GBF honours volunteers
Shane Buckingham, Grimsby Lincoln News
Published on
May 07, 2008
No matter how strong an organization becomes, its existence rests on commitment and passion of its street-level workers.
For the Grimsby Benevolent Fund (GBF) those workers are volunteers.
"It always boils down to the volunteers and how much enthusiasm they put into it," the group's founder Mike Baretto said.
In fact, his volunteers are so eager and motivated he likes "to think the GBF stands for great balls of fire," he joked.
To commemorate the achievements of GBF workers, more than 130 people gathered at the Mountainview Christian Reformed Church in Grimsby for the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon May 1.
Many people were awarded for their community assistance based on the duration of their work, with 17 honoured for 15 years of service.
One recipient, Marie MacPherson, was recognized for her 35 years of service for the GBF.
"It's a way of life," she said of her volunteerism.
She explained she was a stay at home mother, and decided to use her free time to serve the less fortunate in the community.
Stacy Elia, GBF president, thanked all the volunteers in attendance for serving the organization's clients with "dignity and kindness."
"When a need arises we can always count on each of you to lend a helping hand and I extend my greatest appreciation of your commitment."
Baretto founded the organization 43 years ago after he moved to Grimsby.
"I was so well accepted by the Grimsby community that I wanted to pay it back."