tembec
forest service roads
clean up
Tembec is cleaning up its Cranbrook sawmill site to prepare for sale. See LOCAL NEWS page 3
$5.5 million
The cost of repairing roads damaged in the June rains is in. See LOCAL NEWS page 3
The Bulletin
Proudly serving kimberley and area since 1932 | Vol. 81, Issue 146 | www.dailybulletin.ca
Volley Miles rewards volunteers C AROLYN GR ANT editor@dailybulletin.ca
Kimberley’s many festivals and events run on the power of volunteers. For Kimberley Festivals and Events Coordinator Kevin Shepit, addressing the issue of volunteer burnout is part of the mandate of his position. Shepit has come up with a program called ‘Volley Miles’ which collectively rewards Kimberley’s volunteers as they collect points, much like an air miles program. The idea, Shepit explains, is to allow volunteers to be rewarded with something more than a free beverage ticket or maybe a t-shirt. The reward is an annual party, a ‘Vollies’ Ball’. “The Vollies’ Ball is a collective annual volunteer wrap party made possible with the support of events participating in the Volley Miles program,” Shepit said. “When we say party, we mean it. It will be a
The Volley Miles logo. proper party, with a good band and more — something you won’t want to miss.” Shepit believes that if your volunteers are happy and strong, your event will be too. This Volley Miles concept, he says, addresses a need for event organizers as well, who feel they’d like to do more for their volunteers. Events would pay a fee per volunteer to Volley Miles and that money would go to putting on the Volley Ball. Volunteers sign up for the program and simply indicate what type of event they may be
interested in supporting — perhaps a music fest, or working a beer garden, or a sports event. “Volunteers who register with Volley Miles don’t have to worry about being contacted by every event out there, leading to volunteer burnout,” Shepit said. “Volunteers have the ability at registration to let the program know which events they prefer to work with.” Events that support the program will advertise the Volley Miles logo. “The program is a hybrid structure involving elements of rewards points and fair trade labelling all in one. An event that is Volley Miles certified will be sporting the logo to show their customers they are participating in rewarding volunteers through the program. “A program such as this requires the events population at large to all pitch in as a community.” While it’s a bit to wrap your brain around, it’s really quite simple, Shepit says. “We’re just trying to get the ball rolling right now,” he said.
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Photo courtesy John Lyon
Selkirk Secondary’s Class of 63 celebrated their 50th reunion over the JulyFest weekend.
volleymiles.com
FriDAY
July 26, 2013
“We are open to all sorts of ideas and feedback.” Shepit realizes that this program at present only rewards event volunteers, not those who do such good work for organizations like the Food Bank. “We understand a program such as this is geared towards the events volunteer community more so than the perpetual volunteer community, so we are also working hard to put an awards ceremony in place that would recognize all the top volunteers that keep our community strong.” As the program gets off the ground, Shepit is looking for partners to become early adopters of Volley Miles. It will be self-sufficient once up and running but needs a boost now, he said. “Organizers, giving back to volunteers is easy and it all starts by registering your event to be Volley Miles certified. “Volunteers, start earning Rewards Miles today. Signing up is easy, and it’s free. To get all the details, log on to volleymiles.com”
Transit ridership up Riders up 11.7 per cent on Kimberley transit buses KIMBERLEY – The City of Kimberley and BC Transit are delighted to announce transit ridership is on the rise – up 11.7 per cent over last year. In its recently published annual report, BC Transit reported 14,723 passenger trips in 2012/12 compared to 13,183 in 2011/12. The strong and steady growth in the Kimberley Transit System is credited to increased awareness following public consultation and a comprehensive service review. “We are pleased to see a growing number
of customers in the Kimberley region are taking advantage of the transit service,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “The increase in passenger trips is a validation of our continued efforts to make public transit efficient and effective for all.” Kimberley Mayor Ron McRae is delighted, stating that, “Increasing transit ridership fits the ImagineKimberley Integrated Community Sustainability Plan’s goals of supporting efficient modes of transportation that are reliable, user-friendly, and affordable.” For more information, please consult http://www.bctransit. com/regions/kim or call 250.427.7400.