“I think I was eight or nine years old when I first started volunteering. When I was in elementary school, I volunteered to be a road monitor who carried a little sign to help kids walk to and from school and walk across the street.
“That's my very first volunteer memories from being quite young,” she said.
Abthorpe said she was always the person to put her hand up.
“I always volunteered to something. It was brought into our family.
“My mom and dad were always volunteers, just part of what I grew up with and just part of what I did.”
A smile, a handshake or a thank you from someone makes it all worth it, Abthorpe said.
“Volunteers, we don't need all the big recognition. We don't need the awards and all that. Sometimes it's just the smile, the thank you, just the satisfaction of knowing that you've done something to make someone's day a little bit better.”
Abthorpe said her message to volunteers is thank you, and keep doing it.
“Sometimes it's not very glamorous and it's not very exciting and you might not feel that you're appreciated, but you are and what you do is really important,” she said.
