The Back Country Horsemen of BC BCHBC Valuable Volunteers - part of the “Ripple Effect” By Rose Schroeder, Shuswap Chapter, BCHBC Provincial Secretary
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CHBC is a volunteer driven organization. Volunteers are vital to the success of all non-profit organizations. They are highly valued and come in all ages, sizes, shapes, makes and models! According to national volunteering stats, an impressive 13 million Canadians (44%) have participated in volunteer work that equals 2 billion hours! Why do people volunteer and what can volunteering provide? - participate with family - make new friends with similar interests - give back to the community - have been personally affected by a cause - see new places - make a difference, have an impact - feel needed, feel good - help where there is a need - gain skills and share skills - be part of a team - have some fun - add to a resume - lead to job opportunities - recognition of efforts BCHBC has many dedicated valuable volunteers in each of our 19 chapters. Here are a select few to give you an idea of what our valuable volunteers believe:
Jennifer Marshall is a new Okanagan Chapter member with a definite passion for the concept of what BCHBC stands for - preserving equine use on trails. That includes education for both riders and the general public so we can all share the trails in a positive manner. Coming from a small community she knows how important volunteer efforts are! Jen recognizes that Talented volunteer Jen by stepping up, she can meet like-minded Marshall entertaining riding friends, learn about other riding around a campfire. areas in the province and know that she Photo by Rose Schroeder. has made a difference in her community and our province. Her advice: “We all need to work together and learn from each other. Everyone has something to contribute, from making coffee to designing bridges! Every bit of effort matters!” Scott Walker is a long-time member of BCHBC, and past President. He felt he could be a part of BCHBC which is a diverse group of people who sincerely enjoy riding trails, gathering for social events, and putting their hands, minds, and backs to work
on projects for equestrians. Scott has been true to his word. He has been a leader on many major projects, like the Lundbom and Kane Lake equestrian campgrounds, bridge replacements on the Dewdney Trail in EC Manning Park and other projects. Rebuilding the 28 corrals at Lundbom Lake with 42 Okanagan Chapter member Scott Walker hard other BCHBC volunteers is a cherished at work at Lundbom Lake. memory for him. Scott believes Photo by Rose Schroeder. supporting recreational horseback riding in BC cannot be overvalued, nor taken for granted and must be pursued with passion to be sustainable in the future. But the most rewarding is in the friendships he has made along with the gained knowledge and skills while participating and joining in BCHBC rides, events, and activities. He says, “Volunteering takes effort and some level of commitment, and everyone has something to offer. Join us, it is totally worth it.” Eric Becker belongs to the Northwest Chapter near Smithers. Eric is one of the leaders in the Coalmine Equestrian Camp project. He puts his efforts into working with others that have the same interests. He enjoys working on projects that benefit BCHBC members and that strengthen our BCHBC Chapters and Eric Becker on a chapter ride. Society as a whole. As proof, Eric has Photo by Patricia Klym. been a Chapter Chair and currently is a Provincial Vice President. Eric says, “Join us and volunteer. You get to indulge yourself in the things you enjoy!” Brian Marriott is our President and from the East Kootenay Chapter in Cranbrook. There is a saying, “United we stand, divided we fall.” According to Brian, BCHBC is the link between recreational riders and the future of trail riding in BC. His goal would be to see all recreational riders join us to speak as one. There is strength in numbers, BCHBC President Brian and this will help keep trails open for long Marriott. term equestrian use. You can visit the BCHBC website at www.bchorsemen.org and join or donate to help with that goal.
Back Country Horsemen of BC – serving BC trail riding enthusiasts since 1989!
Check out our beautiful website at bchorsemen.org / Questions? Contact info@bchorsemen.org BCHBC respectfully acknowledges that our members are privileged to recreate on the unceded traditional lands of First Nations people of British Columbia.
32 • MAY 2023
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