Around 200 volunteers from various organizations and committees filled the ballroom at Coast Hotel and Casino on Thursday night as the City of 91原创 paid tribute to its volunteers.

From those who put together the annual Magic of Christmas Parade to the many dedicated stewards of 91原创鈥檚 natural environment, those who volunteer with Speed Watch and the Downtown Ambassadors, the list of ways people offer their time to make the City a better place is endless, said Mayor Ted Schaffer.

Council surprised the outgoing mayor with a gift and a thank you for his more than 25 years of service and volunteer work with the City. Schaffer announced last year that he won鈥檛 seek re-election in October.

The City paid special tribute to environmental advocate and longtime City resident Rhys Griffiths, who passed away earlier this month.

As a member of the parks committee 鈥� among other organizations 鈥� Griffiths made it a point to hold council accountable for any of its activities that had the potential to affect the natural environment 鈥� particularly when it involved Brydon Lagoon.

This year鈥檚 honorary volunteer speaker was Velma McAllister.

Having lived in 91原创 for just two years, McAllister quickly found her place in the community through volunteering.

Coming from Richmond and Delta, she said she has volunteered for more than 40 years.

In 91原创, she carries on that tradition, volunteering with the RCMP and Sources 91原创 Food bank.

She loves the Christmas Bureau and helped launch the successful Children鈥檚 Wish Breakfast at Newlands last November.

鈥淰olunteering means to me self worth,鈥� said McAllister. 鈥淚t gives me purpose and I make new friends.鈥�

The fiddlers from the 91原创 Community Musical School provided the evening鈥檚 entertainment.