By A. Gortan, Citizen Journalist

Appreciation was bubbling over at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Center, during a reception recognizing volunteers for their dedication. Executive Director Angus Matthews opened the event by expressing his gratitude. “We can’t do it without you. Go read the guest book. There is not a day that goes by without comments that say, ‘amazing volunteer’, ‘so knowledgeable’ and ‘so friendly’. That is the soul of this place.”

Guest speaker and host of the CBC National Science Radio Program ‘Quirks & Quarks’, Bob McDonald,  praised the center for the important role it plays in the lives of young people. “This is a fabulous, fabulous place. I believe and support places like this, because this is where I began. Science centers, large and small – they take people and make them aware in a way schools cannot do.”

Throughout the evening, Volunteer Coordinators Beth Watkins and Kendra Fowler, recognized the hours of service contributed by each volunteer  “Oceaneer ”, by presenting them with certificates and commemorative pins.

Beth Watkins said the center records over 1000 hours of combined volunteer service each month.

Oceaneer Tina Kelly told the audience, “Most of us…we love the ocean. That is part of why I do this. So I can share my love of the ocean with everyone else.”

The celebration concluded with a festive, octopus adorned cake (courtesy of Thrifty Foods), in addition to several raffle items that were donated as gifts for the volunteers.

As the evening drew to a close, the crowd lingered amongst the tranquil sea life, which for some has become a second home. In the words of guest speaker Bob McDonald, “The beauty of volunteering, is you do this because you love it.”