Volunteer BC’s National Volunteer Week Photo Contest 2019 Submissions
Check out the National Volunteer Week photo entries from across BC!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Surrey Crime Prevention Society
Not only do our volunteers make Surrey a safer place, but a greener place as well
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: RAPS – Regional Animal Protection Society
RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter volunteer Jackie giving some TLC to one of our adoptable cats.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
Volunteers at CTRA partner with horses to deliver therapeutic riding lessons.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: RAPS – Regional Animal Protection Society
Julie & Johnny, long-term mother/son volunteer duo at the RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: RAPS – Regional Animal Protection Society
RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter Volunteer Duo Agnes & May in the Shelter’s laundry room.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Richmond Oval
Volunteer John Hopkins (left) sharing the Olympic spirit with members of the public on Canada Day. Visitors got to enjoy replica PyeongChang 2018 medals as well as the actual podium used at the Richmond Olympic Oval in 2010.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Salvation Army –
“Serving with Love Giving Hope in The Mount Waddington Region”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
Our Café Eighty-Ate volunteers work hard to prep the finest quality meals for our members!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Shuswap Immigrant Services Society
“Mark Ambrose is a volunteer with Shuswap Immigrant Services Society (SISS) in Salmon Arm, BC. Mark was born In Vancouver, and as a young boy growing up in the prairies, he pursued what was often then the great Canadian Dream of many boys – to become an NHL hockey player. It became a consuming passion where he spent more waking hours on the ice than anywhere else. He later graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Education, majoring in English, Psychology and PE. Through his extensive teaching experience and further graduate school studies, Mark together with his family decided to navigate overseas to Papua New Guinea with an NGO called SIL International, a scientific linguistic organization involved in language-based development, translation, literacy and preserving endangered languages around the world. Since their return to Canada (2014), Mark has truly enjoyed the opportunity to be a volunteer with SISS and the College here in Salmon Arm, both teaching and tutoring ESL for newcomers to Canada. He has worked with some very special folks from Korea, Philippines, China, Syria, Armenia, and Central African Republic. It is a delight for Mark getting to know and work alongside these newcomers, for the shared learning experience and to have a small part in helping them get off to a good start here in Canada. Mark is a joy to have in our organization as he helps to provide newcomers in Canada with ways to improve their English conversation by giving them new skills and confidence and aiding them with social integration. As both Tennyson and Mark have said, “I am a part of all I have met.” Similarly, Mark appreciates the many people who he has learned from and who have so wonderfully enriched his life over the years.”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Mackie Lake House Foundation
Gary has a way of making everything new look old again!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association
Naloxone training
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Salvation Army
“Serving with Love Giving Hope in The Mount Waddington Region”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Brad Wait Foundation
September 2018, second Brad Wait Memorial Golf tournament raised $75,000.00 to assist Camp Kerry as they help children grieve through the loss of a sibling or parent. We had many volunteers help with pre tournament planning. On the day of the tournament we had 40 plus volunteers.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
Prepping the Bingo Cards!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: City of Delta
“Tour De Delta 2018 – Team Captains! This three day event would not be what it is without the fine work of dedicated Volunteers!”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
“””Youth Supporting Youth”” ICA Volunteer Colin is with a youth client having a game of soccer. Colin volunteers in The Landing Spot, an ICA after school program that supports immigrant children and youth.”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: The Cultch
Cultch Volunteers at the York Theatre – Ready to scan your tickets Charlie’s Angels style!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: The ACT Arts Centre
Our dedicated Arts Ambassadors hard at work at our annual Family Day event in 2018
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Strive Living Society
David Lee Young volunteers on a continuous basis at both our Strive Centre and our Head Office. David does a fantastic job being the point person at the reception desk, answering the phone, creating labels for our marketing materials, and many other diverse tasks. We enjoy having him at Strive so much and feel fortunate every day! He brings enthusiasm, dedication, and diligence to our organization. David also volunteers at our events and is always willing to lend a hand.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS)
The Town of Ladysmith’s 1923 Baldwin steam Locomotive #11 was on display at the Comox Logging & Railway Co. in situ site rail yard. It had been robbed of many important parts and the wood parts were rotten and the paint was peeling so the Ladysmith & District Historical Society Industrial Preservation volunteers made a request to bring it inside its original Locomotive Shop to be restored. It took over a year for the men to replace rotten ties and some rail. These volunteers are checking the switch points to see if they are tight so the Locomotive could pass over it into its Locomotive Shop on the day it was pushed inside the Shop to be sanded, repaired and totally refurbished for exhibition.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: OCEAN CREST COMMUNITY CHURCH
