Arrow and Slocan Lakes Community Services (ASLCS) showed its appreciation for the volunteers who participate in the various programs and activities run by the organization on April 27 by hosting a drop-in luncheon.
About 30 volunteers work with ASLCS, taking part in programs such as the food bank, Christmas hampers, driving the medical bus, and Meals on Wheels. Volunteers also participate in programs run through the Better at Home program, which aims at helping seniors stay independent in their homes for as along as possible. Services through Better at Home include snow shovelling, light housework, drives to appointments, light housework, and more.
While there have been previous thank-you events in the past, like teas, this is the first time ASLCS has hosted a luncheon for its volunteers.
“This year we had so many volunteers through the program that we decided to do this extra luncheon,” said Susan Kostuch, a coordinator with ASLCS. “We couldn’t do what we do without them. We couldn’t do all those programs without the volunteer help, and we certainly appreciate it.”
Because the luncheon was a drop-in event from 11-2, volunteers could stop by whenever it was convenient for them.
The conference room/classroom of the ASLCS building was full as volunteers of all ages, from the young to the not so young, came by.
Some volunteers to show up at the luncheon were snow shovellers from Nakusp Elementary School and Nakusp Secondary School.
The students had a busy winter. The region saw heavier amounts of snow compared to previous years. At one point all schools in the district were closed for the day, something that hasn’t happened in over a decade.
“One of the guys we were shovelling for had a wall (of snow) that was about eight feet high,” recalled Horatio Kostuch, one of the volunteers.
While some might think the number of volunteers at ASLCS might be considered small, their hard word deserves to be acknowledged.
“They don’t get recognized enough in my eyes,” said Anne Miskulin, volunteer coordinator for ASLCS. “I think what they do is just phenomenal for this agency, and for the whole town.”