National Volunteer Week (NVW) is dedicated to appreciating and recognizing all volunteers who have given their time and skills to uplift their communities. In partnership with the Government of Alberta, Volunteer Alberta provides funding to nonprofit organizations to host volunteer appreciation events. Every year we have seen unique and fun ways towns and organizations across the province recognize their volunteers. Every month VA will highlight a town or organization and share about the exciting work they do in the community and how they celebrate their volunteers!
We are excited to share our conversation about the 2022 NVW event hosted by Tofield/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services with its Executive Director, Tracey Boast Radley.
Resilience and Community
Empathy in action is a key principle of the organization, which means meeting people where they are and supporting them without judgment. This has helped the organization develop strong relationships with their clients and volunteers, creating a culture of compassion and support.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the organization has continued to rely on the dedication, commitment, and selflessness of their volunteers, who have played a vital role in helping the organization meet its goals and objectives. The community has also come together to support each other, creating a strong and supportive environment that has helped the organization thrive.
In addition to the organization’s adaptability and the dedication of their volunteers, Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS also celebrated the National Volunteer Week in 2022 with a volunteer appreciation BBQ at the Tofield Community Hall on April 28, 2022 and a breakfast at the Ryley Legion on April 30, 2022. The events were organized in partnership with community leaders, including MLA Lovely, Town of Tofield CAO Cindy Neufeld, and Beaver County Council member Reeve Smook. These events allowed the organization to express their gratitude for the hard work and commitment of their volunteers, who have played a critical role in supporting their clients throughout the pandemic. The celebration events also highlighted the strong sense of community and collaboration that is a hallmark of Tofield and Beaver County West, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to supporting the well-being and success of all residents in the area.
Overall, Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of the pandemic while still fulfilling its mission to enhance the quality of life of its residents through the development of preventative programs and services designed to encourage volunteerism, promote well-being, and strengthen the individual, family, and community. We can’t wait to hear how the NVW events from 2023 turned out
Art St Hilaire (She /They)
Sociology Student and Social Media manager
Art has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector for several years and is finishing their undergrad in Sociology and Gender studies. She is a self-taught graphic designer and social media manager. They worked on the marketing and communications team for Volunteer Alberta in the summer of 2022 as a Canada Summer Jobs intern where they started this blog series to highlight all the events for National Volunteer Week.