|
|
|||||
|
|||||
| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : Coffee with Cam Articles : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek.
To find a word on the page, use your browser's "find" feature (CTRL-F
or CMD-F).
Please note: While we ensure that all links and e-mail addresses are
accurate at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the
web means that some links to other web sites and e-mail addresses may
no longer be accurate.
To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
Hero Spotting
By Cam Tait
April 24, 2006
Hundreds of people are going to become public heroes this week. They are already heroes to a few people; their stories have circled around kitchen tables, water coolers, or during those long drives to the weekend cottage when we just run out of things to talk about. But this week, specifically in the evenings, over munchies and coffee, unbelievable stories will be heard.
Chances are, you can spot them from afar. They might be clutching a sheet of paper as they come into the venue where the event is being held. Or, they might have pen and paper in hand, making last-minute notes and ideas until their name is called. Others might appear calm and quiet - but under that cool exterior are frayed nerves...and if there was any chance for them to get out of the situation, they would jump at it.
These are the people who are perhaps going to shine the most. For many years, probably since the day they started contributing to the community in their own unique way, they have never viewed themselves as particularly special. They do what they do, week after week, month after month, year after year because they want to - it's a part of their lifestyle. They were probably told by their parents that it was the right thing to do. So they did it to appease them, but along the way something happened: they fell in love with what they do.
You probably have a fairly good idea by now of the kind of person I'm talking about. A staff member or other community member may have noticed them for some time. The suggestion surfaces one day that their story should be told - not in a vain fashion, but in the spirit of being a good role model that might inspire others to do the same. The response is lukewarm. Then, it's quickly put to rest. The person, almost blushing, says there are many other people who have more interesting stories than theirs.
But recently, maybe in a weak moment, they accept the invitation to share their story. It's time, they say, to share. So they start writing. They almost wear out the 'delete' button on their keyboard because they just can't craft their story in the right way. They pick up the telephone to call and cancel; to say they just can't do this. But then there's a whisper in their head that challenges them to think differently, that their experiences are worth sharing. They realize what an honour is being bestowed upon them. So, like a reporter who has 12 minutes to deadline, they start typing like there's no tomorrow.
Finally, their story is complete. Or is it, they wonder? They show up at the function, still unsure of themselves on several levels. Telling their story - in some cases, very personal - is one thing, but to speak in front of a microphone to a room of total strangers is quite another.
So the halls are booked, the food is ordered, the coffee is being brewed, the programs are being printed, and the telephone calls are being made to confirm that folks will be at the event. And it's happening all over Canada.
It's National Volunteer Week. Watch and listen for new heroes.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
|
|||
