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.
Nominated by the White Rock Players Club board, Adrian Shaffer has explored every aspect of theatre at White Rock Players Club, and filled nearly as many positions behind the scenes as they have performed roles on stage, including assistant stage manager and assistant director. Adrian has generously committed/volunteered their time and talents to every production, bringing a calm, assured presence both on stage and behind the scenes.
Q: How long have you been a volunteer with White Rock Players Club and in what capacity?
Theatre is something that I have always had a passion for. I first volunteered at The White Rock Players’ Club about 10 years ago, but really immersed myself in the theatre community in 2018. Through each production I have been able to meet so many wonderful people. The dedication and calibre of our volunteers is exceptional, and there is a strong sense of joy and fulfillment in knowing that you are surrounded by likeminded people, all working towards creating something meaningful.
Q: How has volunteering for WRPC benefited you as a person?
Volunteering at the Players’ Club has enabled me to develop my skills and passions, as well as build strong friendships and relationships within my community. It has opened up so many opportunities, allowed me to meet people who I otherwise never would have, and has positively informed the person that I have become. Volunteering has strengthened my work ethic, and developed my leadership skills. There are few things that cannot be learned in a theatre.
Q: Why is it important to you to volunteer your time?
It is important to me to volunteer my time because it hones practices of professionalism and commitment, and offers a unique opportunity to experience settings outside of a formal workplace. There is so much joy in the knowledge that every single person whom I have the privilege of working with is there purely because they want to be. And we do, each of us; we really do want to be there. The camaraderie that I have found through volunteering is incomparable to anything else.
Q: What advice to you have for people who are thinking about becoming a volunteer for the first time?
My advice is to go for it. There is absolutely nothing to lose in volunteering, especially for the organizations that you are passionate about. Be it theatre, hospitals, the food bank, animal shelters, schools – volunteers are so necessary for supporting the growth of our community. It is good work, it is fulfilling, and it is some of the best fun that I have had. You never know where it will take you, or what you will learn, and I can guarantee that you will find yourself in good company.