Volunteering: the fabric of our lives
I’ve been thinking about volunteers a lot in the last little while. As you know, volunteers are the backbone of our Society, providing their gift of time in all aspects of what we do: They are vital to our well-being.
Like many things these days, our volunteer force changed completely after COVID. Many people who were able to help us out before the pandemic have chosen not to return, with the effect that we have far fewer volunteers than we once had. And, as you have probably noticed, demand for the services that we provide has increased, so the work for our volunteers has only increased.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t volunteering for one thing or another. It seemed to me that it was a natural thing to do when I had the time
to spare. And in my discussions with many of you, it seems to be part of the fabric of your lives as well. In many ways, it’s the best gig in the world: You get paid in spades by the people you help and your boss never complains when you are late!
Many of my fellow Directors have also recognized the importance of volunteer recruitment and, as a Board, we see this as a place where we can provide help to the organization. We have several initiatives underway to try to attract new volunteers, recognizing that we are not the only organization in the area that needs the help!
Of course, none of this will be news to you. We know that many of our members not only contribute to our Society but are also our most active volunteers.
If you already volunteer, my sincere thanks - we couldn’t do the things we do without you. However, if you haven’t yet tried being a volunteer, I’d like to ask you to think about if there is something you’d like to do or some time you could spare. If you think you might be able to help us out, I’d ask you to contact our Volunteer Coordinator Shelly McCullough, at 250-248-2093 ext. 230 or email volunteer@sosd69.com.
We’d love to meet you.
— Paul Ruffell, SOS Board Chair
honoured with King Charles III Medal
Since its inception in 1968, Verna Jenkins has been a valued part of SOS. She volunteered at SOS Thrift Shop for 52 years, dedicating countless hours to support SOS’s programs and services. On September 4, staff at SOS were delighted to see her awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, presented by Parksville-Qualicum MLA Adam Walker. This Canadian commemorative medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King
Charles III and is being distributed to 30,000 outstanding Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities. In addition to her work with SOS, Verna volunteered with Nanaimo General Regional Hospital’s (NRGH) local Arrowsmith Auxiliary and the NRGH Auxiliary at the hospital’s gift shop. She also served as treasurer and fundraiser in the Ladies Auxiliary to the Parksville Volunteer Fire Department.
Now 92, Verna continues to stay active playing crib and other card games with friends and neighbours.
Verna Jenkins
MLA Adam Walker, Verna, and Karen, Verna’s daughter.
A Day of Service at SOS Thrift Shop
Oceanside RBC employees volunteered at SOS Thrift Shop and donated $1,500 to support programs and services that help strengthen our community.
Through the RBC Day of Service, local RBC employees applied for a grant to donate to a charity of their choice and spend a day volunteering there.
“Our team selected SOS because we were truly astounded by all the different programs and services SOS offers,” said Nicole Doll, a financial planner at RBC. “SOS provides immense help and
support to the community.”
After volunteering at SOS Thrift Shop, Nicole shared, “We had a blast! Everyone at SOS was so accommodating and helpful. It was great interacting with the shoppers, and I think we discovered a few treasures ourselves!”
SOS Thrift Shop is the main funder of all SOS programs and services. Thank you to the RBC teams from Parksville and Qualicum Beach. RBC is also a valued SOS Biz for Good partner, helping to create a healthy economy and a happy community.
SOS co-hosts Oceanside Volunteer Fair
As a volunteer-based non-profit organization, SOS relies on the dedication of volunteers to keep delivering its high-quality community programs and services. Increasing volunteer numbers to pre-pandemic levels remains a challenge for SOS, and many other local organizations are also struggling to attract volunteers. That’s why SOS co-hosted the Oceanside Volunteer Fairs with St. Stephen’s United Church in September. The event, which took place at St. Stephen’s Church in Qualicum
Beach over two days, featured participation from 20 local organizations who shared volunteer opportunities and information with attendees. Tim Hortons generously donated sweet treats, and St. Stephen’s Church provided coffee. The event was successful, with organizations gaining new volunteers, and attendees discovering opportunities to expand their social circles, build connections, learn new skills, and stay active. Follow SOS on social media or
Shelly McCullough, SOS Volunteer Resources Coordinator, speaks with a Volunteer Fair attendee.
subscribe to our E-newsletter to learn about future Volunteer Fairs.
New “SOS - We Are Community” podcast
SOS has launched a new monthly podcast that shares SOS news and information from the Podio Studio in Parksville. The podcast, called SOS - We Are Community, has shared detailed SOS program information for children, youth, and families, it has covered how SOS supports struggling seniors, and which SOS programs
help adults and families with basic necessities. Other episodes feature the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness, how residents can benefit from the PQB Home-Share program and we’ve even interviewed renowned Canadian actor and musician, Tom Jackson. Watch all the episodes on SOS’s YouTube page @SOSD69.
