Saanich acknowledges contributions made by committed volunteers during national appreciation week!

News Release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – The District of Saanich celebrates National Volunteer Week from April 27 to May 3, recognizing the ongoing and tireless commitment of its volunteers.

“The dedication and enthusiasm our volunteers bring to the Saanich community is truly inspiring,” says Mayor Dean Murdock. “Their selfless contributions not only empower our programs but enrich the fabric of our community. We deeply appreciate their efforts and eagerly look forward to welcoming new volunteers who will continue to build on this legacy of service and community spirit."

With hundreds of volunteers across dozens of program areas, the District is lucky to have so many dedicated people who share a desire to support their community. Many volunteers have served with the District for several years, with some having served for decades!

This National Volunteer Week, the District encourages you to share your appreciation with the volunteers in your community to honour the important work they do.

Why volunteer with us?

Whether you are pursuing volunteer activities to grow your skillset or to make new friends, you can find it all by volunteering with the District. Our programs offer training that can help you acquire new skills or just discover skills you already have.

Saanich Emergency Program

If you are passionate about helping those in need and connecting with your neighbours, our SEP program has many positions available in emergency radio communications, emergency support services, and as part of the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program.

“Every year, the volunteers that work with the Saanich Emergency Program, as well as those in other areas of Saanich, put an incredible amount of time and effort into supporting key activities and programs,” says Captain Erin Stockill, Emergency Program Officer. “The knowledge they share coupled with the commitment they show are a crucial component to the success of our programs and the success of Saanich.”

Parks, Recreation and Community Services

Our Parks, Recreation and Community Services volunteers contribute to community well-being by improving the parks and programs that Saanich residents’ access in their daily lives. They assist with environmental education and stewardship projects, community festivals, social spaces for seniors, arts and culture programming, and a wide range of other recreation opportunities.

Volunteers join us for many reasons: to stay active, enjoy social connection, develop personal and professional skills, fulfill required hours for graduation, or simply “give back”. We celebrate the fact that volunteering can have a positive impact in their lives, too.

Saanich Police Department

The Saanich Police Department (SPD) is another fantastic area of opportunity for interested volunteers. Currently staffed by 25 volunteers and 900 members of the Saanich Block Watch program, the SPD volunteer program offers opportunities for residents to perform an essential role in community initiatives. Through programs like the ACE mascot and active participation in ICBC road safety campaigns such as Cell Watch and Speed Watch, our volunteers have strengthened our community safety net.

The primary goal of the SPD volunteer program is to identify and disseminate vital crime prevention information to effective groups within our community. Together with their volunteers, the SPD are determined to maintain this momentum and continue making Saanich a safer place to live, work, and play.

Quick facts

• Saanich Emergency Program Volunteers dedicated over 3,600 hours last year!

• Last year, 439 volunteers generously gave over 20,500 hours of their time as part of Parks, Recreation and Community Services programs.

• 40 volunteers reviewed and researched just over one thousand names to help create the Saanich Remembers WWI online exhibit which contains 575 biographies of soldiers from Saanich who served in WWI.          

• Over the past year, 25 dedicated Saanich Police volunteers contributed over 1,900 hours of service, with 720 hours focused on 72 deployments of Speed Watch and Cell Watch, and 600 hours at more than 40 community events.

• When a Saanich resident is evacuated from their home and requires assistance, volunteers are ready to respond. These events can be as small as a house fire or as large as a community evacuation. SEP has volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

• For the first time in several years, the Saanich Archives is seeking out new volunteers for new projects.

• Volunteers deliver scheduled emergency preparedness presentations each month, and by request for groups of 10 or more. These presentations have already enhanced the preparedness of thousands of Saanich residents. The next presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Register by calling 250-475-7600.

Find out more

Interested in volunteering? Learn more on saanich.ca/volunteers.

-30- 

Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca