Kamloops Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue recognizes volunteers for vital work

KAMLOOPS – Volunteers from all over the city came out for burgers, hot dogs and to rub elbows with the city’s council and mayor during the 12th Annual Kamloops Volunteer Appreciation Barbeque.

Down at Sandman Centre, the Kamloops Brock Central Lions Club was busy grilling up burgers and hot dogs for the group, despite being volunteers themselves.

Gord Davis, an Emergency Support Services volunteer since 2003, says volunteers are always looking to help out any way they can.

“We’re all givers. We’re giving of our time, our compassion and our energy,” Davis told CFJC News. “We’re not takers. We just sort of give and give and give. And so it feels good to help support the community in some way and giving back to a beautiful place we that we live here in Kamloops.”

According to City Councillor Katie Neustaeter, the city would not run with out the help of volunteers.

“We’re known as the Tournament Capital of the country, but when you consider something like the Memorial Cup or the Scotties tournament, those cannot happen without volunteers,” she said. “Everything from [Emergency Social Services] and making sure that we’re serving people when they’re in a crisis situation to some of the fun community events that happen, volunteers are vital.”

Diane Crooks, a dedicated Lions member for the last 40 years, says the work is fulfilling as it is but events like Friday’s barbecue are a reminder of all the good they do.

“It makes you feel really good inside to help somebody,” Crooks explained. “Not everybody can afford to do things. We help some of the needy seniors, mostly. It’s all good. I love it. It makes me feel really good inside and you get a beautiful day like this and everybody’s happy.”