For the Cameron family, the proud recipients of the 2010 Volunteer Family Award, giving back to the community has become a part of everyday life. Margaret Cameron has built a solid foundation for herself and Brock, 20, Mitchell, 17, Reid, 16 and Lydia, 14, despite facing the obstacles of being a single parent.
Devon is the official sponsor for the Volunteer Family Award presented by Volunteer Calgary, a non-profit organization that promotes and develops volunteerism in Calgary, Alberta, and connects people with volunteer opportunities in their communities. The award recognizes a family who volunteers together as a team, inspiring one another to become lifelong volunteers.
In 2008, the Cameron family received a Christmas food hamper from their parish. This kind gesture started a family discussion on the concept of paying it forward. The children wanted to know how they could help others and give back.
The family decided to volunteer together at the Calgary Drop-In and Rehabilitation Centre, a charitable organization responsible for the care and sheltering of up to 1,250 individuals each night. Every week for more than a year, they have been making sandwiches, preparing food for the next meal and serving the guests.
“When volunteering at the Drop-In Centre, we always feel that we gain more than we receive,” said Margaret Cameron.
The experience has broadened the perspective of the children and enabled them to feel the joy of helping others. To the Cameron family, this weekly outing is an enjoyable and memorable experience that they share with each other and with the people they serve.
Devon’s family of employees has a strong commitment to community involvement and to the company values of always “doing the right thing” and “being a good neighbor.” The Cameron family sets a high standard for others with the same passion and enthusiasm for helping others.
“The Cameron’s are a tremendous inspiration to our family,” said Gerry De Leeuw, vice president of exploration for Devon’s Canadian operations. “We can only hope that their efforts will inspire other families to start or to continue volunteering.”