Written by Ryan Charles Parker // Photo: Red Deer Vipers

Consistency. That is what defines a person as good in whatever they choose to do. For instance, there are many good hockey players; players of such talent that it is difficult to understand why one is successful and the other not. The crucial difference that separates the two is the ability to show up every night and bring their best.

It is that way in the community. Many people donate time and money and everyone should be grateful for that. But some people do so in a significant manner. One of these people is Dexter Burden.

“When I’m in need of a volunteer,” says Michelle Skilnick, General Manager and Director of Hockey Ops for the Red Deer Vipers he’s the first one I call as I’m involved with a few different organizations and he can do more than sell 50/50s.”

He is able to do more than sell 50/50s, but he is still very good at doing so. Dexter has sold 50/50s at a large array of events. He has done the 50/50s for the Red Deer Vipers for 5 years. He also helps the club with equipment management for practice and gets to travel with the team to away games.

But this is only a fraction of the volunteer work that he has put in. As Skilnick explains, “He has volunteered at the Glencross Rodeo for 2 years, CFR for 2 years, Westerner Days Parade this year, Red Deer Rustlers Senior AA team last season, Eckville Eagles/Lacombe Generals Senior AA team 2 seasons, Hockey Alberta Foundation events, and Hockey Canada events.”

Wherever there is a what, there’s a how, and Dexter told me that he finds value in the work that he does. “I love helping others and like for other people know there (are) still people in the world that care to help.”

That is a very beautiful motive, and makes his work even more important. But he will tell you himself that he does get perks for his volunteering.

To give two examples, he worked the Memorial Cup when it was in Red Deer and had the opportunity to take a picture with now NHL star Mitch Marner, who happens to be Dexter’s favourite Maple Leaf player. And when he was working the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he got to see the Gold Medal Game between Canada and Sweden.

Well, Volunteer Central cannot provide the presence of an elite professional hockey player, nor the thrill of a final game of an international tournament, but we can recognize someone as being the Volunteer of the Month, and Dexter surely deserves the award. Congratulations, Dexter!

Do you know a volunteer that you would like to recognize in the community? Tell us about them! Nominate an individual here: https://bit.ly/2RbzVAd