December 5 Is Worldwide Volunteer Day
According to greatnonprofits.org, the word "volunteer" has been in use since the 1700s, which made me wonder about volunteers throughout history. Here are some fun facts for historians and champions of volunteer activity.
- In 1736, with Ben Franklin's assistance, 30 Philadelphia men formed the Union Fire Company. Shaped after Boston's Mutual Fire Societies, the distinctive difference was that Mutual Fire Societies protected its members only – while the Union Fire Company protected all community members.
- In 1958, Ella Fitzgerald brought attention to the fight against polio in a televised program during which she sang, of course, and asked viewers for their financial support of the March of Dimes.
- In 1983, Sally Ride became the then-youngest astronaut (age 35) and first American woman in space. She was a role model for girls and young women of the day. She also was a devoted supporter of the Girl Scouts, co-founding Girl Scouts' Camp CEO, which paired minority girls with professional women for a personalized mentorship experience.
Thirty years ago, I began volunteering and later was employed by LifeWire (then called the Eastside Domestic Violence Program). I continue to serve LifeWire as a board member and representative of EvergreenHealth. These two organizations – LifeWire and EvergreenHealth – have earned my allegiance for many years.
Today, I offer thanks to all volunteers. Maybe you support several organizations or causes. Or maybe your volunteer activity is informal, best known among your colleagues or at the school bus stop every morning.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank EvergreenHealth's wonderful Hospice volunteers, who provide a much-needed service to our Hospice patients and families, both at the Hospice Care Center and in our community.
