Re: Where is city involvement, Letters to the editor, Burnaby NOW, Nov. 18.
Diane Gillis tries to justify the $30,000 spent on the volunteer appreciation dinner. What about other volunteers that contribute in Burnaby but are not connected to the Burnaby Citizens Association or city hall?
For example, the women who volunteer weekly at the West Burnaby United Church community lunch program. Women that prepare, serve and clean up for the Burnaby citizens who are homeless, poor and mentally ill (something that the BCA council chooses to ignore and play the blame game with the feds and provincial government). What about the Grade 6 and 7 students from Ms. Campbell's class at Chaffey-Burke who come weekly and serve food to the patrons and also help clean up?
I myself have washed dishes for six years. That satisfaction I get is intrinsic. I feel joy that I have helped someone and contributed to society. That is my high. I don't need recognition.
If these volunteers connected to city hall need some recognition, what about a thank-you letter to all or a thank-you tea? That would be a lot more fiscally responsible. That $30,000 could go to more worthwhile cause like feeding the poor and homeless that the BCA chooses to ignore.
However, with the recent election results, there will probably be more reckless spending. Let's face it, the BCA came to the election with no mandate, but they have one now to do whatever they want with no accountability.
Donna Polos, Burnaby
