Langley ballroom overflows with caring volunteers

The annual Langley City volunteer banquet was Feb. 7, an annual dinner to thank the many community groups in the City.

But in her speech, Sharla Mauger, who was asked to speak on behalf of local volunteers, let the cat out of the bag – that volunteers may get more out of helping than those they help.

“Let’s be honest, volunteering makes us feel good,” she commented. “It gives us the sense that we’re part of a community and part of something bigger.”

City, provincial and federal representatives took turns thanking the representatives of the various volunteer groups in the community.

“Never stop, never stop caring, never stop being part of this community, never stop reaching out,” said Peter Fassbender, the former City mayor and now the B.C. education minister.

The City invites a limited number of representatives from each community group.

“We could fill this room probably four or five times over [with the number of volunteers in the City],” commented City Councillor Rosemary Wallace.

The event included honouring longtime volunteer Craig Davies, who died in 2013.

Kate Davies, his wife and his two sons, Garth and Grant, were invited to the banquet. Little did they know that a special tribute would be made to Craig for his many years of volunteering.

“We didn’t know there was going to be a special [honour],” said Kate, his wife.

“It was nice recognition for Dad,” said Garth Davies. “This was an important event for him.”

Joanne Finlay, a volunteer with the Langley Arts Council, was not only invited to the banquet but was also tapped for a piece of art that was given to Fassbender. 

The former City mayor and his wife Charlene were invited in recognition of their volunteer efforts, she for her work with the Magic of Christmas Parade and he for the Langley Parks Foundation.