As National Volunteer Week continues, we’d like to introduce you to our next dedicated Tolko volunteer – Valerie Payne
. Valerie is a shipping clerk with Tolko’s Athabasca, Alberta Division. She’s been collecting bottles for recycling for about four and a half years, about the same time she started working for Tolko. We recently asked Valerie why she got involved and what she enjoys most about volunteering.
CC: What made you decide to start collecting bottles for recycling?
VP: Before working for Tolko, I worked in a long-term care facility as a health care aid and I saw the need for everyday personal items for the residents there. When I joined Tolko, I asked the facility if I could collect their recycling and use the money raised for charity, and they said ‘yes’, so I have been collecting ever since.
CC: Which organizations do you raise money for from your recycling?
VP: I collect bottles to raise funds for our local food bank, Santa’s Anonymous, the long-term care facility where I used to work and other organizations where I see they need the help.
CC: What is the most rewarding part of being a volunteer?
VP: The most rewarding part of doing this is knowing that I’ve made someone happy like a kid at Christmas or helped someone who needed something that they could not get for themselves.
CC: What would you say or recommend to anyone else interested in becoming a volunteer?
VP: For anyone who would like to help their community, whether it be collecting recycling, volunteering their time or helping in another way, I would recommend that they take it upon themselves to do so, because it is very rewarding and satisfying to help others in need.
About National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a time to celebrate and thank Canada’s 12.7 million volunteers. Join Volunteer Canada and Investors Group April 15-21, 2018 to recognize the contributions of volunteers in our communities. This year’s theme is: “Celebrate the Value of Volunteering – building confidence, competence, connections and community”.
This week, we’re recognizing several of our Tolko employees for the amazing and selfless volunteer work they do in their communities. Volunteers give their time, skills, experience, and passion to help others, without expecting anything in return. And while volunteering is a form of service, many volunteers will tell you that “you get more than you give”. The magic of volunteering is that it creates social and economic value for all.
