Volunteering is a win-win for everyone!
By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
When it comes to realizing the importance of volunteering, it’s best to consult someone who has invested much time and energy into various organizations. Ken McBride from Kindersley has been volunteering for roughly forty years in multiple ways.
“I was involved in all kinds of sports with our kids when they were in school and it evolved from there. I was just trying to do things for our community,” he said. “Eventually, I got involved at the Manor, and that led to more interest being involved in long-term care. I was on the board of directors and chairperson for Heritage Manor.”
Eventually, a foundation was started, and the hospital started a foundation as well. “Both those foundations were rolled into one. The Kindersley and District Health and Wellness Foundation has spent lots of money in the community over the years, and we have lots of community support,” Ken explained.
When asked why he has made volunteering a priority in his life, Ken replied, “It’s personal satisfaction working on something you have an interest in, and you really don’t know you’ll have an interest in it until you get started. Working in the booth at the rink was a social time. It not only helped the community, but I built relationships and friendships in the community. It’s doing something to help your community instead of just giving a donation. Everyone is busy, but it’s a matter of making time. It’s overall enhancing your community.”
“You have to be somewhat selective in what you do, but you need to do it. It can even be a form of entertainment, but it helps out people and gives you satisfaction at the same time. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Ken concluded.
Ken recalled the thousands of volunteer hours that were contributed after the rink burned down in order to get the rink back into place. “Until you start to lose things in the community, you realize people have to step up and take some personal pride in their community and put some time into it,” he observed.
