Community Profile
Niall Williams (right) with Amy Hennesy from Terasen EnvironmentSpirit of Community Awards 2005. Niall has lived in this community for most of his life and has seen many things change. One change that is of great significance to him is the changes in our water. By great significance I mean he is committing 20 years to research the water quality in our community. For years he has seen the water quality decreasing. He is dedicated to see our environment being taken care of and wants to see more people get involved to take care of it too. Along with the 20 years of water quality research he has volunteered in a number of different organizations, events, project, the list goes on. He is widely known in the community and is there to help and make a difference whenever asked. Currently, one of the organizations he is involved with is Streamkeepers. There are approximately 20 Streamkeepers with in our small communities. His goal is to bring the groups together to share information. “Why reinvent the wheel, when others already have.” In the past he has put in over 25,000 hours towards volunteering. A very committed man. He enjoys history, is a carpenter, engineer, and has worked the tug boats on our waters. He likes change and finds it useful. He encourages people to do and learn different things. Nialls views on volunteering: after being in the role for volunteer management he encourages all managers to empower their volunteers and delegate responsibilities to them. “Volunteers want to get involved and be a part of what is going on. They just need to be given the opportunity and to be challenged.” We need to find out what the volunteers want out of their experience. He would like to see volunteers empowered. Niall: Thank you for sharing, your thoughts, encouraging words, and a bit about yourself to us and the community. We would also like to thank and acknowledge Niall for his support and commitment to the SCD website. Please keep looking back to find further postings and updates.
The Society for Community Development.
Article by Karen Bartlett
Photo by Tri-City News What was said about Niall at the Spirit of Community Awards Ceremony: "The recipient chosen for this award increases awareness through respecting and honouring mother earth by encouraging action, empowering and supporting individual involvement. This years volunteer has donated over one thousand hours to promote watershed, habitat, fish and wildlife protection through several groups and as an individual. The recipient is frequently seen at public events, workshops, conferences, native plant rescues, presenting at city council, Streamkeepers and educational activity initiatives to bring people from their homes and offices to the creek. This unsung hero does not promote himself or tell of his contributions, as he is humble and shy. Please join me in congratulating our recipient, Niall Williams."