Genuine recognition for Volunteers

By: June Wiebe

I find that sometimes we confuse "recognition" with "appreciation." These are not the same things and do not always go together. Their common denominator is "acknowledgment." In my opinion, the sincerest form of recognition is to see one’s ideas put to use. For volunteers, recognition means feeling that their efforts make a real contribution. You can say thank you a million times, but if people sense that their efforts are wasted, they will never feel good about volunteering.

Expressions of appreciation, whether informal or at an annual event, complement the ongoing feelings of making a difference, being part of a team, and doing something value added for the community. Some of the best recognition occurs in small ways like a greeting with a smile; a compliment; a hand shake and a thank you for their efforts. Volunteers are a special group of people who give unselfishly of their personal time. Time that could be spent with family; visiting friends; pursuing a hobby, or time spent relaxing watching a favourite movie or reading.

At this time we would like our volunteers to know that they truly are appreciated. People like Anja Sairanen and Arja Salo who have baked countless pullas, cakes and cookies for brunches, bake sales and other special events. Heikki Sairanen along with Anja and Arja have poured massive amounts of coffee and cleared our dirty plates off the tables during our brunches. Let’s not forget Michael Whyte, Pirkko Pietilainen, Jukka Rislahti and Tuula Heinonen who have worked the door during the brunches. Allan Whyte, our treasurer, and Leena Whyte continue to donate their time, often behind the scenes. Many hours are spent at my computer contributing news articles for the Viking Times, mailing out invitations, and updating information at the Scandinavian Centre’s Website. Find Finland’s page by clicking on the Finnish icon at: scandinaviancentre.ca.

Organizing special events take effort and time. Just ask Marjatta Andison how much work it is to prepare the Finnish room and gather volunteers for Folklorama. People are always crying for pulla at the annual Scandinavian Christmas Market and the same applies to Folklorama. Sandra Thusberg, Kay Valimaki, Arja Salo and Anja Sairanen have baked and worked at the Scandinavian Market bake table. All can attest to the shopping frenzy, the moment the door is opened. Many folks have volunteered to work the Finnish room during Folklorama. I’m sorry I don’t know all your names but please know that your donation of personal time is appreciated and valued.

Springtime brought the World Women’s Hockey Championships to Winnipeg. A week of hosting Team Finland was both fun and sometimes challenging for Heikki Sairanen, Jukka Rislahti, Timo Kangas, Kay Isokaupilla and yours truly. There were preliminary meetings and training sessions, paperwork for criminal checks, driving abstracts and special identification. Everyone worked hard to create a carefree stay for Team Finland and their managers.

Whether you realize it or not, all of the volunteers are “ambassadors” for our club and cultural centre. Everyone is valuable to the continuation and growth of the Finnish-Canadian Club and it’s not just the volunteers. Let’s not forget the wonderful people who come out to support the Finnish Club by attending the various venues we plan.