From left, SOS Thrift Shop Manager Jackie and Assistant Manager Jessica receive a cheque from RBC employees Nicole, Eve and Nicole after volunteering for the RBC Day of Service.
SOS Communications Coordinator Zoe (left) and SOS Communications Manager Lissa at Podio Studio.
Rotary helps SOS expand Tutoring Program
SOS has expanded its popular tutoring program, thanks to a grant from the Parksville Rotary Club.
“With youth and literacy being areas of focus for the Rotary Club of Parksville, the SOS Tutoring Program was a natural fit,” said Diana Matsuda, public image chair at Rotary Club of Parksville.
Since 2004, the program has supported local students in Grades 6 through 12. The free service provides professional one-on-one academic assistance in Math and English.
“As parents, we want to provide as many beneficial opportunities to our children as possible,” said Kait Burgan, whose child attends the program. “It’s heartbreaking when finances get in the way. Access to these programs go a long way in reducing the gap between those with financial means for education and those without, helping to level the playing field.”
Since Burgan’s daughter began attending the program, her grades have improved, and she has gained
more confidence. “Math used to be her least favourite subject. It’s not anymore,” Burgan said.
Lisa Gyorgy, a tutor in the program said, “The tutoring program is a free service that gives all students the opportunity to succeed. SOS makes it accessible to everyone who needs it.”
Gyorgy appreciates that the program supports diverse learning styles and offers a safe, quiet space
with access to tutoring materials, technology and learning apps. “SOS provides an amazing space and supplies snacks, drinks, time to checkin, and adequate time for learning.”
The program runs Monday to Thursday, offering one-hour sessions at SOS’s Parksville and Qualicum locations. Due to high demand, there is a waitlist. Call 250-9549035 to register.
PQB Home-Share Program aims to ease housing crisis
SOS is witnessing the impact of the housing crisis first-hand. To help address the issue, SOS has partnered with Happipad to introduce the PQB Home-share Program.
Brenda Wasnock, SOS Seniors Advocacy Services Coordinator, shared that seven of her clients over the age of 70 are currently homeless—three living in their cars and four couch-surfing as they search for affordable housing.
“Seniors are paying more than 80 percent of their income on housing, which causes them to struggle in many other ways,” Brenda said. “If we could lower their housing
costs, they’d be much better off.”
The PQB Home-Share Program seeks to ease the crisis by connecting renters and hosts in the Oceanside area through the Happipad platform, which facilitates home-share arrangements based on compatibility, safety and convenience.
Brenda hopes Happipad will help match compatible seniors who have an extra room with those needing an affordable living space, alleviating expenses while creating companionship.
SOS encourages seniors and potential renters to explore Happipad.com when beginning their search, and
SOS can assist seniors with the application process if needed.
The PQB Home-Share Program is supported by the Oceanside Task Force on Homelessness and the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (OTFH-HPS).
SOS Tutor Lisa Gyorgy tutors a student at the SOS Community Services Centre in Parksville. A grant from Parksville Rotary has enabled SOS to expand the program to Qualicum Commons.
Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive brings joy to families
“For many years, Christmas has made me feel lacking as a mom. I will be the first to say that the joy in a child’s eyes when they open a fun toy doesn’t compare to a pack of socks,” said Holly, whose name has been changed to maintain confidentiality.
Since learning about SOS Caring for Community at Christmas, Holly feels a sense of relief knowing she will be able to provide special gifts regardless of her finances.
For 16 Christmas seasons, Tigh-Na-Mara has hosted the Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive, helping fill the SOS Toy Shop and make Christmas brighter for residents in need.
Last year was record-setting, with 2,527 toys, $23,266 in funds, $6,050 in gift cards, and an RBC grant of $1,500 for the SOS Christmas Program.
Tigh-Na-Mara staff also donated 33 bikes through their Bikes for Tykes Program, where employees sign up for payroll deductions to purchase bikes for the Toy Shop.
“We hope to at least match those numbers again this year, if not surpass them,” said Jim Hykaway, General Manager at Tigh-Na-Mara.
The Toy Drive will take place on Dec. 4, 6:30 am - 10 am at Tigh-Na-Mara. Bring in a new, unwrapped toy, gift card
or financial donation and receive a free buffet breakfast. There will also be a drive-through option that morning. A pre-event option for guests who want to avoid the crowds will take place Nov. 18 - Nov. 29, (Mon. - Fri.), 7:30 am - 11:30 am at Cedars Restaurant. Bring in a donation and receive a free traditional breakfast.
Holly said one of her favourite Christmas memories is when her little boy woke up to a new bike.
“I don’t think many people who donate truly understand what it means to me and others in my position,” said Holly. “You’re donating not just toys; it’s normalcy, happiness, and childlike wonder. For that, I don’t have the words to express my gratitude.”
(250) 248-8433 Email: sos@sosd69.com www.sosd69.com
Linda Cox brings gifts to last year’s Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive event.