By Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

Volunteer Lethbridge to celebrate local youth during National Volunteer Week

Apr 17, 2018 | 3:50 PM

LETHBRIDGE – As part of National Volunteer Week from April 15-21, members of the Volunteer Lethbridge Association made a presentation to City Council at Monday’s meeting, highlighting the importance of working with organizations that need help. 

Executive Director Diana Sim says volunteering is more than just “free labour.”

“It’s so important to switch that paradigm, and help people think that volunteerism is an investment. It’s an investment in themselves. It’s an investment in their community.

“We know in our community there’s just so many events that just wouldn’t take place without volunteers. It’s hard to put a dollar on that, but the value is tremendous.”

Despite what some people might think, volunteering doesn’t necessarily have to be a long-term commitment either.

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“There are so many episodic opportunities we call them,” according to Sim. “Those one-time events…are a great way to start and have fun and just participate in community development as well.”

And she believes that teaching children/youth the value of giving their time to help others, is also an important lesson to learn.

“So, when they start young, they have that sense that ‘I have a responsibility to my community, and I want to do what I can.’ And different ways and different experiences is how they get to know themselves better.”

The “Leaders of Tomorrow” event will take place at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre Wednesday, April 18.

143 youth ages 5-24 will be recognized for their contributions, with eight excellence awards presented to those who demonstrate leadership in their activities.

For more information on the event or on volunteering opportunities, go to https://volunteerlethbridge.com/ .