Most members of any club never think about how it all works. BB&C is no exception. The smooth running of the club is not by magic even though it may seem that way. It all happens because of our dedicated volunteers. One thing we do to recognize their contribution is make “Volunteer of the Month” awards with framed certificates and a free dinner. Rolande Kimmons, Membership Director, was chosen for December.

But how often do we remember to say thank you to the other volunteers who do so many jobs for us? Have you ever thought, “Well, it’s their job so why should I say thank you?” That may be true for a paid worker but a volunteer doing a job for you and the club really needs to know what they do is appreciated.

Sunday November 14 the club took time out to honour all of the volunteers with a recognition party.

You know who they are. I could name names and maybe I will. Some of the jobs put the person in the spotlight like Clark Mohr – President Joan McIlmoyl Cleghorn – Vice President, Ron Kehn – Treasurer, Rolande Kimmons – Membership and other members of the executive. But there are many more who help make the club the vibrant, exciting organization that we enjoy.

I’d like to mention a few of the lower profile jobs around the club. The Systems team keeps the clubhouse computers and servers working. MIC’s (member in charge) are in the clubhouse to handle the day-to-day operations. SIG leaders guide the Special Interest Groups, some even meet more than once a week. The Training Director, Dave Hamer and a dedicated group of instructors spend untold hours preparing so each class will go smoothly. These are just a few of the areas covered. Together, they are the backbone of the club.

The party was another example of our volunteers at work. Our party organizer, Vicky Dallaun-Calhoun took sick a few days before the party and was unable to carry on. Rolande was persuaded / volunteered to take over. Hurried preparations for decorating, catering and everything else had to be made.

Camera SIG members were asked for pictures to decorate the hallway. Supplies were ordered for food and punch. Friday the pictures arrived. Rolande and I hung them in the hall. Colour copies of BB&C Newsletter cover pages were added to the walls showing off the creativity of another important area of volunteers. A group of prints of members were used to form the letters BBC as a welcome just inside the door.

On Sunday we had fresh flowers, tablecloths, punch bowls and glasses, cakes and cookies. Some members arrived with more decorations including balloons already inflated. The desserts brought were added to the sandwich platters, veggie and pickle trays all created by Rolande. Colourful tasty punches were available in ‘LEADED’ and ‘UNLEADED.’

Current volunteers were invited along with any past volunteers who could be contacted. It was exciting to meet so many club activists in one spot at the same time. Over the years the club has been fortunate to attract members with a wide variety of skills and interests. Being a volunteer doesn’t require special skills other than the willingness to share your time and talents with others. I have found the more I share with the group, the more I learn myself. Next time you are asked to volunteer say “YES” and enjoy life anew. Remember BB&C’s motto is “Members helping Members.”

A great big “THANKS” to everyone who came and shared the afternoon and “WELL DONE” to those that helped make the party great. The party showed all of the volunteers how much they are appreciated.