National Volunteer Week Recognition

National Volunteer Week takes place from April 19 – 25th. To celebrate, we have invited our members to share stories about volunteers who make a difference in their organizations. These are some of those stories:

Check back throughout National Volunteer Week to see the stories!

 

Anita Kashmark – YMCA

Anita has made significant contributions to the Prince George community through her ongoing volunteer work with YMCA BC since 1999 and other organizations within the community as well.

Anita regularly teaches over 4 YMCA fitness classes per week, leads dryland training sessions for the Dragonboat team during winter, and organizes twice-weekly practices at a local lake in preparation for the Penticton Dragonboat Festival.  
 
Additionally, Anita volunteers as a Personal Trainer at the YMCA and participates in the Small Steps for Big Changes Program, supporting type 2 diabetes prevention efforts in Prince George. Her commitment spans over two decades and has positively impacted local health and wellness. 
 

Northern BC Volunteers – CMHA

During National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognize all our awesome volunteers of Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern BC across our programs, including Peer Support, Fundraising, Events & Community Engagement, the Second Chance Thrift Store, Connections Wellness Centre, and the Nourish Food Bank in Quesnel. 
 
Their compassion, dedication, and generosity make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our communities. Whether they are offering peer support, helping raise vital funds, supporting community events, assisting customers and donations, or ensuring access to essential food resources, our volunteers help create a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment for all.
 
Their contributions strengthen mental health and well-being across Northern BC. We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart they dedicate each day to building healthier, more connected communities throughout Northern BC
 
 
 

 Project Friendship Volunteers

On behalf of Project Friendship Society, I want to acknowledge the most amazing group of volunteers ever.
 
These ladies and gents show up and are an integral part of both our Board and Ric-Rec program that runs each Thursday at the Kinsmen Community Complex.
 
They all wear their hearts on their sleeves. Our group couldn’t run without the dedication (some almost 2 decades long), support and how you all really give 110 %. Thank you from the group, the friends and all whom you’ve interacted with.
 

It truly is a LOVE thing.❤️

Volunteers: Carol, Fran, Linda, Mary, Theresa, Kim, Bruce, Ron, Adelaine, Tam, Stephanie, Delphine, and Adam

 
 
 

Andrew Johnson – Live Well Prince George

Andrew has been an invaluable member of LiveWell’s volunteer team, consistently demonstrating his commitment to building a strong and vibrant community.
 
He is passionate, engaged, and never hesitates to step in wherever help is needed. His positive energy is contagious—he brings humour and laughter to every team meeting, fostering a supportive and uplifting team spirit.
 
This year, Andrew has once again returned to help make the North BC Multicultural Children’s Festival an exciting, memorable, and successful event. His dedication and enthusiasm make him an outstanding candidate for recognition.
 

Lisa Traicoff – The Child Development Centre

A brief history – the CDC has been wanting to establish a volunteer program for several years – all with little or driven capacity. Through Volunteer Prince George the CDC happened upon Lisa Traicoff and very quickly brought her in to be our Volunteer Coordinator.

We have moved from a couple of volunteers to over 18 in a four-month period all with Lisa’s guidance and ideas. Lisa has assisted in developing an orientation process, that includes our policy review and criminal records checks. She has taken advantage of our internal communication process that allows for scheduling for volunteers for all to see and significantly improves our group sessions. She is continually working on volunteer activities to keep our volunteers engaged and regularly rewards our volunteers (ie. Treats for Valentine’s).

Our Centre now has volunteers that assist with yard and maintenance work, newsletter development, group sessions with children working alongside therapists, general administrative duties and so much more. All of this has been under the guidance of Lisa.

You can comment on her successes; however, it must be noted that her wonderful demeanor makes her a positive example for our Centre and we are very pleased to have her drive our volunteer growth. She is a respected part of our organization and we are fortunate to have her assist the Centre.

These are a few of the reasons we wish to bring Lisa Traicoff’s name forward as our Volunteer of the Year.

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