Having fun together serving our community Christmas Dinner
NVW 2019 | Submitted By: Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG)
RCRG’s team of volunteer drivers goes above and beyond to keep Richmond seniors healthy, independent, and connected to their community. Drivers bring seniors to medical appointments, recreational activities, community events, and more, ensuring that clients get where they need to go safely and on time. In the past year, volunteers completed 2,212 rides, and in the process, helped hundreds of seniors access health and community services.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Surrey Crime Prevention
Engaging with the youth is a big part of our organization’s cause. You’re never too young to learn about Safety!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Two Rivers Gallery
Kasandra Mae volunteers her skills as a contemporary hoop dancer to entertain the crowds at Two Rivers Gallery’s annual Halloween fundraiser, Menagerie.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: MADD Canada
“Edge of Heaven, 10 Kids 10 Songs -The Henman Family CD. MADD Nelson Community Leader Pat Henman and her family, who are musical artists, recorded their debut album “Edge of Heaven” in November. A beautiful collection of 10 deeply personal songs that touch on topics of the heart: love, loss and family ties. Selling 490 CDs on their tour and raising over $2700 for MADD Canada. For Pat, it’s a way to give back to a group that proved to be her rock from the beginning of her ordeal, offering her and her family emotional support through her rehabilitation and the painful legal proceedings following the impaired driving crash she and her daughter were nearly killed in. For stories and songs go to www.henmancd.com Pictured: The Henman Family: Back row, left to right – Jim, Jack, Harold, Paul, Jean, Stephen, Judy, Front row – Joan, Bob, Pat”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: City Centre Community Association
Our youth leadership teams do great work in the Richmond community! These volunteers plan and lead special events at City Centre Community Centre. Our “Footprints” team focuses on arts and culture. Recently they hosted a brand new “Atelier Art” workshop event, a fun low-cost opportunity for other youth to try different forms of fine art. Volunteer youth facilitators hosted workshops on crochet, dance, photography, sketching, painting, ukulele and embroidery! Over 35 youth attended the event and everyone left smiling and with a piece of art to take home.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: OCEAN CREST COMMUNITY CHURCH
Having fun together as we serve the community a Christmas Dinner.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
Come have a sip at the Hoe-Down Saloon!!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Strive Living Society
Ljiljana Dobrotas has been a housecleaner/cook for Freedom and Liberty Place for over 10 years. Despite putting in a full day’s work, Ljiljana volunteers to play board games with our tenants (young adults with physical disabilities) every Wednesday and will often spend time after work helping tenants with whatever they need (ie. extra cleaning, organizing, packing things up, going to the store to buy things for them, etc.). She has a huge heart and sincerely does whatever she can to build rapport, support our tenants and enrich their lives in any way that she can. Her caring nature and high work standards make her a truly beloved staff member at our sites.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS)
Quentin Goodbody, a LDHS Industrial Heritage Preservation volunteer took young people for trips back and forth on the track at the Comox Logging & Railway Co. in situ rail yard on a restored CL&R Co. hand-pump car during our Ladysmith’s Heritage BC Event this February 23, 2019. This was an experience enjoyed by young children, teens and adults. Our other volunteers showed visitors the groups’ heritage restoration projects: the Humdirgen, a rare machine that off-loaded the logs from the log cars which they made operational, the 1923 Baldwin steam Locomotive that brought the logs down from Nanaimo Lakes to the Ladysmith Log Dump, which our volunteers now have ready for painting, the original First Aid building which they have nearly restored and the original Washroom/Lunchroom which has had a first coat of paint. These two buildings were used to show slideshows, serve refreshments and as kids’ hands-on activity centres.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Volunteer Terrace
Youth Volunteers hand out gift bags to first responders for YVC Day on March 2nd 2019.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS)
A tube tumbler which was used by Ladysmith’s Comox Logging & Railway Co. during the 40’s to 60’s was displayed at the in situ rail yard. Locomotive boiler tubes with carbon build up were once placed inside the large drum with sand and a motor turned the drum around and around so the scale from outer and inner surfaces of boiler tubes was removed. LDHS volunteers removed the tumbler from its rotten wooden base, built a new base to original specifications and re- assembled it. This photo shows volunteers painting the tube tumbler.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Mackie Lake House Foundation
Every event needs a little art to make it bloom! Sheryl paints flowers for a Parisian Garden Party celebration!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cerebral Palsy Association of BC
Volunteers and participants enjoy CPABC’s adapted yoga class in Victoria.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Green Community
House of Friendship’s Blade Runners ensure CGC’s locally adapted seed project continues another a season.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Saanich Volunteer Services Society
Generations Listen
