Volunteer week is April 18 – 24th and while due to the pandemic our volunteers are not ever-present inside the hospital, there is still a lot of important work going on behind the scenes. Whether it be serving on the Foundation and Hospital Boards, committees, volunteering virtually through calls to action, or like Brian North, working hard on the 2021 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake, our volunteers are still the heart of Southlake.
Why I volunteer
I feel very fortunate to live in a community where I have access to a great hospital. Years ago, Southlake took amazing care of my mother. This past year, I truly believe Southlake saved my father’s life. The feeling of security the hospital brings inspired me to become involved as a Southlake volunteer.
I’m the kind of person who will happily do whatever is needed. I have helped out on a few events but what I am most involved with is the annual Southlake Run. I have been a part of it since the Run first came to Southlake 11 years ago and have loved the experience ever since. While today I am technically called the Chairman of the Run Committee, I never refer to myself that way. I am simply one of the many – Southlake Foundation staff, volunteers, and sponsors – working hard to make the Run a success.
I’m actually the lucky one! The Run is a lot of fun to work on – encouraging elected officials and groups to become involved and helping out with team building. In past years for “live” events the role was quite a bit different – driving a pace car, liaising with York Regional Police on road closures, speaking with local businesses on run routes, and all sorts of other fun!
My favourite Run task by far is welcoming participants across the finish line at the end of the race and thanking them for their efforts. I miss that, and really hope we can get back to a live event next year. In the meantime, I will be sure to have fun handing out race kits to all the wonderful participants who have enrolled this year. I am really proud to be a part of an event that sees so many people work so hard together to raise funds for such an important cause.
My hat is off to this year’s participants. I hope they join in again next year. I will be there at the end of the race with a big smile on my face.
Brian North
Southlake Volunteer
Chair – Run for Southlake Committee 2021
