"Because the need is there!"

And that seemed to be the theme of a gathering of nearly 1000 people at Salle Andre-Mathieu this past Tuesday, at the 25th Ville de Laval Gala to mark the contribution of thousands of Laval residents who work, unpaid, day in and day out for the benefit of others in over 600 non-profit community organizations, without which, said Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt, Laval would be deprived of a major part of its soul as a vibrant and dynamic city.

Although she first became involved because her son, Martin, was a skater, she continued to devote herself to the cause for many years after. And true to her selfless approach to the work to be done, she noted that among her fondest memories is the fact that although she never skated competitively herself, she became a judge at many skating events, and a well-received one at that, she proudly specified.

Sadly, Mrs. Scully also told of one of the most painful experiences of her life as a volunteer when she was asked by a local elementary school if the skating club could provide some financial assistance for children who needed shoes, clothes, and food. "Imagine, in Laval, in the 21st century, someone having to intervene on behalf of children whose basic needs are not being met," the long-time volunteer stated, before excusing herself as tears started to well up in her sensitive eyes.

Quickly regaining her composure, she added that she would do it all over again, but for now she's going to take a few months to reflect on it all, hoping to remain active in an advisory capacity and pass the torch on to others, alluding to the need for people of all ages, but particularly the young, to become more involved in volunteer work.

Incidentally, this spirit of youth was given full expression by the organizers of the event who exercised a stroke of entertainment genius by incorporating the Années Jeunesse musical revue into the evening's program. To say, the least, these young people did nothing less than completely enthrall the hall from wall to wall, as a fitting tribute to the volunteers and as an invitation to young people to get involved in their milieus.