Sonia Newman has dedicated over 25 years to Westside Health Network Society (WHNS), starting with a part-time position while her sons were growing up, and for many years now as the Executive Director. Having originally been raised in Boyle, Alberta, she has called the Central Okanagan home for 30 years. She is proud of her two sons and happy to be 鈥淏aba鈥� to two granddaughters. She is entirely committed to her organization鈥檚 mission of enhancing seniors鈥� wellness through volunteerism, education, referral and social programs in the West 琉璃神社 and Peachland area and is looking for new volunteers that will make a huge impact.

鈥淚 found my passion,鈥� enthuses Sonya, who decided to take the gerontology certificate program at UBC to support her work. 鈥淭he organization became a society in 1991 and we have been growing for the past 33 years assisting seniors in the community.鈥�

Sonia along with Karen Northcott, the Coordinator of Volunteers, are the only employee, with all of the other services provided by incredible volunteers.

鈥淲e have volunteer drivers, visitors, tax clinics and a group that knits and crochets articles that are donated to the community,鈥� explains Sonia. 鈥淭hese volunteers make a huge impact for seniors as they navigate the system with the wish to remain in their own home in the community that they love.鈥�

Potential volunteer roles include Board Directors, Drivers who help seniors get around town and to their appointments, Volunteer Visitors who join seniors for a visit, walk or activity and Digital Device Tutors, who help participants stay connected through technology.

鈥淲e require Criminal Record Checks for most positions as people work directly with vulnerable elderly population,鈥� states Sonia. 鈥淥ur volunteers are caring, compassionate people who feel that they have made a difference in a senior鈥檚 life. For example, volunteers deliver Christmas packages to seniors living alone and there are always tears of joy as the seniors truly appreciate 鈥榯hat someone cares.鈥欌��

Sonia highlights that WHNS also offers navigation services, helping with referral and connection to community resources for seniors, as well as an exercise program and a social program.

If you are interested in joining the WHNS team as a volunteer, connect with Karen at 250-768-3305 or email whns@telus.net. You can also find out more about the organization at .

Sonia herself volunteers as 鈥渋t is rewarding to know I made someone鈥檚 day and it gives me something to do in my retirement.鈥�

For more opportunities to share your time and passion, check out the VolunteerConnector.org. Impactful new positions are always popping up, including a variety of options with 琉璃神社 Gospel Mission, Ozanam House, Project Literacy and for those already thinking of winter 鈥� Volunteer Ski Patrollers at Big White. Check out volunteerconnector.org for more info.

Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.