If you have not heard of the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre please take some time to learn about us. Volunteers are needed everywhere! Check out the web site at www.volunteercentre.info or call us at 778-476-5661. Our main resource centre office is located at 102 -696 Main Street in Penticton but there are resource areas in the communities of Okanagan Falls (at The Falls Furniture & Cabinet Co., 5119 - 9th Avenue), Oliver (at the Oliver Community Centre) and Osoyoos (at the Osoyoos Public Library). At each of these locations you will find volunteer opportunities posted.
Volunteering should be an experience that gives you satisfaction and the challenge that you need. It is an activity that is rewarding because it is in the time you have available and allows you to decide what is right for you.
There are many organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen communities that really need the support and help of volunteers. The Volunteer Centre is an association of non-profit societies and other organizations that could not function without volunteers. As more organizations join up with the Volunteer Centre it is truly becoming a one-stop-shop to help you discover what you want to help with and who you need to connect with.
Did you know that there are almost 500 non-profit societies and charities in the South Okanagan Similkameen region? Some operate with only a volunteer base and many operate with only one staff person and rely strictly on the support of volunteers. Look at the Okanagan Gleaners for instance. A truly dedicated group of people, including families, take the time to help with tasks related to processing, dehydrating and packaging our local produce and fruit. This goes to feeding the hungry and poor from around the world. The Gleaners can be contacted in Oliver at 250-498-8859.
Maybe you would like to consider mentoring or tutoring? The South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services Society help new immigrants transition into coming to Canada. They need volunteers to help mentor and tutor in English language and assist with connecting the newcomer to the community and resources. It is also an opportunity to be an advocate and friend for our new residents. Contact Angelika Eneas at 250 4925-6299 for more information.
These opportunities to volunteer are just a few of many. Check out the web site of the Volunteer Centre. Get started! You will help to make a tremendous difference.