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Mission Institution Volunteer Appreciation Night

By Peter Mavridis, Chief Food Services, Mission Institution

The annual Mission Institution Volunteer Appreciation Night was held on Thursday June 17, 2004 to acknowledge the many volunteers who help to provide valuable programs and services to the inmate population.

The evening started with a reception held in the Visits and Correspondence area followed by a beautifully presented dinner in the inmate dining room. Mission Warden Vince LeBlanc addressed the attendees, thanked them for their service and affirmed that volunteers are essential to maintaining a community link with offenders. He said that volunteers enhance citizen engagement and fulfill a very specific and vital need within an institution.

Master of ceremonies and Protestant chaplain for Mission and Ferndale institutions, Reverend Dave Price, orchestrated the evening and coordinated meals, refreshments and gift ceremonies. Inmate Michael Cho performed a song he wrote to thank the volunteers.

Mr. and Mrs. Arden Robertson, volunteers with over 25 years of service at Mission Institution, were among the many honoured with framed certificates and mementos made by the inmates.

Over 120 volunteers, inmates and staff, enjoyed an evening of fellowship that emphasized the important contribution of volunteers to the reintegration process.