This first column of 2014 is actually a heartfelt note of thanks to the citizens of the Cariboo-Chilcotin for their support of one another throughout 2013.
We are, most of all, a community of wonderful people — friendly, resilient, compassionate and willing to work together to sustain our amazing way of life.
I’ve had the honour of speaking with hundreds of amazing volunteers and dedicated service organizations who make a measureable difference to the quality of life in Cariboo-Chilcotin. All of us owe them our respect, thanks and appreciation.
Whether it’s the men and women on our parent advisory councils, a food bank volunteer, a minor sports coach or trainer, a literacy tutor or a senior citizen activity facilitator, I’m indeed proud to know and support the great people who volunteer in our communities.
As your provincial representative in Victoria, it’s been my pleasure to work with many groups across the region, helping them apply for provincial funding through, for example, Community Gaming Grants.
These grants are designed to fit the needs of a wide variety of non-profit organizations. Human and social services, arts and culture, sport, public safety and students’ extra-curricular activities— all these areas are supported through gaming grants to community organizations.
We are also blessed in Cariboo-Chilcotin to have some of B.C’s finest and dedicated workers in the fields of social service, public safety and health care. Our nurses, doctors, emergency services and search and rescue personnel, police and firefighters keep us safe and healthy and look after the needs of the most vulnerable. My hat is off to you, too.
And the doors to my constituency offices in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House are open to you, your family, your group, your business. I truly welcome your thoughts and suggestions, your viewpoints and issues.
As 2014 gets underway, I share two thoughts: It’s always the right time to volunteer. It’s never too late to help one another.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.