A reward goes counter to the spirit of volunteering

By Letter to the Editor on November 21, 2017.

Re: “MLA Report: The strength of communities is the true Alberta Advantage,” Nov. 17

I read the clumn by Drew Barnes, MLA and I agreed with everything he had written — until the last part where he stated volunteers should be thanked by rewarding them with a tax deduction.

My husband and I have volunteered for many years to fill in our time and to help our community in some small way. Also if we feel a close connection to a particular non-profit, we have offered to help if our schedule allows. We do not volunteer for a free meal, a certificate of thanks, or anything else, although we certainly appreciate the thoughtfulness of such gifts. We have felt appreciated by all groups we have ever volunteered with, and that is what motivates us. I would guess that most volunteers feel the same way. (I do understand why volunteer firefighters can claim a tax deduction as their work can be extremely dangerous.)

We are already a strong, compassionate community, Mr. Barnes. I don’t believe a tax deduction is at the heart of a volunteering spirit. The fact that you wish to thank volunteers in some tangible way, however, is admirable and appreciated.

June Cox

Medicine Hat

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