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Halifax & Region MFRC Volunteer Recognition Night
By Sarah-Jean Mannette,
Communications, H&R MFRC
Volunteers with the H&R MFRC and PSP Community Recreation enjoyed an evening of holiday- inspired fun. The annual Volunteer Recognition Event has been held for more than 16 years. This year’s event was sponsored by CANEX. 100 volunteers and guests took over the elegantly decorated Neptune Theatre on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 to enjoy the theatre’s holiday show, It’s a Wonderful Life.
The evening featured a stage adaptation of an iconic film by the same name, in which a guardian angel reminds the lead character of all the good he has done, reminding him, and everyone, that faith, hope and family make life wonderful.
The holiday-themed event was not overshadowed by the reason for the celebration. Shelley Hopkins, executive director at the H&R MFRC, expressed to volunteers how essential they are. “Volunteers contribute on a daily basis to all areas by volunteering in program facilitation, events, marketing, communications and office administration. We believe that volunteers are the strength behind the H&R MFRC and we are so proud of the work our volunteers do!”
Volunteers are well known at the MFRC and PSP facilities, many of whom have been volunteering for over 15 years. Volunteers are military members, family members and those who have a passion for supporting military families.
This is CANEX’s third year as the national sponsor for the event, which provides the H&R MFRC and PSP Community Recreation the opportunity to show their gratitude and thanks to the amazing contributions volunteers make throughout the year. To show the value of volunteer time that is given to both organizations, a mock cheque was presented to Shelley Hopkins and Joni Sawler, PSP Manager, for $217,500.00. This cheque reflects the dollar value of cumulative hours volunteers have donated in one year, a huge benefit for both organizations.
On behalf of the H&R MFRC and PSP Community Recreation, we sincerely thank everyone who made this evening such a success. Volunteers are vital to the work we do to support our military members and their families. Thank you to all the volunteers.
Vacation Lottery Extravaganza Winners for January
Congratulations to Cpl Andrew Noseworthy, 14 AMS, grand prizewinner of the H&R MFRC’s Vacation Lottery Extravaganza for January.
Update on the Vacation Lottery Extravaganza
We want to thank the loyal participants of the MFRC’s annual Vacation Lottery Extravaganza fundraiser. For 14 years, you have purchased your lottery tickets to directly support military families, and we are so very appreciative.
This time of year you would typically see promotion of the Extravaganza; however, it has become quite challenging to maintain interest and sales. For this reason, we have decided to take a break so that we can review the Extravaganza and gather feedback. We appreciate all the support the community has given to this campaign for the last 14 years. The fundraising dollars allowed us to provide respite and casual care programming, support our emergency housing and emergency services when families found themselves in situations of exceptional circumstance.
As a charity, the H&R MFRC relies on fundraising initiatives to offer much needed programs and services, so your support is essential and very much appreciated. Please stay tuned for more from your MFRC. We value your feedback on the Vacation Lottery Extravaganza as we consider the future of this campaign, so please visit our website at www.halifaxmfrc.ca to complete the survey.
