As I reflect back on the five years of Communities in Bloom activity, I often wonder how many volunteer hours have gone into its successes and its growth as a society. What is the attraction to citizens who join in the society’s activities and who lead the organization?

One of the attractive elements of Communities in Bloom lies within its own definition: Communities in Bloom is “…committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification…” This element speaks to altruism — that higher purpose, the betterment of the welfare of others. But C in B volunteers are, in a narrower sense, volunteering for their own social, economic and environmental advantage. It’s a win/win as the cliché says.

Communities in Bloom also offers the element of competition. There is exhilaration that comes from a challenge, and both local and provincial competition encourage that challenge. The C in B organizers do not emphasize competition at the local level, but they do stress that participation brings high points from provincial judges.

Finally, C in B activities generate another motivator — recognition. As C in B has grown, so has recognition at many levels: additional local categories have attracted additional interests and have brought renewal to the committee itself. The District of Mission Council has recognized the benefits of C in B activity, and District staff support in many ways.

Altruism, competition, recognition: Communities in Bloom provides these and more to volunteers. All these elements will be illustrated at the annual awards Night. Myrna Matthew, Co-Chair, extends an invitation to everyone: "We've had another successful year, so come and celebrate with Mission's Communities in Bloom at the Leisure Centre Gymnasium at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23."

The provincial and local judges will attend. Fifteen trophies, provided by local businesses, non-profit groups, and individuals, will be awarded to the winners of the local Communities in Bloom competition. In addition, a special individual will receive a citation from the Society as the unsung hero or heroine for C in B-related volunteer contributions.

Keep blooming, Mission!

Heather Stewart volunteers with the Mission Communities in Bloom Society.