SWARTA Volunteer of the Year
Terry Whitehead | President, SWARTA
Besides enjoying a successful teaching career, Sandra Brunelle still found time to do volunteer work, which was and still is important to her. When reflecting on her volunteer work, Sandra said, “Benefits may include a sense of community, a meeting of new friends, increased social skills, improved self-esteem, and bringing fun into one’s life. I have had the opportunity in my life to experience all of this and so much more. During my childhood, excellent examples were demonstrated to me by my parents, teachers, and community. I thank them for this. Many, if not all of you, have volunteered during your life. Verbal thanks may not be given, but the feelings you are left with are worth every effort you made. Helping a friend or a neighbour is volunteering. I encourage each of you to reflect on where you have given
your time.”
The list of Sandra’s volunteer commitments is long and remarkable. She has served:
- as president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Local #41 for four years, having served previously as secretary and vice president
- on the Alberta Choral Federation Board for ten years
- with Lethbridge Musical Theatre in the orchestra pit, backstage, on stage, and as vocal director
- on the Local Carl Orff Association Board as secretary and chair
- as director of McKillop United Handbell Choir for many years
- on the Ambassador Committee for the Alberta 55 Plus Winter Games 2009.
Sandra has also:
- played with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra for ten years and
- served on the Lethbridge Symphony Board for eight years
- volunteered for the Kiwanis Festival for years in various roles
- served as area representative for the Alberta Heart Foundation for many years
- canvassed for the cancer fund
- served as chair on the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Society Board since 2016.
We are so proud to have Sandra as part of our ARTA and SWARTA family and as a dear friend to all of us.
