By Mark Squibb | Mar. 11, 2021
Perry Dalton is a staple of the Mount Pearl-Paradise Skating Club, but that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, he jokes heartily about his start at the club.
“I started out many, many years ago by bringing my daughter to the rink to learn how to skate, and I started to move some tables and chairs when need be, and someone said, ‘Sure, he’d be good on the executive if he can do that,’” said Dalton.
“I must have moved that table to the right spot.”
That was 18 years ago. Today, Dalton is club treasurer and director of registration (but will still move tables and chairs if he has too) and is a recent recipient of the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, an award which recognises exceptional volunteers across Canada.
“I’m very honoured to have been nominated by my peers at the club,” said Dalton, who has been the receipt of numerous awards over the years, including, recently, the Skate Canada Volunteer of Excellence - Newfoundland and Labrador Award.
“I’m only as good as our club. I accepted this award, and I’ve accepted many awards, always on behalf of our club, on behalf of our cultures, our other executive members, our parents and our skaters.
Dalton, who hails from Cape Broyle originally, says all volunteers are an integral part of the community.
“We need a rink, we need coaches, and then we need a volunteer group,” he said, using the skating club as an example. “If people like us, the parents, don’t volunteer, then there won’t be anything there for our kids to go too. I’ve always felt that everyone has to do something. If everyone did a little bit to pitch in, it makes it easier for everyone.”
Dalton’s tips for anybody looking to start volunteering is just that; start volunteering.
“I started moving tables and chairs, that was pretty simple,” he said. “And then someone said, ‘Well, maybe he can help with this, or maybe he can sell some tickets, or maybe he can be in the door to guide people when they come in.’ At the end of the day, it’s about being friendly, being polite and being always there to help.”
