Madras Pioneer - Volunteerism Gets a Boost

Click here for the full article in the Madras Pioneer.

 

Holly M. Gill
December 23, 2009

Communities all across Central Oregon are declaring 2010 the Year of the Volunteer, thanks to the efforts of Ed Onimus, of Redmond.

Onimus, who currently serves on the Redmond City Council, ran for that position with volunteerism as his platform. Now he wants all of Central Oregon to take part in the volunteerism effort.

"Pick your passion, get involved, become a volunteer," Onimus said is his slogan for the campaign to encourage Central Oregonians to help out.

So far, Madras, Culver, La Pine, Redmond, Bend, Sisters and Prineville have proclaimed 2010 the Year of the Volunteer. The Jefferson County Commission agreed to sign a proclamation specific to the county, Warm Springs is setting up a meeting, and he plans to contact Metolius leaders, he noted.

"The object is to try to get more people thinking about and taking action, in terms of volunteerism," said Onimus, who works as the accounting manager for the Eagle Crest homeowners' associations. "I haven't had any negative feedback from anyone."

By giving of their time, residents improve the quality of life in a community, and that attracts economic development, Onimus believes.

"Businesses like to hire volunteers," he said. "They're historically better workers. They're thinking ouside of themselves; they're more interested in others."

"There are tremendous needs in Central Oregon: homelessness, hunger, poverty, youth issues, healthcare, environmental, arts, etc.," Onimus said. "When Central Oregon volunteers, all of Central Oregon benefits."

He is asking people to commit to donating at least 10 hours of their time over the coming year. "If they're already a volunteer, increase volunteerism by 10 hours in 2010," he said. "If they're not a formal volunteer for a particular organization, give us 10 hours."

Onimus is pleased with the response from Central Oregon communities. "I've got people asking me about volunteer opportunities. People who haven't been volunteers are stepping up and picking their passion."

A retired U.S. marine, Onimus has long been interested in volunteering. "When I was in the military, a friend asked me to help out coaching Little League," he said. "The next year, I ended up being president."

When he can, Onimus gets his family involved in volunteering. "This past fall, I got my daughter to help with Project Connect, a one-day event to help alleviate poverty."

Besides serving as a city councilor for Redmond since January, Onimus is on the board of directors for Volunteer Connect, which connects people interested in volunteering with opportunities, and the board of directors for Healing Reins, a therapeutic riding center for physically or mentally handicapped individuals, and at-risk youths.

In January, Volunteer Connect will have a new Web site: volunteerconnectnow.org to help people find their passion.

Back to articles