Unsung heroes get their due in Portage

Canada's 24 million volunteers are being applauded for their hard work as National Volunteer Week rolls on.

Kevin Hamm, General Manager at Portage's MCC thrift shop, says that with close to 100 volunteers, MCC couldn't operate as they do.

Kevin Hamm

"They come six days a week and do such an amazing job," Hamm continues. "We love that we can have an opportunity to celebrate them, and this is just a great opportunity for us to thank them."

Hamm adds that many people need to realize how much of an impact the volunteers have on the community of Portage la Prarie.

"We certainly do love and appreciate them."

MCC volunteers celebrating National Volunteer Week with a snack!

Jeanna Emms from the Portage Friendship Centre explains that the centre is always astounded by the number of people willing to help.

"We're so blessed to have such an extensive list of volunteers, and they come from all walks of life, from young kids to elders. We are certainly blessed with the amount of volunteers that help us."

Jeanna Emms 

Major Brenda Hammond from the Portage Salvation Army says the food bank can't thank everyone who shows up for them enough.

"The Salvation Army would not be the same in Portage without the volunteers doing the quiet behind-the-scenes work that needs to be done."

Major Brenda Hammond from the Portage Salvation Army.

Hammond highlights that the food bank served 85 families last week.

"Our volunteers appear every week and help us make it so that people have food on the table. That's a wonderful gift they give to Portage every week."

National Volunteer Week is celebrated from April 16th - 22nd.