Volunteering Rockz

Today’s secret word is “voluntold.” When you hear the secret word, you can either scream really loud or take a breath and accept your duties as assigned.

Being married to an event planner, I am voluntold on a regular basis. My duties include driving around the event planner, setting up tables and chairs or running a trivia game while people enjoy drink samples. Today’s voluntold expedition was at Hooves for Hospice. The annual horse riding event brings avid equestrians together for a ride in support of Hospice Wellington.

It was a gorgeous day in Centre Wellington - a big difference from the cold, wet and soggy day we had. This time of year, the farmlands make for a perfect day outside. The fresh Autumn air stayed at a comfortable temperature as the sun warmed up our surroundings. As a voluntold member of the team, I set up the banners then sat on a hay throne with a coffee. The volunteers worked the registration while I watched the trailers come in with their steeds. The volunteers were all eager and enthusiastic for a day of fresh air and comradery. Each has their reason for being there to help. Like them, I was excited to be there and add my support.

Once the riders were checked in, I walked the grounds to check out surroundings. The land was filled with all sorts of equipment - tractors, bicycles, chains, haystacks, twine, wood, planks and feed. We watched the herd of cattle hiding in their pens. When Phil and I would approach them, they all turned to stare in bewilderment at these strangers coming up to them. They must have been nervous because most of them just peed right in front of us. “We mean no harm,” we would say to try and lull them.

The organizer’s Percheron horse was more eager to approach us. No carrots in our hands, Noah gave way for a couple pets along their strong necks and muzzle. Gosh, these animals are massive. Staring into his eyes was like having a competition with Agatha for her snacks. Noah is a gentle giant and a fierce competitor.

As the riders prepared, I watched the opening ceremony and remarks before a Scottish piper played them out onto the trails. All we had to do was sit and wait. The smell of chili cooking wafted from the barn. The actual volunteers and I soaked in the sun while talking about travel and reality television. The temperature rose so we could discard warmer coats for lighter long-sleeve shirts. Eventually, Phil and I would change into shorts and a t-shirt. Hey, might as well take it for mid-October.

Once the riders were back, we all dug into the chili and fresh rolls. Thanks to the host and the riders, Hospice will receive a large donation for their much needed programs and supplies. I watched as the team served the chili, ready for my next orders. The signs needed tearing down and more chili needed to be eaten.

After the event finished, we returned the equipment back to the centre. Inside, a program was being run - one that will be supported through fundraisers like Hooves - and I was surprised with a brief reunion from one of my high school English teachers. Our jaws dropped when we realized who the other was, but kept quiet so as not to interrupt the ongoing session. I had always wondered what happened to her. Phil informed me that she is a volunteer at Hospice. I hope to see her again soon, maybe on another voluntold assignment.

Capped off the day with a visit with my nephew, sister and brother-in-law. We drew with chalk, chased each other and played with cars, and that was just me and my sister (bah-dum-dum). Not a bad gig for a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Voluntold duties should not be mistaken for certain assignments such as participating in a wedding party, organizing a coworker's baby shower or being a plus one at a child's musical recital. Those you just have to suffer through, unfortunately. There are no perks to these types of assignments. You only have yourself to blame for being an active participant in these people's lives.

My husband knows I would do anything for him, but he also knows that I enjoy these opportunities to get involved. While it may seem like work, the difference is it does not feel like work. Volunteering can be uplifting for your spirit, knowing you are giving your time to help make something like Hooves run successfully. You link up with like-minded folks, who's enthusiasm is infectious and the more they care, the more you want to too. I get to volunteer with friends and family, which makes for a more enjoyable experience. Especially when your friend packs the best snacks and shares them, while we huddle under a tent in the rain.

Maybe I need to make an ad to promote volunteering. Dressed up in a sideways cap, bagging shorts and a loose tee that says “volunteering rockz!” Total 90s style with flashy graphics and quick shots of me lifting a box or taking pictures of a barn cat. People high-fiving after a job well done and walking in groups like a gang you shouldn't be afraid of but oddly are. 

I hope people get involved with something they care about - be it youth, animals, the environment, health and wellness or different communities needing support. Because volunteering is cool. So is being voluntold to get up at 6 a.m. to hang out with horses or eat cake pops while serving beer samples.