National Volunteer Week is upon us! The Strathmore & District Agricultural Society would like to take this time to highlight some of our outstanding volunteer that help us out!
Today we would like to introduce you to Troylene Hofer! Troy has been a long time volunteer with the Strathmore Stampede, practically volunteering in every area there is over the last 20+ years. She has worked in all of our beer gardens, parking and is now helping in our Private Suites! We asked Troy a few questions about her experience volunteering & why she thinks it’s important.
1. When did you get involved in this organization?
“20+ years ago I was buying tickets for the fill rodeo so I decided that I would volunteer! I started out working in the main beer gardens. The year after that they had me in Main, North & South [beer gardens]. On the third year, the girls I volunteered for asked if I would like to take over for them as Committee Head. Yes. ALL the Beer Gardens. I was very happy and had very many friends & family who got recruited and as I put it ‘voluntold’. We had a blast! On Saturday nights I would spend an extremely long one also working the cabaret. I took two years off and when I cam back I volunteered in parking and people movers. The next year I once again became the Committee Head for Handicap & Seniors parking, General Parking, People Movers and Free Camping. Let me tell you - busy was an understatement! I loved every second of it. I ran that part for 10-12 years. I left for another year & then came back to volunteer in just general parking. As lucky as usual, I was again in my comfort zone with my rodeo family & was asked again to be a Committee Head for Private Suites. I absolutely love it! For the very first time, I get to see a large portion of the ever loved Rodeo!”
2. What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future and/or long term?
“I hope the organization in the future & long term can have a little Midway back, although they did a great job filling the gap of that being gone. Also, we are getting there, but I would like every performance to be sold out!”
3. Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement?
“My wonderful volunteers & my man keep me well inspired to carry on. I also love the prestige that the Ag Society give us for all our help!”
4. What attracted you to volunteering for the Strathmore Stampede?
“I was attracted to this rodeo as I sponsored Chuckwagons & the Wild Pony Racing. Strathmore was just the best! Well organized, free parking, free camping & amazing entertainment!”
5. Why do you volunteer?
“I volunteer because I love the feeling of helping & giving of myself! I also love my rodeo family!”
6. What contribution or achievement are you most proud of?
“I think my biggest achievement of all was mentoring my younger volunteers. I got a call one year from management that one of my volunteers mother’s had asking for my phone number. Her son has volunteered for me and was an absolute blessing, smart & worked very long hours when someone wouldn’t show up. He was graduating & his mom invited me to his high school graduation party! Talk about thrilled beyond! I went and enjoyed meeting his whole family and friends!”
