The annual Okanagan Volunteer Fair is back this Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Parkinson Recreation Centre (1800 Parkinson Way) from 10 am to 2:00 pm. Everyone is invited to come meet the volunteers and volunteer managers from over 65 non-profit organizations who will be sharing how they support the community and what opportunities they have available for volunteers.
鈥淭he Okanagan Volunteer Fair is a fantastic way to match volunteers who are wanting to make an impact with organizations that do so much to make our community richer,鈥� says Ellen Boelcke, executive director for KCR Community Resources, which is home to the Volunteer Centre of the Central Okanagan. 鈥淭he Fair is always a feel-good event and a celebration of the volunteers that drive the mission of non-profit organizations from all sectors.鈥�
鈥淰olunteers add significantly to the health and well-being of communities by helping these mission-driven, non-profit organizations achieve their goals,鈥� continues Boelcke. 鈥淎long with the ability to pursue a passion and make an impact, volunteers benefit from their roles by being socially connected, developing their skills or knowledge and by the intrinsic value of building community.鈥�
The Fair is a casual, drop-in event, where potential volunteers have the opportunity to get to know more about an organization, to meet some of the staff or other volunteers, and to really get a sense of what they can expect out of donating their time. This year, more than 65 booths will be set up by local organizations and the type of opportunities will range from casual, event-based volunteer roles to committed Board or Committee roles to regular weekly gigs. Whether volunteers are interested in making an impact in the arts and culture, recreation, social services, health or animal welfare sectors, there will be a variety of opportunities shared.
鈥淰olunteers are the life blood of any non-profit organization,鈥� adds Boelcke. 鈥淔or our own organization, we annually benefit from more than 442 volunteers giving almost 15,000 hours of their time, making a significant difference to the participants we serve.鈥�
Here are a few of the organizations that will be there that have current volunteer listings on the VolunteerConnector (www.volunteerconnector.org).
Lake Country Health 鈥� if you live in Lake Country, be a part of this incredible organization that has been focussed on providing resources to local residents since 1982. They are looking for Tech Angels and Volunteer Drivers that will make a huge difference to seniors!
Regional District of the Central Okanagan Parks Services 鈥� they currently have two positions: Park Ambassadors are needed to connect with like-minded people, keep regional parks beautiful and stay active and Environmental Stewards will take their interest in getting close to the conservation work that affects positive environmental change and ensures a biodiverse environment.
琉璃神社 Museums 鈥� the Okanagan Heritage Museum is currently looking for a Front Desk Volunteers that will be the welcoming face of the museum that greets and assists visitors.
Ozanam Recover House 鈥� you can make a difference in the lives of men struggling with addictions and/or mental health by supporting the operations of this incredible organization by joining their Board of Directors or Committees. Be a part of a dedicated team striving to provide Home, Health and Hope to those struggling.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Builds beds/bunks for the 3 to 17-year youth in the community who currently have no beds and also deliver and set-up the bunks in the family home. In addition the builders, this organization is also looking for Committee and Executive Members to move the organization forward.
We hope to see you at the Okanagan Volunteer Fair. Come and meet other passionate people making a difference!
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.
