It isn鈥檛 how the City of 91原创 would have liked to thank its volunteers this year, but civic leaders weren鈥檛 going to let the current provincial health orders prevent them from showing appreciation to the individuals who devout countless hours of their time each year.

Typically, the City would host a banquet to celebrate its volunteers and to show its appreciation, but current COVID-19 restrictions and a rise in daily case numbers means indoor gatherings are prohibited.

READ MORE: VIDEO: 91原创 City council says 鈥楳ahalo鈥� to volunteers with Hawaiian-themed celebration

Instead, Mayor Val van den Broek and council signed letters for the approximate 120 local not-for-profit organizations, clubs, event committees, and City of 91原创 committee members.

鈥淓very member of council sits on the various committees or task groups that 91原创 City forms to meet the needs of our residents,鈥� explained Councillor Paul Albrecht. 鈥淓ach and every member of City council values and respects the passion, effort, commitment, and time our volunteer community members provide to make our City so incredible. Words cannot capture our appreciation for our amazing group of dedicated volunteers and the significant contribution that each of these volunteers make. Their love of our City is truly unmatched and City council members love our volunteers. Without them 91原创 City would not be the vibrant, compassionate, and caring community that we are. All of 91原创 City Council would like to give all our volunteers a huge virtual hug of gratitude during these challenging times.鈥�

Mayor and council had to figure out a way to show their appreciation because the pandemic prevented the traditional banquet.

鈥淲e know that COVID has taken a toll,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e just want to thank them and [let them know] that we value and treasure them.鈥�

Each letter was tailored to the specific organization or individual based on their situation over the past year, like acknowledging the difficult decision they were faced with in putting an event or fundraising efforts or volunteer activities on hold for the year.

鈥淩eally their passion for serving is effortless. It鈥檚 been trying year and like I said, we just can鈥檛 thank them enough,鈥� said van den Broek.

鈥淭hey were just fluid and adaptable, and we really appreciate it.鈥�

READ MORE: 91原创鈥檚 seniors of the year honoured to have served

Last year, the City was able to host its annual volunteer appreciation banquet on March 10, just prior to COVID-19 restrictions.

Although the City wasn鈥檛 able to celebrate the volunteers in-person this year, van den Broek hopes next year will tell a different story.

鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping next year to celebrate in person again,鈥� she said.

For the latest City-specific COVID-19 updates visit .

joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
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