While Flin Flon made national headlines last week for arrests made in town, this week community spirit is alive and well, thanks to the many people who dedicate their time to volunteer service.
Flinty’s Boardwalk received a face lift earlier this week as volunteers from the committee took to the flooded path to clean up the area and level out some slanted areas of the boardwalk itself.
The boardwalk stairs are also set to receive a fresh coat of stain this year – it’s challenging work and those who choose to take on the task do so for the benefit of the many who enjoy the trail year in and year out.
Volunteers will also be out in full force during this weekend’s Blueberry Jam Music Gathering. And while this weekend is their time to shine, countless hours of volunteer service have gone in to organizing the festival in a short turnaround time from the ground up.
These two examples alone speak to both the value that volunteers bring to the community, and how important they are to the town.
Flinty’s Boardwalk is a popular area for residents and visitors alike. It’s a flagship stop for tourists, and it’s also an area that has historically been marred by graffiti.
The boardwalk’s prominent presence in Flin Flon means it must be regularly cared for to put the city’s best foot forward.
While funding for care and maintenance of the boardwalk comes from many different sources, the hands-on labour comes from volunteers who take time out of their lives to make a difference in the lives of others.
Blueberry Jam is a novel idea for the area, and has the potential to grow and morph into a signature event for Flin Flon. It’s another project that saw funding come from all over, but the execution of it – right down to the performers themselves – relies on the donation of personal time.
These are just two of many examples of how volunteers improve the community. Our volunteers really deserve a pat on the back, this month and always.
They deserve that pat on the back doubly so at a time when some volunteer organizations are facing dwindling numbers, volunteer burnout and aging volunteers who are unable to contribute as much as they used to. Less people are carrying more responsibility, but at some point, area organizations will simply need more volunteers.
So as summer wraps up, and vacation ends, consider volunteering some of your time. There are so many opportunities to make a difference here, and plenty of chances to find the right fit.
