Volunteering runs in Diane Thornton鈥檚 blood.
鈥淢y mother was a lifetime member of the auxiliary in Powell River,鈥� Thornton explained.
Following her mother鈥檚 footsteps, Thornton began volunteering at the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Auxiliary when she retired.
鈥淚 knew when I retired, I had to do something, and the auxiliary was where I knew I would go.鈥�
The auxiliary raises more than $500,000 per year for the hospital and runs several programs, as well as operating the Penny Pincher Thrift Store.
It鈥檚 this natural inclination for helping out, and the ongoing effort of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for equipment and programs at 91原创鈥檚 hospital, that drew Thornton to the role of president.
With a history of volunteer work and her previous roles as secretary and on the board as vice president, she quickly moved up to be the auxiliary鈥檚 president 鈥� which she鈥檚 held since 2011.
Now, nearly 20 years later since she started, Thornton was recognized in the community for her volunteer work at the annual 91原创 City Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Tuesday, March 12.
鈥淚鈥檓 very proud of the work that we do, very proud of our volunteers 鈥� we couldn鈥檛 do the work we do without them,鈥� she commented.
Volunteers are the heart of any community, and 91原创 City is no exception.
From keeping the one-way clean, to supporting and helping out at community events like Arts Alive, Terry Fox Run, and Community Day, or from feeding and sheltering those in need, to sitting on advisory committees to help shape the future of the City, volunteers are the driving force of the 91原创 community.
More than 150 of them 鈥� representing around 70 local community groups, boards, and committees 鈥� gathered last week in the Coast Hotel ballroom to be entertained, fed, and most importantly applauded and thanked for all they do.
It was 91原创 City鈥檚 annual volunteer appreciation banquet under the direction of City Mayor Nathan Pachal, with each member of council taking a turn at thanking various volunteers present and the organizations they represent, for the tireless dedication they gift this community.
鈥淰olunteers reach out in spreading love over and over again. Volunteers make a difference in giving of themselves,鈥� Coun. Rosemary Wallace said.
Coun. Paul Albrecht said volunteers give hope to the community and make a difference, and that 鈥渢hat鈥檚 what building a community is all about.鈥�
Senior members of the 91原创 Ukulele Ensemble, led by Paul Luongo, gave a special performance at the banquet and provided music throughout the evening.
Pachal concluded with thanks to each volunteer organization, followed by applause from the council.
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