NORWICH – As a nonprofit organization that leans heavily the shoulders of volunteers, the Norwich Family YMCA appreciates every set of helping hands it can get. Recently, volunteers at the Y were lauded at the annual “Hero Awards,” a celebration ceremony to spotlight the organization’s many volunteers.
Each year, the Y calls out volunteers who help maintain its mission of building strong communities in recognition of the vital role they play. From mentoring to facility maintenance, volunteers are the “lifeblood of any organization,” said Norwich YMCA Executive Director James Mullen.
“Volunteers come in many shapes, sizes, colors, ages, religions, cultures and more. Volunteers are the canvas of what the YMCA stands for and was conceived from,” said Mullen.
The Y depends on an estimated 600 volunteers from year to year, logging tens of thousands of volunteer hours at events like the Gus Macker three on three basketball tournament, the Turkey Trot 5K road race, and the Halloween Parade. But volunteers are also necessary for a host of day-to-day functions at the Y, such as leading its board of directors, coordinating community events and tournaments, coaching sport teams and fitness classes, reading to pre schoolers, giving monetary contributions, and doing the “behind the scenes” work that keeps the facility running smoothly.
The annual Hero Awards have been a staple of the Y since 2009. Award recipients covering a wide gamut of age and abilities are nominated by YMCA staff, board members, and YMCA members. “Nominations are received and often done so as the nominator is inspired by the work that they see of our volunteers,” said Mullen.
Seven adult volunteers were commended for their efforts this year. James Morris (an employee of NBT Bank), James Mikalowski (a realty agent with Realty USA) and Matt White were applauded for their part in organizing a regional volleyball tournament at the Y that also raised money for the organization’s scholarship program, the Chenango SPCA, and Roots and Wings (a subsidiary of Catholic Charities of Chenango County).
Volunteers Bob Moore and Janine Carpenter recognized for their work in coordinating the annual motorcycle rally which raised more than $1,500 for the Y’s scholarship program in 2014. Frank Tiffany, one of the Y’s many behind the scenes volunteers, was also praised for his various efforts which include picking up supplies, preparing for events, taking pictures at events, and cleaning after events.
Volunteer Bruce Bonney was this year’s final award recipient. As a longtime member and former board member of the Y, Bonney has had an invaluable presence, Mullen said. Bonney started as a coach for his son’s youth basketball team in the late 90s, putting to use a background in athletics and experience as a high school basketball coach. He continues that role today, long after his son grew out of the program.
“Bruce coaches not because he has kids on the team but because he loves to coach, loves to teach, loves to support our youth and loves to support the YMCA in our community,” said Mullen.
“It has always been a great opportunity to do something in the community that I know how to do and feel comfortable doing, and contribute to the community,” said Bonney. “The Y is one of the central institutions of Norwich ... It’s really the one place where I get to meet lots of people with similar interests and similar values in an environment where everyone is trying to help benefit Norwich, benefit the kids and benefit the people around them. Volunteering there is a great way to integrate your personal life into the larger life of the community.”
Bonney added that the perks of volunteerism not only help others, but provide a sense of self satisfaction too. “The insight I have garnered over the years is that the contributions you can make personally come back to you manyfold,” he said.
The Norwich Family YMCA is always looking for volunteers to support its mission in the community. Anyone interested in learning more about helping the Y, whether through donated time or monetary contributions, can call 336-YMCA (9622) or visit www.norwichymca.com.