By Brenda Lynn
Saanich Volunteer Services Society Executive Director
At this time of year, I love how winter slowly fades to spring and all around us we see the first signs of new growth and fresh beginnings.
I look forward to a new tradition for Saanich Volunteer Services Society (SVSS), having our newsletter published and distributed by our long-standing community newspaper and partner, Saanich News. In this, our inaugural issue, we celebrate National Volunteer Week by dedicating this issue to all Volunteers especially to our SVSS Volunteers.
Volunteering is about giving and contributing, about helping other people and the community at large. It is about working with others to make a meaningful contribution to build a better community. Our volunteers are helping support the growing needs of an aging population. They are helping to keep people in their homes, enabling them to live independently as they age.
SVSS began its journey over 25 years ago with a small group of volunteers committed to supporting Saanich residents. We have stayed true to our vision of community neighbours helping neighbours and we continue to value, honour and champion the important role our volunteers play.
Today, we have more than 150 volunteers generously sharing their experiences and time with Saanich neighbours.
Our volunteers provide the one-on-one direct volunteer services that our clients need, including companionship visits, reassurance phone calls, social connections, medical drives, grocery shopping, minor home repairs, light yard work and information and referral to services and programs to name but a few.
These volunteer services provide a major benefit for our community and residents, particularly for elderly residents. SVSS always needs more volunteers to keep meeting the increasing demand for services. People volunteer for an endless variety of reasons. Many want to gain experience, acquire new skills, or meet new people. Others just want to give back to their community, help a neighbour or promote a worthwhile activity. No matter what your reasons you are welcome to join our dynamic and diverse volunteer team.
The value of volunteering is boundless!