Volunteers are the backbone of a community. In the May 19 edition of the Peace Arch News, we published our second annual Our People, Our Peninsula section, in which we profiled 11 individuals whose volunteer efforts help shape White Rock-South Surrey into the strong and vibrant community we call home. Below is the profile of one such volunteer.
As vice-president of the Sources board of directors, Marc Burchell continuously takes on leadership roles for initiatives and events. Marc is a skilled musician and has shared his talents to engage the community for events such as the CNOY. He also has shared his business acumen in the role of a volunteer advisor with different projects and ventures that require that level of expertise, note his board colleagues. They add that being featured in the Our People Our Peninsula section is a well-deserved recognition for Marc’s tireless efforts and outstanding leadership, and his commitment as a volunteer to Sources and his community.
Q: How long have you been a volunteer with Sources and why did you choose them specifically?
I proudly joined the Sources board almost six years ago, for the last two years as co-chair of the Coldest Night of the Year fundraising and awareness campaign. When I moved to the Semiahmoo Peninsula 16 years ago, I noticed the Sources Food bank that was down the street from my home in one direction and Sources Women’s Place Resource Center up the street from me in the other direction. Then, in subsequent years, I had friends and family who benefited during difficult times in their lives from Sources counselling services. It struck me that this diverse organization was dedicated to the social wellbeing of our community and I decided I wanted to be part of it.
Q: How has volunteering for Sources benefited you as a person?
Knowing that I, in my own small way, am improving the lives of those who are less fortunate than me and are suffering, improves and gives meaning to my own life. Sources and its dedicated team of staff and volunteers are so highly respected in the communities we serve, my association with them is a great honour for me and a source of personal pride.
Q: Why is it important to you to volunteer your time?
While my life has had its moments of darkness, generally speaking life has been very good to me and I believe that to those whom much is given, much is expected. Giving back to a community that has given so much to me and my family brings me great satisfaction and nourishes my soul.
Q: What advice do you have for people who are thinking about becoming a volunteer for the first time?
The rewards we receive by giving to others are far greater than the indulgences we take for ourselves. Find something that ignites your passions and allows you to apply the gifts you’ve been given or the talents you’ve developed throughout your lifetime. If it’s something you enjoy doing then you will most likely be good at doing it and the satisfaction you feel will bring you a sense of great fulfillment.