The City of Buffalo took part in a nationwide effort to highlight the impact of community service, on Tuesday. Mayor Byron Brown declared the day as ‘National Service Recognition Day’ in the city.
Along with more than 600 mayors across the country, Brown honored local community members who have made a commitment to national service. At a ceremony honoring local volunteers, Director of the Division of Citizen Services, Oswaldo Mestre, noted that Buffalo is not only a city of good neighbors, but a city of volunteering. He recalled that November’s snowstorm resulted in a great deal of volunteer efforts, which he hailed as a true testament to what Buffalo is all about.
Brown said the city government has put a major focus on improving the quality of life in Buffalo, but even with people working 24/7, it cannot be done alone. He said it is happening because of the support of volunteers.
“Volunteers literally deliver hundreds of thousands of dollars in service every year to the City of Buffalo and, for that matter, cities across the country,” said Brown.
Brown described their work as a cost effective strategy for fighting poverty, providing health services, and supporting veterans and military families. He said it’s a hallmark of American character, and central to how we meet our challenges.
Mestre said that with an estimated 1500 volunteers, the city is no stranger to service. He wants people to do all they can to share Buffalo’s story through social media.
“We want to make sure that we push this out to everybody,” Mestre urged, “And let them know that Buffalo is a city of service.”
Mestre reminded people to use the hash-tag #Mayors4Service.