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Regional Animal Protection Society – RAPS
RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter Volunteers, Charlie and Deb.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Mackie Lake House Foundation
Quiet Hilary spends time the cataloging the books in the Library at Mackie Lake House
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Regional Animal Protection Society – RAPS
Bunny & Small Animal Volunteer Nikki at the RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Arthritis Society
Inspiring volunteers who helped raise awareness of arthritis and contribute to a vision where people’s lives are free from the devastating effects of arthritis at our annual Walk for Arthritis in Kelowna.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS)
“Ladysmith & District Historical Society Industrial Heritage Preservation volunteers are building a new base for the tube tumbler with timbers cut to the exact same size as the original timbers which were in an unsafe decayed state. The Town of Ladysmith gave volunteers permission to restore the tube tumbler displayed at the Ladysmith’s Comox Logging & Railway Co. in situ site. The tube tumbler was used to remove the carbon buildup from outer and inner surfaces of boiler pipes in steam locomotives.”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kelowna International Airport
YLW Ambassador Group
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Surrey Crime Prevention
Toque Tuesday – A city wide event where people can come together to play a good old game of hockey, and have fun doing it too, as you can can see on our volunteers’ lovely faces.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: North Van Arts
SOLD! One of @NorthVanArts volunteers reveals the name of the artist whose work was purchased by a visitor during our annual Anonymous Art Show Fundraiser. This photo was taken by our volunteer @justintymetyler and features one of our Reindeer, Luciana, who helps sell the 738 different works displayed by emerging and established artists all across BC. We receive artist submissions all the way from Delta to Squamish and hope more people participate in our Events, Exhibitions, and Educational programmes. See you at next year’s #AnonymousArtShow everyone! #NorthVanArts #VolunteerPride
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Brad Wait Foundation
September 2018, second Brad Wait Memorial Golf tournament raised $75,000.00 to assist Camp Kerry as they help children grieve through the loss of a sibling or parent. We had many volunteers help with pre tournament planning. On the day of the tournament we had 40 plus volunteers, from 15 years of age to 80 years of age
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
ICA Volunteers Tour the Victoria Mosque
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Pacific Immigrant Resources Society
“Nurturing Unique Community Connections”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Sources Foundation
SOURCES Volunteer Michele kept spirits high at the Coldest Night of the Year – White Rock WALK in support of Sources Homelessness Prevention Services and Rent Bank. Actively cheering on and guiding walkers, Michele in addition to over 50 other volunteers helped preserve high levels of enthusiasm in the national walk for the hungry, homeless and hurting in our community. Thank you, Michele, for lifting communities with your positive and contagious energy!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: The Salvation Army
Having fun together serving our community Thanksgiving Dinner
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
The Café Eighty-Ate is a vibrant place to have a coffee, a scone and enjoy each other’s company! Our volunteers make a big difference in helping it run smoothly!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
The formula at Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association changes lives! Volunteer power+ Horse power= Empowered people
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
Many hands make light work….kind of. Thank you to the many CTRA volunteers who keep our barn running and therapeutic horses happy!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
New Volunteer English Class Teacher’s Assistants pose for photo after volunteer orientation.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS)
“1. Comox Logging & Railway Co. tube tumbler removed from its old rotten wooden base at the in situ rail yard by LDHS Industrial Heritage Preservation volunteers who offered to restore it for the Town of Ladysmith. 2. Volunteers pulled the long timber into place for the new tube tumbler base.”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
The hardest working Director of Socials in all the land! You don’t want to miss an event planned by this fantastic volunteer!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: The Cultch
“Not the same old thong and dance! [Cultch Volunteers at the York theatre with the Comic Strippers]”
NVW 2019 | Submitted By: Two Rivers Gallery
Watching the rockets shoot into space at Two Rivers Gallery’s Mini MakerFaire in Prince George, BC
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Langara College (VOLT Program)
“Langara College’s student volunteer program (called VOLT) has more than 3,300 student members. This impressive community is responsible for more than 61,000 service hours locally and around the world. From promoting sustainability and fostering connections with new students (pictured above) to working in food banks, at events, and in hospitals, VOLT volunteers build community on and off campus. We are so proud of this philanthropy-building College program and all the students that contribute to our community.”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: RAPS – Regional Animal Protection Society
RAPS Special Events & RAPS Animal Hospital Thrift Store volunteer Jacob.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Victoria Film Festival
Team Lead Rebecca with her crew of amazing volunteers at the 25th Victoria Film Festival (February 1-10, 2019).
