Volunteer extraordinaire Paul Singh has won the Readers’ Choice award for “Volunteer of the Year.”
Singh said he is honoured to be chosen for this recognition, and all the moreso because it is the community he loves who voted him for the award.
“I've said these things before, and I'm proud to say this again, that when I moved to Cochrane in 2014, I was by myself and no nobody here," he explained. "This town has given me everything I wanted. This is home, and to give back to your home, it's not only your responsibility, but you also acknowledge that there are so many people who are involved to help you grow, and it's just a small gesture to say and appreciate what town has provided you.”
Singh seems to have his hand in almost every volunteer cause in town in one way or another, but is best known for sitting on the board of directors for the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, the Cochrane Society for Housing Options and Cochrane Community Futures.
While Singh appreciates the support he has had in the community, he is quick to point out that there are many within the community who deserve recognition for their volunteer service.
“Cochrane is known for its volunteerism,” he said. “Some people are behind the scenes and are never out in front, and when you volunteer you see them. There are some who have been involved for almost 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, and they are just behind the scenes, and they do (their volunteerism) wholeheartedly. So I feel for that as well, and that's a source of motivation which keeps you moving.”
One of Singh’s most recent volunteer efforts was to help co-organize a bottle drive to raise money to support local businesses who were impacted by highway and road closures in the town. Singh said it is an example of his approach to all his volunteer work. He sees an immediate need, and he tries to think of ways he can help. He then calls up his network of contacts to get things rolling on it as quickly as possible. He credits his many helpers and co-organizers who are always ready to respond.
“They'll lend you a hand, and those are the things which keep you motivated and keep you going forward,” he said.
Singh appreciates all who voted for him in the Readers’ Choice awards this year, and he is thankful to be a member of the Cochrane community.
“You feel appreciated,” he said. “I would say you feel a little bit more satisfied that you have done something, regardless of whether you get it returned. You know that you have done something for somebody which will be helpful for him or her so that they could be successful in life.”
