Starting April 5th and running until April 11th, thousands of volunteers across Canada will take time to celebrate their achievements during National Volunteer Week. These volunteers give graciously of their time and talents, and make their communities a better place for everyone. From coaching children’s sports to helping preserve museum collections, volunteers enrich their own lives and those of others. Volunteers make places like Grey Roots better through their dedication.
In Canada, National Volunteer Week began in 1943 to draw attention to the vital contribution women made to the war effort on the home front. Although this week was largely forgotten after the war ended, it experienced a revival in the late 1960s, when organizations stressed the importance of thanking volunteers across Canada. In 1990, the third week in April was proclaimed to be National Volunteer Week in communities across the country, and continues to serve as a special time of appreciation and celebration of the voluntary spirit in Canada.
Grey Roots recognizes the vital role of volunteers to the success of the Museum and Archives. Grey Roots’ origins come from volunteer interest and commitment in the 1950s and 1990s respectively. That dedication continues to sustain Grey Roots, with research, collections and construction projects, exhibit work, special events, children’s programming, and in Moreston Heritage Village. Since Grey Roots’ opening in 2004, more than 500 volunteers have contributed in excess of 72,000 hours of service. This generosity arises from the friends, neighbours and family members of everyone in Grey County, and it is both gratifying and humbling to work so closely with such wonderful people.
To celebrate the contributions of Grey Roots’ volunteers, this coming week there are lectures, workshops, lunches and social gatherings and awards planned. The week starts on Saturday, April 5th with volunteer films and presentations, unveiling updates to the Volunteer Wall, and an art show featuring the works of talented Grey Roots volunteers. The fun continues all week with several enlightening lectures, such as Egyptian expert Daniel Kolos’ family-friendly lecture (Saturday) on Ancient Egyptian Tombs and Tomb Robbers, Richard Thomas’ presentation about Mrs. Eaton’s Tea Rooms (Monday – exclusive to volunteers), and Thursday’s lecture by Bill Fitzgerald, Tread Lightly: An Archeological Tour of Grey County.
Every day during National Volunteer Week, a different period building will hold a social event for its volunteers: Garage (Saturday), Log Cabin (Monday), Log House (Tuesday), Farm House (Wednesday), School House (Thursday) and Blacksmith Shop (Friday). Exclusive to Grey Roots volunteers, there are a variety of fascinating workshops, including a basket-making workshop (Tuesday), a spinning bee (Tuesday), heritage cooking (Wednesday), Chinese brush painting (Thursday) and wood carving (Friday).
The week winds up on Friday, April 11th with Grey Roots’ first Take Flight Awards. Inspired by our annual resident Cliff Swallows, the Take Flight Awards invite volunteers to nominate other Grey Roots volunteers who have inspired them. All nominees will receive a beautiful stained glass cliff swallow, created by talented local artist Mary Ryerson as a symbol of our pride and gratitude. Some events, such as the socials, require pre-registration and are available exclusively to Grey Roots volunteers. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the lectures, the art show and volunteer films as part of their regular Grey Roots admission. Please visit www.greyroots.com for details about all the exciting celebrations.
Over the years, we have been fortunate to meet so many fantastic volunteers. This year, we would like to honour a special volunteer who will not be with us for this year’s festivities. Donelda Robinson, a retired elementary school teacher, quilter, mother of three beautiful daughters, devoted grandmother and active community member, came to Grey Roots in the spring of 2008, the first season that Grey Roots opened the buildings in Moreston for visitors, outside of guided tours. Donelda chose to devote her energies to the 1920s Farm House. Over the next four seasons, she generously gave of her time. Each week she arrived promptly for her shifts, learning more each year and sharing her knowledge with thousands of visitors. When illness forced her retirement, she continued to keep in contact with Grey Roots and many of her volunteer friends. We missed her smile and dedication as a volunteer but continued to enjoy her periodic visits. Donelda passed on this winter, but her spirit of kindness, generosity and dedication remains as an example for everyone at Grey Roots who enjoyed the pleasure of her company. May we all appreciate the gracious volunteer work of incredible people like Donelda!
Stephanie McMullen, Volunteer Coordinator
Grey Roots Museum & Archives Blog 