Wendy is our Wednesday morning gift shop volunteer. She has been with us for almost two years and is always cheerful - a wonderful ambassador for NIWRC.  In addition to the gift shop, Wendy is on our Board of Directors and has been the person responsible for our annual Dinner and Auction.  Wendy says "I love volunteering at NIWRA where I learn something new every time I go there!

Andrea is a delightful person who loves to work in the Baby Room. Andrea always has a smile for everyone.  She has been volunteering faithfully for the SOS since September 2007.  Thank you Andrea, for your invaluable time you give to the SOS and the babies thank you too!

Bardo is our hardest working volunteer.  He has met almost every school child in Oceanside and taught them about the environment and what we can do to protect our wildlife.  As well as schools, he gives presentations to tourists and encourages them to care for the Island.  He brings a smile to everyone who meets him!

Marie has been volunteering in the Time Out for Tots and Moms program since September 2002. Taking a very short time out to have her two children, Marie volunteers in both the Tuesday and Wednesday morning toddler room.  Marie is always cheerful, energetic and reliable.  She gives 100% to the children in her care and maintains an excellent rapport with staff and parents.  Thank you so much for your dedication Marie, you are wonderful!

Shirley is amazing and probably one of the hardest working people we know. She provides footcare regularly for our diabetic and decreased mobility clients, sits on our Board and frequently donates food.  All this after she has worked a full day with special needs kids. She has a wonderful sense of humour and we cannot appreciate her enough for all she does.  Thanks so much Shirley!

Amanda is the perfect example of youth volunteerism at work! Not only is Amanda a great student, she is also an amazing volunteer. At the SOS, Amanda volunteers in a variety of programs and can always be counted on to help at special events throughout the year.  We look forward to being part of Amanda’s life for many years to come.  You Rock Amanda!.

Qualicum Manor is a better place because of  Sylvia. Her ability to adapt to residents’ individual needs has been a real asset. Two mornings a week Sylvia assists the Recreation Coordinator facilitate the bowling Walk and Roll programs. When she is not bowling and rolling, she is assisting at special events and visiting with residents. Sylvia’s friendly disposition and caring attitude has brought many smiles to faces throughout Qualicum Manor.

Eileen and Norm have been active volunteers with the Meals on Wheels program for many years, delivering meals and assisting in the kitchen.  Their dedication, commitment and compassion are a valued asset to both the program and SOS.  Hats off to you Eileen and Norm, we are so grateful you are a part of our organization.

Dist.69 Society of Organized Services  nominates Beverley Hodgson as Featured Volunteer.  Bev has dynamic administrative skills.  She’s friendly and courteous to clients and staff alike, quick to learn and takes on any task, large or small.  Bev is a very valuable member of the SOS office team.  Thank you Bev!

Dist.69 Society of Organized Services  nominates Beverley Cattley as Featured Volunteer. Beverley has been an active volunteer with the SOS since May 2004.  She dedicates her time to many SOS programs several times a week.  Her commitment has been extraordinary and we appreciate all she has to offer us.  Thank you to our wonderful “baby cuddler” and then some….You wear all your hats well!

Nanaimo Lifeline  nominates Bob and Merry Rae as Featured Volunteers. Bob and Merry have volunteered with Nanaimo Lifeline since 1999. Bob installs, maintains and tests Lifeline equipment in the client’s home while Merry visits with the client and does the paperwork.  They also help out with several Lifeline functions.  Their caring and sincere attitude is a great benefit to our clients and staff.

Qualicum Manor Nominates Della Balzer and Audrey Rutledge as Featured Volunteers.  Without being recruited, Della and Audrey were the first volunteers to offer their services to the residents and staff of Qualicum Manor as it opened its doors in the spring of 1995.  They have brought pleasure to the lives of many residents in various ways; friendly visits, playing cards, going for walks, outings, doing crafts, and so much more. They have been able to reach people in ways that others will never be able to.

Forward House nominates Tanya Holts as Featured Volunteer. Tanya is unerringly reliable and very creative. She cares very much about people and shows deep respect and understanding for all living things. Everyone looks forward to Tanya being present.  She is a valued part of Forward House.

Oceanside

Special Olympics B.C. Oceanside  nominates Allan Stevenson as Featured Volunteer. Allan first joined Special Olympics as a volunteer helping in as many areas as he could, Gradually he moved to track & field where his expertise lies. Allan has represented Special Olympics Oceanside at Provincial Summer & Winter Games and as a member of the Provincial coaching team. With his busy commitment to Special Olympics, Allan still finds time to volunteer with other community groups.

The Canadian Cancer Society nominates Sheila Dale as featured volunteer in appreciation for her dedication, efficiency and effective leadership. Sheila has held the position of President of the Parksville/Qualicum Unit and for 7 years was responsible for the Canadian Cancer Society’s April Campaign in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.  This position involved administrative and financial duties as well as  organizing and coordinating the efforts of 200 volunteer canvassers.  Sheila also leads the committee responsible for organizing the Fund Raising “Annual Trail Ride”.

Since January 1995, Les has volunteered all day every Wednesday for the ETRA program.