ASSINIBOIA - The joy and gratitude in Tina Dijkstra’s voice following the Volunteer Appreciation event held in Assiniboia on April 20 was evident during an interview.
Dijkstra, who serves as Assiniboia’s Finance/Administration Coordinator was also one of the key organizers of this annual activity. “There were about 165 people in attendance and at one time, I panicked a little wondering if I had set up enough tables. This was definitely our biggest attendance yet,” she said.
Organizers say there as a broad spectrum of volunteers representing multiple groups, organizations and activities in Assiniboia. The youngest in attendance was eight while the oldest, and still active volunteer, who works with the East Side/West Side Court, was 94 years old.
Mayor Sharon Schauenberg was the emcee and spoke to the theme for the 2024 National Volunteer Appreciation week, “Every Moment Matters”.
Dijkstra added, “The biggest highlight of the event is seeing everyone mingling, sharing experiences with smiles on their faces. No one was racing out the door and all seemed to embrace the experience. It’s about breaking bread together.”
There was lots of excitement in Assiniboia that day as the Steetheart concert was taking place later that evening at Southland Co-op Centre.
Those that attended voiced their appreciation for the opportunity to be celebrated, share a meal together and visit with other volunteers in the community.
