I value volunteering. I’ve volunteered all my life in all sorts of ways.

While my kids were growing up, my volunteer focus centred on their lives. I accompanied them on field trips when I could. I went camping with the scouts to help with the group. I sat on a board for the local daycare. I was on the board of the small-town local library. And on it goes.

As an adult, I changed my focus. One of my biggest undertakings was to serve on and eventually hair the Peace River Library System board. It was formed to pull together all the libraries in the Northwest part of Alberta. To give a sense of size, from the most northern library to the southern one, it was a 5-hour drive.

I had to travel many weekends to talk to library boards and municipal counsel to share the value of such a cooperative type of library system. One summer, my wife looked at my schedule and decided to take the kids 1,000 km away to stay with her sister for a month or so. I couldn’t blame her.

Unfortunately, when volunteering, huge one-off projects take up more and more of my time. Realistically, there is no way to back off. I had to continue and be all in. At about the time the Library System became a reality, I moved out of the area to the Edmonton area. That was over 35 years ago. I am pleased to report that the Library System is still going strong. And so is my marriage.

When I left employment for the last time, I promised myself not to volunteer for any Boards or Committees. I have been successful despite requests from community organizations.

I had already experienced enough stress, deadline pressure, and high-risk failures, yet I still wanted to volunteer.

The local senior association looked as if I could bring something to the table while meeting my needs. I worked with them for 6 months to pass accreditation of their 18-passenger bus. I was very familiar with the accreditation process, but not for buses! The inspector met with staff at the end of the 3-hour inspection. We passed. She said that in her 14 years of doing this work, she has never given a perfect report. High-fives all around for a fabulous team effort.

Now, I regularly wash dishes for 4 hours once a week during the lunch hour. They asked for 2 days, but I declined as I was too busy. I also have volunteered to work at the casino. The Association is likely to earn about $50,000 from their two nights. My wife joins me. We work in the count-room, which are challenging positions to fill. We get off our shift at 3:00 am. This is hard for many seniors and anyone who works regularly.

Please give this a bit of a think. What has been your favourite volunteer experience? How did it mesh with your values and interests?

I am curious about your thoughts. Please comment below with your bit of a think.

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Volunteer Blogger

glenn.walmsley@icloud.com