SOS Community Impact Fall 2024
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
Verna Jenkins 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 SOS Community Services Centres
245 Hirst Ave. W., Parksville 250.248.2093 744 Primrose St., Qualicum 250.752.2040 sos@sosd69.com | www.sosd69.com
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 AuxilMLA Adam Walker, Verna, and Karen, iary and the NRGH Auxiliary at the Verna’s daughter. hospital’s gift shop. She also served Now 92, Verna continues to stay as treasurer and fundraiser in the Ladies Auxiliary to the Parksville active playing crib and other card games with friends and neighbours. Volunteer Fire Department.