Volunteers in high demand

As August moves into September, the change of the calendar pad brings with it the return to regular schedules for service clubs and agencies, volunteer organizations and sporting groups.
With programs to run, money to raise, causes to support and other endeavours to undertake to make this community and area a better place to live, the skills and dedication of the volunteers will be in high demand.
In fact, there will be competition for new members among service clubs, and for men and women willing to donate volunteer hours to worthy causes.
The bank of volunteer workers has diminished in the past 10 years and the struggle to maintain services provided by volunteers is a challenge, requiring considerable initiative and innovation from those persons charged with recruitment and retention.
In a changing society, lifestyles sometimes no longer allow or encourage volunteerism, except for short-term projects, or where potential workers are guaranteed short meetings and few of them. Work rather than plan is more often the condition upon which some persons allow their names to be signed on for volunteer work.
The trick for many agencies is to attract workers in groups - units of friends, ball teams, seniors' groups - to carry out projects for which there is a special interest, perhaps even the lure of general benefits for another cause.
Regardless of how volunteers are recruited, they must be treated with respect and appreciation, should be matched with jobs that suit their capabilities, and above all else, offered clear guidelines and some training for the tasks to be carried out. Then say thank you.
Most volunteers do not become involved for any glory, but they still don't mind a handshake, a thank you card, even a hamburger and certificate of appreciation.
There are dozens of volunteer opportunities in Moose Jaw and no reason for anyone to say they are bored, that there is nothing to do in this community. Look around and most certainly someone will be looking for an extra pair of willing hands and a mind active with new ideas.