Thanksforsupporting VolunteerCentrebreakfast

The South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre would like to take a moment to reflect on 2022’s National Volunteer Week and once again say a huge thank you to everyone who takes the time to volunteer.

We celebrated by hosting the Volunteers Matter Appreciation Event presented by Total Restoration in Gyro Park. Volunteers from across the South Okanagan Similkameen were invited and joined us for a free breakfast including pancakes made by Penticton’s own Mayor John Vassilaki, as well as eggs and sausages served up by Chef Marko Mijilovec from Match Eatery & Public House and the dedicated team from Total Restoration who come out to support so many community events.

This event would not have been possible if it weren’t for some pretty fantastic community corporate sponsors. Total Restoration as well as Travel Penticton ensured that we could pull off the event financially. Betts Electric helped provide the Kids Zone which included a bouncy castle, balloons, and kid’s packs, and Omland Heal and Elevation Woodworks supported us in being able to capture fun memories with a photo booth.

IGA provided both the pancakes and 50 pounds of sausages, The Feedway provided over 30 dozen eggs, and Blenz made sure everyone was warm and awake with coffee. Thank you to local media for getting the word out there, JCI Penticton for a couple of fantastic volunteers and your grills, and all of the businesses who donated items for our giveaway bags and door prizes — the response and generosity was overwhelming, heartwarming, and so long we can’t even list everyone here.

A special thank you to Mayor Vassilaki for making pancakes all morning, Penticton councillor Katie Robinson for greeting every volunteer with a gift bag, attendance from Coun. Frank Regehr and Coun. James Miller, and all of the non-profits who set up booths around Gyro Park to promote volunteerism including: BC-SPCA, CFUZ Peach City Radio, Penticton Rotary Club, Alert, Critter Aid, Elvis Festival, HaHaHa Penticton Kidzfest, The Hamlets, Penticton Woman in Business, Penticton Scottish Festival and South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society.

A special thank you to Mat Duffus for volunteering to sing us a few songs during the day.

For everyone who takes the time to volunteer, you truly make a difference in our communities, and in the lives you touch with your generosity, empathy, and goodwill. Opportunities are added daily to the Volunteer Centre website: volunteercentre.info

Subrina Monteith, Executive Director South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre