Williams Lake will proclaim National Volunteer Week in the city April 27 to May 3, 2025.
The proclamation will help to recognize the volunteers in the community who "selflessly dedicate their time and efforts for the betterment of the community."
The week provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate volunteers and also encourages community members to honour or thank any volunteers they know.
Volunteers make waves is the theme for National Volunteer Week 2025, "to highlight the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building" states the National Volunteer Week website.
According to the proclamation, 24 million Canadians volunteer and contribute close to five billion volunteer hours per year.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor mentioned the lack of sleep he has had as he spends hours at night working on returns for the Williams Lake Volunteer Community Income Tax Program, something he has volunteered with for a number of years.
He then recognized the contribution of paid on-call firefighters and emergency support services.
The city will also be hosting a volunteer appreciation barbecue at the fire hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 to thank all volunteers in the community.
"My hat's off on behalf of the council and the community to all the volunteers, regardless of where and what shape or form you volunteer," said Rathor.
