Burlington volunteers treated royally as city staff slip on aprons to say thanks

In a reversal of roles, several City of Burlington staff served approximately 55 volunteers of the Burlington Seniors’ Centre last Thursday evening.

This is the first time post-COVID that the volunteers were celebrated at an in-person event during Volunteer Appreciation Week.

Class facilitators, instructors, knitters, food-service volunteers and others had the pleasure of seeing the employees don the aprons and serve a delicious buffet meal prepared by Chef Michael. Dishes included a curry, beef stew, rice, mashed potatoes and a baked potato bar with all the fixings. Coffee, tea and cold drinks were provided along with vanilla and chocolate cake for dessert. Then the music cranked up and both volunteers and staff took to the dance floor.

Each volunteer was presented with a personalized card signed by all the staff and a pansy plant in a small clay pot.  

A unique gift from the Adult Recreation Team is an assortment of free workshops and social programs offered throughout the year exclusively for volunteers. Participation is limited to one workshop per volunteer to ensure all have a chance to participate, but each individual can register for as many social programs as they like. Staff will be donating their time and expertise to hold yoga, karaoke and backyard Olympic game social programs. 

Available workshops include a tea and scone social where the history and origin of certain teas will be discussed and a staff member will prepare lime and coconut scones and share the recipe. Another in November will involve chef Michael preparing one of his favourite winter recipes while sharing tips and tricks.  

On the unusual side there is a dad joke workshop in June that should provide participants with some material to use on Father’s Day, which will fall a few days later.

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at the seniors’ centre and other municipal facilities available through the City of Burlington.  Find more information here.