It's Volunteer Week, and Portage la Prairie's well aware of the value volunteers are to our city. President of Portage Plains United Way Sharilyn Knox outlines the vital role volunteers play in their efforts.

"The United Way definitely relies on its volunteers in order to run. We have a volunteer board of directors. We have volunteers that help us with all of our events. We have volunteers who help promote during our campaign. We definitely wouldn't be successful without our community volunteers."

She says the amount of time Portage residents put into the community by way of giving back as volunteers definitely shows.

Portage Community Revitalization Corporation executive director Valerie Garlick explains their reliance on volunteer effort.

"Volunteers are a huge part of how PCRC is involved in the community. We count on volunteers to serve on our board of directors; to serve on the home beautification committee; our fundraising committee, and certainly with the different events that we plan and host. Volunteers are a big part of the success of those as well."

She notes many committed individuals volunteer in Portage. Garlick says their time, energy and enthusiasm make them the life blood of what PCRC does. She notes the most recent event was a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to hold an Easter Egg Decorating Extravaganza with 15 volunteers. Garlick says they're currently recruiting for the board of directors.

Portage Chamber of Commerce executive director Cindy McDonald notes the valuable role many of our residents play.

"Volunteers are the backbone of the community. If it wasn't for the volunteers, there wouldn't be festivals. There wouldn't be non-profit organizations, because boards run those organizations. And most boards are all non-paid volunteer positions. So, like they say on the website, volunteers are the roots of a strong community."

She adds you should find what you're passionate about, and check out the many organizations including the Potato festival and air show in Southport that's coming up. McDonald says volunteer effort is great in Portage, but the city can always use more.

To get involved as a volunteer:

Portage Plains United Way's Office on 20 Saskatchewan Avenue East where there is staff who can also be contacted at (204) 857-4440. Website: http://portageplainsuw.ca/

The PCRC can be contacted at (204) 240-7272, their website, or Facebook page to notify them of your interests and how you might fit with their programs. http://www.portagechamber.com/contact.html

The Chamber of Commerce can be notified of your interest to help at their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PortageLaPrairieDistrictChamberOfCommerce, or website: http://www.portagechamber.com/