Glenne Campbell

Squamish has a wonderful history of volunteer commitment.

From the concept of building a general hospital in Squamish, to rescuing people experiencing outdoor pursuits, to rewilding and /or cleaning up our local environment, to presenting cultural activities, volunteers have expressed their love and gratitude for this community by giving of their time and energy.

Volunteers also benefit by engaging in their chosen area of interest.

Connection – Everyone likes to meet and associate with other people.

Purpose – Especially if they are all working towards the same goal.

Personal and Career Development – Each challenge brings opportunity to learn and share.

Community Impact – Building a community that supports all.

Volunteering opens our hearts and minds.

I have been very fortunate to have the energy to volunteer.

I have to credit my parents who introduced me to the idea of volunteering by their example and always encouraged me to step up at school and extracurricular activities.

My first serious volunteering act was with a Canadian theatre company costume department. Perhaps the commitment to sit and sew for a 36-hour volunteer shift (taking short naps with head on sewing machine) so Romeo and Juliet would look perfect provided the launch into a lifetime career.

Moving into the motion picture industry, I was lucky to enter a field of creative and collaborative people who were energized to do the work and have fun building a Canadian complement of inspired and talented artisans. Inspired by success in artistic expressions, I volunteered after hours to support organizations, which offered educative programs to new workers and helped other segments of society who may not have the health and energy that filmmakers seem to possess.

In between film work, lucky timing found me poised to contribute to the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Taking a paid lead role in creating costumes for 7000 performers involved volunteer recruitment, management and reward. I was especially grateful to the Calgary Olympic Organizing Committee (OCO'88) for publishing, in the official Opening Ceremonies program, the names of the 2600 costume volunteers who graced our costume shop for ten months.

Within days of moving to Squamish, I realized the vibrancy of the community when Kathleen Brennan and friends held the Brackendale Fall Fair at the Brennan property! How lucky was I to realize that volunteering in my neighbourhood is a thing too! I have since enjoyed volunteering for the Fall Fair for many years.

There are many talented people who contribute, via volunteerism, in many wonderful ways to create a town full of opportunity, support and connectedness. For those new to town, know that it is heartwarming to participate in building community. I hope that volunteering continues to flourish and that Squamish always has citizens who step up to contribute in some way.

Thank you for the nomination. All volunteers are winners!

Kind Regards,

Glenne Campbell