The Elora Festival and the Elora Festival Singers have presented three local people with awards of appreciation for their volunteer work.
There are over 150 volunteers who make the festival possible. They do everything from taking tickets at the venues, to making tea on Sundays, from keeping the chairs clean at the Gambrel barn, to picking up empty water bottles.
While every volunteer is valued for their professionalism, there are three each year who stand out and are honoured for their contributions.
The Else McLean award is given to the volunteer who best emulates the vision and commitment of Mclean as an ambassador of the festival, marketing and promoting in all situations. This year’s recipient is David Copp, a volunteer for over 26 years, always smiling, and never too shy to invite a stranger to visit the festival.
The Robert Hulse award is given to recognize the quiet, faithful, behind-the-scenes volunteer who has contributed whatever is needed, often without being asked and without seeking recognition.
The award was given this year to Barbara Hazlett.
The top recognition is the Volunteer of the Year award. That honour is “awarded for excellence and commitment in a variety of roles, and demonstrating service above self”.
Judy Bates is this year’s recipient. She is active on the volunteer committee and the gala committee, sorts books for the book sale year round, is an usher and house manager, mans the festival shop, billets visiting artists, and then asks what else she can do.
The Elora Festival and Singers offer many opportunities year round. Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact Sharon Rice at 519-846-0331 or sharon@elorafestival.com.
Next year the festival celebrates its 30th anniversary.
