A civilized community would not be possible without its volunteers.
Or as Lailah Gifty Akita, the author of Pearls of Wisdom: Great Mind puts it, “Generosity is the Heart of Humanity.”
In recognition of the importance of volunteers, and volunteering in our community, this Mid-Week Mugging goes to Timmins’ Bill Shaver.
“I volunteer so I can help people in some way,” said Bill Shaver. “I have been helped in so many ways and I want to help others."
Being a volunteer and helping people or charitable organizations fundraise keeps Bill active and makes him feel valued.
“When I volunteer, it makes me feel like I have accomplished something,” Bill explained. “And those whose lives are improved appreciate the fact that someone cares from them.”
Bill, who suffered a major injury during the 1990s, volunteers for organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association where he serves as host at Intrepid Place, a drop in centre for people dealing with mental health issues located at 320 Second Avenue in the Timmins Library-Canadian Mental Health Building.
Down the hall from Intrepid Place is TCN (The Consumer and Survivor Network) where Bill also helps out.
Bill has also helped at the First Baptist Church on Second Avenue and Birch Street South, where each Friday they host a lunch and food bank for anyone in need.
Over at the Mountjoy United Church, a group of Timmins people concerned about the need for services for the homeless have started Project Love. And Bill will be there to lend a hand.
Bill has helped with barbecues for The Timmins-Brain Seizure and Injury Centre. As well, he is on hand at the Timmins Gaming Centre where he helps out on the floor during their charity bingo nights for the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“I get a lot of satisfaction helping,” Bill said. “To see the smiles on people's faces is very rewarding."
“It gives you a sense of worthiness and self-esteem,” he said. “And there are so many different places you can volunteer. If you don’t like one, try another.”
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” So says H. Jackson Brown Jr., author of Life's Little Instruction Book.
As Timmins has seen just recently with the success of Stars and Thunder, an army of civic-minded volunteers helped make it a success in Timmins.
“Volunteers are a vital part of the community,” Bill said. “Look at the success of Stars and Thunder. It took a lot of volunteers to make it happen. I don’t think it would have been as successful without volunteers.”
According to Bill Lane Doulos, a minister who began his ministry caring for the street people of Pasadena, Cal., "The greatest poverty that can afflict the human spirit is the loss of a generous heart. You will know that success has slipped away when your passion for helping others grows cold."
