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LETTER: Volunteer shortage leads to demise of auxiliary

Re Wither(ing) Volunteers? ( The NEWS, Editorial, Feb. 15).
10768406_web1_170426-PQN-M-PQN-Letters

Re Wither(ing) Volunteers? (The NEWS, Editorial, Feb. 15).

The decline in volunteers is beginning to be seen by many; just recently, I was asked to volunteer for the Eagle Park Auxillary here in Qualicum Beach. I attended the AGM to get more info and to possibly sign up for the board, but sadly, because of lack of volunteers, the auxilliary for Eagle Park is now in the process of dissolving.

This not-for-profit organization fundraised and supported a Tuc wagon, dispersing small items for the in-bound residents, much-needed funds for some in-house activity equipment, a pastor/minister who came weekly, and a gardener and many volunteer gardeners for a few hours a week, plus supplies for the garden. All of these activities were run by volunteers. Even the minister and the head gardener volunteered many hours above and beyond what they were being paid to do.

How and why is this happening? Are we all too old or are there just more people and need than we can handle? Where are the younger people? I remember candy stripers were volunteers in hospitals, and was a requirement before you started the nursing program. Perhaps this is one solution that needs to be looked at again — connecting our youth in education with real people’s needs in the community.

I am deeply saddened for the residents of Eagle Park Lodge to lose such a valuable service.

Diane Ermacora

Qualicum Beach