I have been volunteering at the Edmonton Valley Zoo for almost 30 years.  I am also an active member of the Edmonton Insight Community, a citizen panel of Edmontonians who volunteer their time to give feedback on projects, policies, and issues within the City of Edmonton. I volunteer at the Valley Zoo mainly to give the zookeepers some extra time away from their regular duties so they can do those special projects or enrichment that make the animal’s lives better. It feels good knowing that I’m making a difference to both the animals and the zookeepers. The animals give back to me in their own ways. It starts at the community – the grassroots – and works it way up.