The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
August 12, 2008
I DO IT, BECAUSE I CAN
A couple weeks ago I accepted an offer from the Princeton Posse.
They want me to do the live play-by-play internet broadcasts, and quite honestly, I am very much looking forward to the challenge.
I say challenge as I've never done play-by-play before, but have asked former radio colleagues who have indicated it'll be pretty easy to pick up. At the very least, I know I'm pretty good at ad-libbing, so if I need to, I'll likely be able to carry the broadcast and hopefully make it interesting for the tens of listeners.
The other day I mentioned my 'new challenge' to an acquaintance who asked what I was going to make doing the broadcasts.
It never occurred to me. I said yes assuming it was a volunteer position like 99.9% of the positions currently held by volunteers helping the Posse. I naturally assumed I'd just be another volunteer, which suits me just fine.
But it did make me wonder, as I often do, why so many people in the community do not see the value in giving back to the community by being a volunteer.
I know, I talk about this a lot and I think it's because it bothers me a lot.
The other day I was in a conversation in our office discussing the upcoming municipal election and all the government money that has somehow found it's way to Princeton.
I credited elected officials, their contacts and local volunteers for getting these jobs done.
Have you considered if there were no volunteers left in Princeton what our community would be like?
Off the top of my head there would be no major celebrations, minor sports nor any arts and cultural activities. I'm sure there's more, a lot more.
And it always seems to be the same 200 people doing everything in our town to make it an interesting place to be.
I guess maybe we all need to remember this when a group announces they may have to fold or cancel a planned event because they don't have enough help.
I know today's society revolves around 'time is money' but I never really bought into that. I've always pitched in when I thought I could contribute in some way to benefit the event or organization. Personal gain I don't think I've considered all that much.
Then last week the Museum Society presented Evelyn McCallum with a plaque to honour her 47 years as a volunteer with that group. I'm sure if you asked her she'd say she didn't become a volunteer thinking she'd receive a gift after 47 years.
But it's people like her and all the other volunteers in our community who quietly go about their business doing what they can to make Princeton a little better who really count.
And maybe in some small way my play-by-play contribution will also assist in promoting our community in a positive light.
I know with that goal in mind I'm in pretty good company.
