Be the change - why your North Thompson community needs you.
Leaky pipes? Check. Doctor shortage? Yep. Ski trails not groomed. Been there. Not enough to do in town? We get it. But here’s a wild thought! What if instead of just complaining, we did something to help?
Every strong, thriving community has one thing in common, engaged citizens who step up when help is needed. Volunteerism isn’t just a nice idea – it’s the heartbeat of our valley towns. It’s the quiet, often unseen force that keeps our community alive and moving forward.
Right now, there are people all around you making a difference. They’re stocking the food banks, organizing the community Christmas dinners, offering local products through farmers’ markets, bringing a spring car show to life, and ensuring weekly events continue like the Wells Gray Lively Arts Summer Stage at Dutch Lake Community Centre and Musicians of Barriere music nights at Fadear Park to light up our summers.
Volunteers are out there maintaining the Clearwater Ski Hill, planning the May Day Parade, BSS and CSS graduation fundraisers, beautifying our towns through Valley Pride, the garden clubs and gallery showings by valley artisans as well as supporting the seniors’ societies, teaching Indigenous cultural skills hosted by Simpcw First Nation and the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre and supporting healthcare through the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Groups like Wells Gray and Lower North Thompson Community Forests, Wells Gray and Barriere Outdoors Clubs, Search and Rescue in Barriere and Clearwater, thrift stores in the valley, the Wells Gray Rotary Club, the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo and the Royal Canadian Legions branches #259 and #242 along with many others who are putting in the work, not for recognition, not for rewards, but because they care.
Up and down the valley in the North Thompson, from McLure to Blue River, volunteers create the fabric of unity through volunteerism and working together to create the quality of life we all love in this beautiful valley we call home. There are valley wide organizations, like the North Thompson Communities Foundation that serve the whole valley who would welcome your support through volunteering, donations or membership.
Let’s not forget the parent volunteers who coach, organize, and actively participate in youth programs like soccer, figure skating, cross country skiing, hockey, 4 – H, Jackrabbits, Scouts, Girl Guides, and Brownies. These parents dedicate countless hours to ensure our kids have opportunities to learn, grow, and be part of something special. Without them, many of these programs simply wouldn’t exist.
There are so many worthwhile organizations, groups and initiatives that require volunteers to succeed valley-wide.
The question is: What are you doing?
It’s easy to expect someone else, whether it’s the government, an organization, or even just “other people” to solve the problems. But communities don’t improve because a handful of officials wave a magic wand. Despite his name, our mayor in Clearwater isn’t a wizard. Real change happens when everyone takes ownership of their town, when people stop waiting for someone else to fix things and start contributing themselves.
Want ski trails groomed? Lend a hand. Want more activities in town? Organize an event or activity. Want better healthcare access? Get involved in local advocacy. Want a more vibrant, connected community? Start by showing up, helping, and making a difference. The power of action over words. Social media rants don’t fix problems; action does. Instead of spending hours doom-scrolling and adding fuel to online outrage, imagine if that time was spent creating solutions instead.
What if, instead of complaining about what’s missing, we each committed to making something better? What if, instead of pointing fingers, we extended a helping hand? The truth is, volunteering is about more than just giving back, it’s about belonging. It connects you to your neighbours, gives you a sense of purpose, and reminds you that you matter. Because you do. Every single person has something to offer. Your time, your skills, your passion – they all have the power to change lives, starting with your own.
