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CONTACT Community Services honours volunteers at annual dinner

April 29, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Many organizations rely on volunteers to accomplish their mission of helping the community in many different ways.

National Volunteer Week was celebrated on April 19-25 as a time to appreciate all those across the country who give their time and skills to help others and give back to their communities.

Volunteers take on a variety of roles, including organizing programs, working in thrift stores, teaching skills and hobbies, and helping maintain the organization’s buildings.

CONTACT Community Services held its annual Volunteer Appreciation dinner at the Lions Club Hall in Alliston on Monday, April 21, recognizing its volunteers for their contributions and celebrating special anniversaries for length of service.

All volunteers seem to agree that they get a good feeling from giving back to the community they call home.

CONTACT has around 80 volunteers who help run programs and work at The Clothes Line community thrift store in Alliston, where they recycle used clothing, small household items, electronics, toys, and books.

“Today is the 20th anniversary of our volunteer celebration,” explained Brenda Pufek, CONTACT Community Services manager of community engagement and development. “For 20 years, we’ve gotten together annually to celebrate our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week. This year, we have over 80 volunteers that we are working with – which is amazing.”

We couldn’t be more grateful. We have wonderful people who donate so much of their time and talent to our organization. Tonight we are giving out awards for people who have been with us for five years, 10 years, and 20 years. It’s a big social event. We celebrate milestones, volunteerism, and those who have gone above and beyond.”

Volunteers feel a sense of accomplishment by donating their time and skills.

“The reason we volunteer is to give back to the community,” explained CONTACT volunteer Marcia Breedon, who works at The Clothes Line. “Everything that comes into the store – all the money goes to help people find jobs and housing, and we help the homeless.”

Volunteers continue to help local community organizations continue their valuable work. 

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