April 19 to 25 is National Volunteer week, a time for organizations and individuals to celebrate the volunteers in their lives. In the Valley, there are many community organizations that rely on volunteers to keep them afloat. Among them is S.A.B.E.C., which is one of many groups that is currently in need of more volunteers
Isabelle Woods, the general director of S.A.B.E.C., explains that it offers a medical appointment accompaniment service for all residents of the Haut-Saint-Laurent. “There are no age or income restrictions. We offer this service at a reduced rate to help the community.” These services are provided by volunteers who donate their time to drive patients to and from appointments.
On April 23, S.A.B.E.C. is holding a fundraiser which will help “to continue offering this service at a low cost. We organize several fundraisers each year … The proceeds will allow us to continue providing our valuable service,” Woods says. The spaghetti supper will take place at the Brasserie du Village in Huntingdon, and tickets for this event can be purchased at the bar for $15.
S.A.B.E.C. would not exist without its volunteers, who “play a very important role in our organization, as they are the ones who interact directly with the people who utilize the service.” It currently has 58 volunteers, and Wood says they deserve to be recognized for their work. “I believe volunteers are very important to the community because they are caring and respectful of everyone. A volunteer is someone who gives their time to help those in need. Since they are happy to give their time, the beneficiaries sense this,” she says.
She goes on to say, “We are always in need of volunteers. You don’t have to go to Montreal or Longueuil; we need people with a kind heart, a valid driver’s license, and a vehicle to provide small-scale transportation in Valleyfield, Ormstown, Chateauguay, and even Huntingdon.”
For those who want to be involved either through attending a fundraiser, making a donation, or donating their time, check out the S.A.B.E.C. website, www.sabecduhsl.com. They are grateful for the extra support, regardless of what form it comes in.