July 2020 | Página 14

Volunteers Volunteers are the backbone of the work we do at MASC and some of them have been working with us for almost 30 years! Volunteers participate in running events, they offer administrative support and they sit on the MASC board. They are a committed group with deep belief in the value of artistic experiences and they have all become a part of the MASC family. We simply couldn’t do what we do without them. “Volunteering at MASC ... Or really it should be volunteering for MASC, with MASC, because of MASC, in support of MASC.” “Whether it’s cataloguing the bountiful book donations or arranging prize packages for MASC Arts Awards participants or setting up a “Green Room” for Your Story Festival presenters, I feel part of a vibrant community that encourages young artists and gives them supplies and opportunities that are life changing. The MASC vision is clear and well-orchestrated which makes any time spent volunteering there well used and purpose driven. The youth who participate are brave and passionate about their art forms and in turn their passion keeps my volunteer fuel tank full. I believe in the work that MASC is doing, because I have seen the results. Reading letters from young adults who describe the impact MASC events have had on their lives is concrete proof that MASC is an important and vital member of the art scene in Ottawa. And, for me, well, I just have to be a part of a community that makes such positive change in the lives of our youth.” Cathy Seguin “For many years now, we have been associated with MASC, first as teachers spearheading the choice of artists to be invited into our elementary school, Briargreen PS. Students watched multi-cultural musicians, actors, dancers, puppeteers, storytellers …. so many stellar performances that opened the eyes and hearts of children to the world of the arts. Since retirement, we have furthered our association with MASC as volunteers. We are so pleased to be able to contribute to this very worthy organization and to continue our connection with students and the arts. Whether mailing out those beautiful brochures, setting up for workshops/conferences, preparing for the celebration of student achievements through MASC Arts Awards, getting to know the team in the MASC office and other volunteers through attending meetings and events, or simply helping with crowd control, we are always welcomed, treated as if we were family and necessary to the successful running of events.” Chris Beaver and Marion Laffradi 14