Dedicated volunteers honoured for outstanding service
ABBY LUCIANO aluciano@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sandy Branning gets behind the wheel to help others.
The North Vancouver resident is a volunteer for Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society, offering appointment rides for people who have cancer across the North Shore.
After she retired from work life, Branning was searching for a sense of community and joined the non-profit as a volunteer.
“It is a big part of my life. It’s always something I look forward to,” Branning said. “I had no family here, all my family are in Ontario and that’s why I thought I need to give back something to the community.”
Now a decade later, her dedication to helping others is being recognized. Branning is one of eight recipients of North Shore Community Resources’ Community Volunteer Spirit Awards.
Every year, NSCR’s Volunteer North
Shore program highlights volunteers during National Volunteer Week who have made valuable contributions to the community.
“This year’s recipients reflect the depth of compassion, leadership, and generosity that defines volunteerism in our region,”
said Anne-Marie Jamin, manager of community engagement and seniors programs for North Shore Community Resources.
Branning volunteers for the non-profit a few times a week, and the time spent is rewarding for the 79-year-old. She gets to hear all sorts of stories from the people she drives and share some laughs along the way But driving patients with cancer can be challenging at times, including knowing what to say and what not to say to someone facing tough health issues.
“I just sympathize with them. I let them decide how much they want to tell me,” she said.
It’s hard for Branning not to get teary eyed when looking back on some memories, but she couldn’t imagine not helping others when they need it most
“I dread the day I’ll not be able to drive or not have a car, because I’ll miss it very much,” she said.
Another person out on the North Shore roads moving people until recently was John Peirson, a volunteer bus driver for
Capilano Community Services Society for 30 years.
He retired from the volunteer gig last November, passing the baton to younger folks. During his time, the West Van resident would pick up more than half a dozen seniors from their homes and take them to Capilano Mall once a week to help them shop. Peirson would also drive seniors to fun places like a farm in Richmond or Stanley Park.
Aside from volunteering at Capilano Community Services, he also spent his free time being a bus driver for the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre for 25 years. But volunteering efforts haven’t stopped for the 85-year-old. He still volunteers as a cashier at the Treasure Trove at West Vancouver United Church once a week and is a member of several car clubs.
“People are generally very appreciative of volunteers who do something for them,” he said. “Now that I’m not doing it, I miss it.”
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SPONSOREDCONTENT
Thisyear, North ShoreCommunity Resources(NSCR)iscelebrating 50 yearsofstrengthening community.Atthe heartofthatimpactare the hundreds of volunteerswho have shaped ourprograms, supported ourneighbours, andbrought connectionand care to theNorth Shore.
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
Canadian Mental Health Association- North and West Vancouver Branch
Canadian Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (North Shore)
Capilano Community Services
Family Services of the North Shore
Harvest Project
Impact North Shore
MONOVA-Museum &Archives of North Vancouver
North ShoreCommunity Resources
North ShoreCrisis Services Society
North ShoreNeighbourhood House
North ShoreWomen’sCentre
North Vancouver District Public Library
ParkgateSociety
Parks, Culture&Community Services, District of West Vancouver
Silver Harbour Seniors’Activity Centre
The Salvation ArmyNorth Vancouver
VancouverAdaptive Snow Sports
West Vancouver Memorial Library Together, we say
Visit us onlinetodayat volunteer.nscr.ca or call Volunteer North Shoreat 604-982-3307
HOSTAGENCYOFVOLUNTEER NORTH SHORE
Volunteersare thefabricofour community.Theyhelpseniors stay independent,supportfamiliesnavigatingcomplex systems, andensure peoplefeel seen,heard,and valued.Overthe past fivedecades,their contributionshavecreated arippleeffect,buildinga more connected, resilient,and compassionateNorth Shore.
Oneofthose volunteersisIrene,who is celebratingover20years withNSCR
Ireneisa true ambassadorfor community.Whether supportingthe Community Income TaxClinic,lending ahandatevents, or connecting seniors to theright resources at ourSeniors OneStopNavigation Centre, sheshows up with generosity and determination.AsIrene oftensays, “WhatelseamIgoingtodo?”-a simple phrase that reflects adeep commitmenttohelping others
Shegoesout of herway to ensure people getthe support they need and if shecan’t help directly,she finds someonewho can. Irenehas evenhelpedstrengthenprogramsbehindthe scenes,suggestingideas likea simple,inclusive NSCR programbrochurethatisnow oneofour most widely used resources.
VolunteerslikeIrene remind us that meaningful change is builtthrough small, consistent acts of care
As we celebrate50years,weextendour deepestgratitude to everyvolunteer,pastand present, whohas helped make NSCR whatitistoday
You, too, canbepartofthislegacy.
Visit us online todayat volunteer.nscr.ca or call Volunteer NorthShore at 604-982-3307
