I had an opportunity to spend a fair bit of time on the weekend thinking about giving and participating. I’m referring, of course, to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. I was one of the few who braved the elements and spent the entire 15 hours at the event. It was unfortunate that Mother Nature wasn’t kinder to those who were there but I doubt that the number of dollars raised was any less as a result. Congratulations to Sheila Tutty and the entire committee who worked very hard to put on this annual event and raise money for a very worthwhile cause.

This Sunday, a very different event takes place at the Windermere Valley Golf Course. The fourth annual Valley Echo Giving Back golf tournament will tee off at 1:30 p.m. with all proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Invermere to support their latest project, a water spray park at Kinsmen Beach. I like the sound of that, a Rotary project at a Kinsmen project. Our service clubs are so important to our communities… and as a service club member recently said to me, “… we’re spending your money.”

The clubs act as a conduit to gather up funds from the community to spend within the community.

Anyway, rambling back to the topic… it’s fantastic how this community participates. And participation comes in many forms; taking part in events, sponsoring events or supporting those that do one or the other.

One of the canvassers for the Giving Back silent auction/hole sponsorships said it was amazing how many people just give — all they need is to be asked. I want to say thank you to all of you for all you do. I know there will be those who think I’m not referring to them, but I’ll bet I am. I don’t think many people realize just how much they participate in this community just by living in it.

Please, if you can, give back by participating in the Giving Back Golf Tournament. Drop in or call The Echo office for details.

Marilyn Berry is the publisher of The Valley Echo.