As many of you have come to learn April 23-29 was national Volunteers Week. From coast to coast to coast, volunteers were recognized for contributions to society.

Caledon too, celebrated our outstanding volunteers. Wednesday, April 26, Caledon hosted an evening to pay tribute to those within our community who dedicated their time and services to help others.

Two of Caledon's very own seniors received special acknowledgement from the Province of Ontario. Dr. Bob Williams received the Seniors Achievement Award and David Armstrong received the Senior of the Year Award. Both of these gentlemen have contributed greatly to the active and fulfilling lifestyles of our seniors.

Monday, April 26, the Region of Peel recognized many volunteers from Caledon, Brampton and Mississauga. These volunteers value the gift of giving. They have learned that through sharing their time they too receive a gift. Often I ask volunteers who have been serving for a long time why they continue to do so. They usually tell me that they get just as much out of volunteering as they give. They establish lasting friendships, become an integral part of our community and learn many new things along the way.

Recently I met with Hospice Caledon regarding their upcoming launch of their annual appeal from May 1-7. This is in conjunction with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Week. This

is an exciting new endeavor and they are looking for volunteers of all ages to make this a success. For more information, contact Anne at 905-951-3534 or anne@hospicecaledon.ca.

A group of young volunteers, the Mayor's Youth Council, are hosting a fund-raiser to support the construction of the new permanent skateboard park in Caledon. The MYC will be having a dinner/dance with a silent auction at the Royal Ambassador Banquet on Friday, May 26. Tickets are $60 each. For more information contact Virginia at 905-951-2341 or myc@caledon.ca. I hope to see you there.

Saturday, April 29 there was a Fair Trade Festival at the Caledon East United Church. This group of volunteers sold fairly traded coffee, tea, food products

among other things like jewelry, pottery and musical instruments.

Another group of young people who are volunteering their time to help a school in Cameroon, Africa is the King's College School on the Gore Road in Caledon. The Lower School (grades 4 to 8) will be holding a bake sale May 6 outside of Howard the Butcher in Caledon East and on May 7 they will be outside of Harvest Market in Bolton. They will be offering a variety of homemade cookies and muffins from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Upper School (Grades 9 to 12) will be undertaking a fund-raising car wash at the Canadian Tire Store in Bolton on May 27. This is a great example of young people volunteering for a wonderful cause.

As you can see, there are so many volunteers within our community. The list is endless of their contributions. Volunteers are the fabric of our community and I am grateful for all that they do.