It's National Volunteer Week, and the Town of Okotoks has already kicked it off with a bang after celebrating with a picnic in the park on Saturday.

Sian Anderson, Volunteer Administrator for Family and Community Support Services, says that was only the start.

"National Volunteer Week runs across Canada, it's spearheaded by Volunteer Canada." Anderson says "Volunteer Alberta and The Government of Alberta actually funded us to do activities in Okotoks so we will be holding celebrations from April 23rd to the 29th"

Celebrations will thank and appreciate volunteerS while also trying to recruit new ones.

Volunteer Managers from various Town Departments.

Anderson says some organizations through the Town are solely volunteer driven.

"Volunteers actually do a huge amount for us. We have some agencies in Okotoks that actually run solely on volunteer support.  Some Volunteers aren't even official, people volunteer everyday, whether it's helping get your groceries to your vehicle, or shoveling snow for someone, or helping out at events."

There are volunteers at the Okotoks Public Library, seniors homes, teaching swimming lessons, and even in emergency services filling essential positions in almost every building.

Anderson says while she's organizing events to thank these generous people, she also has a personal message for all of the volunteers in the community.

"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone in our community who is volunteering or working with volunteers, making it possible for Okotoks to be such a great place for us to live in."

Information on how to volunteer or open volunteer positions within the Town of Okotoks can be found here.

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