“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” ~Marjorie Moore

We all have our special volunteer projects that are near and dear to our hearts. I’m so proud to Chair the Board of Directors of the Halifax Pop Explosion. Proud is an easy word to use because the festival is known to be one of Canada’s most important music, digital and cultural events. And of course it’s an East Coast party not to be missed. The festival is the brainchild of some influential members of the music community in Halifax and operating since 1993. It’s a beautiful thing to have a festival with a history of success in our city for this long! When you volunteer for an organization that encompasses what you hold dear, it makes it easy to commit your time and energy. Belonging to a community that supports not only the talent but the hard work and dedication of all those wanting to be involved.

HPX, as we affectionately refer to it, is an annual five-day Music, Digital, and Culture event that showcases over 150 artists, comedians and speakers, in more than 15 venues across the city. Music, Comedy and Speakers… you know it, some of my favourite things! HPX has a long-standing tradition of presenting the best in new and innovative music from across Canada and the world. This year we’re bringing in three of my favourites July Talk, Alvvays and Cloud Nothings…finally!!!

We have some very excited fans that arrive at our doors (I’m still one of them) and they are the reason we keep making things better and better each year. We also have the incredible HPX Volunteer Crew. People have told me it’s their favourite place to volunteer all year. Our HPX staff take care of ensuring our volunteers on the ground are enjoying themselves and feel valued. We can’t do this without them and we’re so happy they are here!

Volunteering gives people a sense of purpose. Finding an organization you’re passionate makes volunteering so rewarding. HPX is part of my community.  Passion + Purpose + Community = HPX