Message from the President

Many Hands, Shared Glory

Every successful volunteer organization has its public moments: the well-attended event, the beautiful garden, the busy plant sale, the polished newsletter, the community tour, the boisterous Christmas party, or the fundraiser that exceeds expectations. These achievements are often described as the work of a committee or a few visible leaders. But behind every success is a larger story: the quiet, generous, and often unseen labour of volunteers.

Volunteers are the foundation of community organizations, and this is certainly true of our Cowichan Valley Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. Our volunteers bring time, skill, energy, humour, and goodwill. Some take on visible roles, organizing events, greeting visitors, leading tours, or speaking on behalf of the group. Others contribute just as importantly behind the scenes: setting up chairs, answering emails, baking treats, driving guests, weeding, making phone calls, hauling supplies, tidying up afterward, or simply being there when help is needed. Without that shared effort, even the best ideas remain only ideas.

For this reason, successful organizations must also share the glory. Recognition should not rest only with those at the front of the room or whose names appear on the program. A healthy volunteer culture makes room to acknowledge everyone who contributed, including those whose work was practical, modest, or invisible to the public. Gratitude is not mere politeness; it is what keeps people willing to help again.

Sharing credit also builds trust and friendship. Volunteers are more likely to feel valued when they know their efforts are seen and appreciated. It reminds us that the organization belongs to all of us, not only to a few energetic individuals, to those who stepped forward when an executive was being cobbled together, or to those who hold particular expertise. Success then becomes collective rather than competitive, and pride becomes something that strengthens the group rather than dividing it.

The best volunteer organizations understand that achievement is rarely the result of one person’s or one committee’s effort. It comes from many hands, many hours, and many small acts of generosity. When we celebrate success, we should therefore celebrate the whole circle of people who made it possible.

At the same time, there are individuals whose contributions deserve special recognition within the larger society. We are therefore delighted to bask in the reflected glory that Alan Campbell, recipient of the ARS Silver Medal, has brought both to himself and to the CVRS.

On April 24, 2026, Alan Campbell was awarded the ARS Silver Medal for his outstanding contributions to the preservation of the Rhododendron species

As I step aside and allow someone else to take the helm of this society, I do so with real gratitude. The successes of the past year belong to all of you. In the end, the true glory of a volunteer organization lies not only in what it accomplishes, but in how it accomplishes it: together.

Dorothy Kennedy

Outgoing President, CVRS