Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers vocalized his support for volunteer groups who have had a difficult go at finding funding in the COVID-19 world.
His comments came as City Council met for their regular Governance and Priorities Committee session on Monday 19th April. There was a request to assist the Lloydminster Citizens on Patrol Society whose fundraising efforts have been stymied due to the economic challenges of COVID.
“There’s a lot of volunteer organisations that are finding it tough and difficult for fundraising, so it’s something the City will have to consider, if it comes forward from Administration which I suspect it will and what they propose for a funding methodology.”
The Citizens on Patrol perform a voluntary function to assist the RCMP in the detection of criminal activity. The volunteer group is asking for a donation of five thousand dollars from the City to cover the shortfall in their fundraising efforts. The money will be used to cover the licensing, registration and maintenance of their three vehicles.
A possible idea being discussed is to use funds generated from Photo Radar ticketing to assist the Citizen’s on Patrol.
The timing of the request happens to coincide with National Volunteers Week which is being observed. the Mayor took the time to extend his commendations to all volunteers. His Worship said there’s never been a greater time in our community and in our country to volunteer.
“Do you have time to volunteer? Please take that time. If you don’t know where to volunteer, reach out to our FCSS team at City Hall and they’ll be more than willing to share the many opportunities that exist within the community.”
The Mayor is saluting all volunteers as he encourages Lloydminster citizens to continue to reach out and support each other in these times.