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Regional Animal Protection Society – RAPS
RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter 10-year Volunteer Carole with Cupid. #NVW2019PhotoContest
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kelowna International Airport
YLW Ambassador Therapy Dogs
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives
In 2018, for the second year in a row, Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) joined with other local non-profit organizations to host Community In Motion, at Garry Point Park. The event gives the public an opportunity to walk, run, or bike in support of Richmond charities. Afterwards, all participants are treated to a healthy snack, and are invited to browse over a dozen non-profit information booths, to learn about local services and volunteer opportunities. The 2018 event also featured an Instagram photo frame, which RCRG staff and volunteers were only too happy to try out!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association
Our “Soup’er Group” makes soup with the free food donated from local stores with our Zero Food Waste program.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
Put your hand up if you LOVE volunteering at Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre!!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: RAPS – Regional Animal Protection Society
RAPS Cat Sanctuary Volunteer (home to 500 cats!)
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: FORED BC Society copy
“Volunteer First Nations mentors working in natural resources share career advice to aboriginal youth in these videos: https://m.youtube.com/user/SustainabilityCareer They also offer insights on how traditional aboriginal knowledge is used to manage our natural environment. These videos have collectively amassed more than 100,000 views. The goal is to inspire youth to stay in school and pursue post-secondary and their career of choice. Still shots attached.”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association
Zero Food Waste & Soup’er Group
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: RAPS – Regional Animal Protection Society
RAPS Cat Volunteer lounging with a couple of the 500 cats who call the No-Kill Sanctuary home!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Richmond Oval
Volunteer Raphael Cardenas (left) sharing the Olympic spirit with members of the public on Canada Day. Visitors got to enjoy replica PyeongChang 2018 medals as well as the actual podium used at the Richmond Olympic Oval in 2010.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
2,212 Purple Baby Hats were made and donated to Children’s Hospital as part of the Purple Hat program, designed to raise awareness of shaken baby syndrome.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Island Health
Island Health Volunteer Jayne Miner acts as a casualty during a Mock Disaster exercise at Cowichan District Hospital (Oct 2018)
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Kennedy Seniors Recreation Centre
Prepping the Bingo Cards!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Brad Wait Foundation
September 2018, second Brad Wait Memorial Golf tournament raised $75,000.00 to assist Camp Kerry as they help children grieve through the loss of a sibling or parent. We had many volunteers help with pre tournament planning. On the day of the tournament we had 40 plus volunteers, from 15 years of age to 80 years of age
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: City of Delta
It takes a village to run world class events! This is a group photo at the 2018 Tour De Delta Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: The ACT Arts Centre
Our hardworking Special Event Ambassador volunteers manning a table at a local community event
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
Swan Lake Tuesday crew – nurturing nature
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society
“The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society hosted an anti-racism day event on March 21, 2019. Several youths from both PICS’ SIYEP and SIYSCorps programs came together to celebrate diversity and create a banner representing what elimination of racial discrimination looked like to them. This event brought together over 50 individuals from the Surrey community, along with politicians and media representatives. The youth were eager to create artwork that would serve as a reminder of what celebrating uniqueness and inclusivity looked like, in hopes to lift their community and it’s members. After a few hours of hard work, the youth finally completed their masterpiece- a gigantic banner painted with a multicolored face, dozens of handprints, and the words “love”, “dignity”, “respect” and “unity” painted in big letters. This banner serves as a reminder to all of us that if collaborate we can make a meaningful impact in our communities!”
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Ladysmith & District Historical Society (LDHS)
Our Ladysmith & District Historical Society Industrial Heritage Preservation volunteers brought the 1923 Baldwin Steam Locomotive inside its original Locomotive Shop to be restored after spending a year replacing the ties and some rails. The ten volunteers have been cleaning, sanding, mending parts, straightening metal and iron, replacing the rotten wooden timbers and power washing. This is in preparation for its paint job when the weather is warm. The locie used by Comox Logging & Railway Co in the 40’s to 60’s will be totally restored and part of an interpretive display at this Heritage site in its anniversary year 2023.
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: Cowichan Green Community
Over 10 thousand pounds of fruit was gleaned by volunteers this year!
NVW 2019 | Submitted by: The Cultch
Cultch Volunteer Shiraz – always smiling and ready to answer your questions!