It was all fun and games during Elkford's Volunteer Appreciation Day. This event which is a District supported event has been typically ran by the Elkford Chamber, but this year for the first time, it was ran and organized by the District of Elkford and its staff.
Volunteers and their families celebrated at the Elkford Community Conference Center with games and t-shirt prizes, a bouncy castle, music by DJ Jeff McRae and BBQ with ice cream dessert. "We really wanted to include not only the volunteers, but their families as well," said Elkford Mayor Dean McKerracher. "When volunteers are out lending a hand, it takes time away from their families, that is why we really felt like this event should include everyone," he said.
With less attendees than suspected, Mayor McKerracher could be seen chatting with everyone who attended. He personally expressed his thanks to the volunteers and expressed his gratitude to all those that kept the numerous clubs and groups running thanks to their dedicated efforts. "Elkford is really a volunteer based community. Everything from the ski hill to the Lions Club is ran by volunteers. There is just a really great group of people who keep our community what it is today," he said.
Gary Greezer, has been volunteering with the Lions Club for twenty years, has also been Treasurer of the Wapiti Ski Hill Society and part of the 50+ Club was thankful for such an event. "Volunteers are in the background and sometimes go unnoticed. It is really nice to have an event like this. It makes us feel appreciated," he said.
District of Elkford Staff and Council volunteered their time to make the event successful and fun for everyone.