My volunteer day
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Transcript of My volunteer day
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In 2010, AMA introduced a paid volunteer day to its staff. This is my experience.
by Diane Bégin
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Back in 2006, when volunteering with a women’s service organization I became aware of Hearts & Hooves.
Michelle Kropp started the organization in Sherwood Park that rescues mini and dwarf horses.
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The minis and dwarfs visit facilities like hospitals and palliative care centres to bring cheer to people.
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In 2006, our women’s service organization had given a grant to Hearts & Hooves to help build a place for visitors on their farm.
We also had a chance to tag along on a visit.
Michelle
Me
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Ever since, I’ve wanted to volunteer with them again, so when AMA introduced its volunteer day, I jumped at the opportunity.
It was a GREAT way to get out of the office and enjoy the summer sun!
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Diane Comeau was our guide for the scheduled visits in Fort Saskatchewan on July 22.
She’s just amazing with both horses and people.
She’s a student in the University of Alberta agriculture program.
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There were also a number of human volunteers and of course, five of ourfour legged friends.
My buddy for the day in the bottom picture was Timbit.
General
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Diane C. bought Timbit at an auction. Because he was overweight, she called him Timbit.
Timbit’s skin quivers when you touch him – a result of the abuse he suffered before being rescued.
Fortunately, he warmed to me quickly.
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We met at the corral in the parks area in Fort Saskatchewan where the horses could eat and run around a little. (the humans ran around a little too)
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Our whole day involved walkingfrom location to location from about 10am until 2pm.
Because it was a beautiful sunny day, we stayed outside, but we did go inside one seniors’ facility with the horses.
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We (well the horses) were a magnet for people when walking around town.
The best part was chatting with seniors who seemed so happy we were visiting.
Even cleaning up after the horses wasn’t so bad!
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I am very gratefulto have been given the opportunity to volunteer for a day with such a great organization run by such great people!
Special thanks to Diane C., Timbit and everyone who participated on July 22.