Volunteer need uptick
Photo: Contributed
Penticton council proclaims Volunteer Week.
Penticton council has declared April 24-30 “Volunteer Week” in the city as non-profit events and festivals return from a two-year COVID-19 hiatus.
Council heard a presentation from the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre at Tuesday’s regular meeting. They explained that now more than ever they are hoping to share their services with the community, connecting non-profit organizations to volunteers.
“We have close to 1000 registered volunteers throughout the south Okanagan Similkameen with our organization,” explained representative Mike Magnusson.
“Countless studies have shown that volunteering can help others reduce stress, combat depression, boost self confidence, increase happiness and your employability, keep you active, increase your social life and a sense of purpose.”
New this year, the SOS Volunteer Centre has waived its membership fees for organizations looking to use their volunteer-pairing service, hoping to encourage as much participation as possible.
“There’s no longer a financial barrier for any organization, festival or event to belong with us, which means that we can support more organizations to be able to find the volunteers so we help with the recruitment of volunteers for those organizations,” explained representative Subrina Monteith.
Mayor John Vassilaki praised the society, and the Volunteer Week concept.
“I urge my fellow citizens to recognize the crucial role played by volunteers in our community,” Vassilaki said, before officially proclaiming the week.
There will be a complementary pancake breakfast to conclude Volunteer Week at Gyro Park on April 30, open to volunteers and organizations involved in SOS Volunteer Centre as well as the community at large to learn more about how they can get involved.
