The Fernie Lions Club knows it’s important to recognize the volunteers that help make it possible for the club to host its annual demolition derby, so every year, they say thank you by hosting two volunteer appreciation dinners; one for adults and one for the kids.
The Junior Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held at the Park Place Lodge in Fernie, Oct. 30.
Representatives from the Fernie Figure Skating Club, the Fernie Girl Guides and Pathfinders, and the Elk Valley Air Cadets were presented with certificates of appreciation by club president, Ted Shoesmith.
“We have a great group of kids that come out,” said Shoesmith. “Some of them work in the concession, and some come out and do site preparation and clean-up. Without them, we couldn’t put on the event, and we know that. A dinner is a small way to say thank you.”
In addition to the dinner, the Lions Club handed out cheques to the groups, totalling more than $3,000.
“These funds are raised through the derby, so these kids have a direct hand in helping us earn it,” says Shoesmith. The club also uses the funds to help youth sports and seniors and families in need in the community.