The Deputy Chief of the Camrose Fire Department said, “The Olympic torch is one flame we can let burn.” Here in Camrose, however, there is another flame that burns in the members of the community. With seemingly the entire town closed down for the Olympic Torch Relay, there appears to be more volunteers than spectators.
Jenn Cook, Wilma Shields, and Doris Hoffman are three such outgoing folks who volunteer at every community event. “It’s just great to be out in the town and see old friends you haven’t seen in a while. By volunteering at every event, we get to go to every event.” Though they were excited for their local hockey and curling tournaments, the Olympic Torch Relay was one event they won’t soon forget.
Local artist Andrew Phillips noted how the community gives “….an amazing amount of support for artists. I’m here at the torch relay with a booth. Not only am I not being charged for the booth, the city had volunteers to help me set up.”
Further to the volunteerism and community spirit, Deputy Chief Don Rosland remembers a fire at the elderly care centre not too far away from the relay event. “As the fire grew, we needed volunteers to help move the patients inside. The head nurse had her pick as the entire street was lined with local residents who were on hand willing to help in what ever way they could.”
One would almost think that the torch was hardly needed to inspire community spirit in Camrose; it was plain to see that its symbol of enduring community spirit is already reflected in every town member.
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