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By Robin Swain
An amazing amount of nominations were received by the City for Volunteer of the Year. The majority of them were for Ronnie Duckworth.
The reasons people nominated him covered a wide range — from Senior Meals, United Paws, and many other civic involvements but Ronnie’s volunteering is about individuals in the community. He’s also known for is amazing BBQ!
I want to focus on the one thing that was reoccurring in all of Ronnie’s nominations: How many people nominated him for taking them to doctor appointments, grocery shopping running errands. Many of you may not think of that as volunteering. A few years ago, I probably would have shrugged and said that’s not really volunteering, as well. I’m telling you, you’re wrong. Just as once upon a time, I was too.
Due to medical issues and treatment, I too, have to rely on friends and community members to take me to doctor appointments and run errands. It always feels like a big ask and I feel guilty about taking up so many hours of a person’s day.
So, when many people stated, “He took me to the doctor” or, “He took me to the store,” I could totally relate to the importance of that kind of true community volunteerism.
Volunteering your time isn’t just about the big projects, it’s the many times of one-on-one. The driving a half hour to take someone to an appointment, waiting in the parking lot for an hour. Then, since you’re in town, going to the grocery store, (another hour), and back home.
Volunteering, is helping your community be a better place. Ronnie Duckworth does just that, by giving so many hours to help people have a quality of life that would not be possible if people like Ronnie weren’t here to step and take care of their neighbors and community.
Congratulations Ronnie Duckworth as the City of Rockaway Beach’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year!
