Volunteer Kamloops has a wide variety of opportunities available for those looking to give back or gain experience for their resume.
Placements can be related to administration, animals, computers, fundraising, counselling, health, seniors, special needs, youth and more.
The organization lists updated opportunities online. But, here are few to consider:
o Adaptive Sports at Sun Peaks is seeking a grant-writing volunteer;
o Big Little Science Centre has many positions available: visitor services, cashiers, supervisors, science show demonstrators, display and show designers/builders, marketing and business planning and directors;
o Canadian Cancer Society is seeking office assistants;
o CFBX-FM radio station is seeking on-air and off-air volunteers for those ages 14 and older. Positions include reception, database management, programming, hosting, editing, interviewing and writing;
o Kamloops Arts Council is seeking fundraising volunteers;
o The Canadian Mental Health Association is seeking hairdressing volunteers for the CMHA Clubhouse;
o Big Brothers Big Sisters Kamloops is seeking in-school mentors for kids;
o Kamloops RCMP Victim Services Unit is seeking a victim support worker;
o Kamloops Blazers are looking for event staff volunteers;
o Kamloops Immigrant Services is seeking ESL tutors;
o Centre for Seniors Information is seeking many different volunteers, such as bingo helpers, kitchen workers, builders, cleaners and shopping volunteers.
For more on these volunteer opportunities and others, go online to volunteerkamloops.org or stop into the office, located at 705 Seymour St. to meet with a program co-ordinator. It is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cryderman began her commitment as a volunteer co-ordinator for the Safeway Shopping Program in 2007 and hasn't looked back.
She is responsible for ensuring the program is staffed and organized so seniors experience a safe and enjoyable shopping trip.
For seniors who phone in orders, Cryderman makes sure the correct grocery items are delivered every Thursday by the program's volunteer drivers.
Lorraine Mallon at OCS reflected on her first visit the program at the Safeway location.
"It was alive and bustling; the seniors and volunteers were engaged and enjoying themselves and, at the end of the day, that is the experience we want for everyone involved.
"This is a clear demonstration of Cryderman's hard work and dedication; she is an asset to the program and OCS could not do this without her."
Cryderman is more than a volunteer, said a statement by the organization -- "she's a bright light" and "hero in our community."
As Volunteer Kamloops concludes its 30th anniversary, it has recognized a former Volunteer Kamloops board member.
Shawna Patterson was awarded the Volunteer Recognition Award in December.
Patterson initiated and completed work during the year she spent on the board of directors and she will be remembered.
Patterson was instrumental in refreshing the office, revising personnel policy, implementing a new administrative volunteer team -- complete with training procedures -- assisting with the formatting and goal-setting for the organizations' three-year strategic plan.
Beyond that, she brought her smile, work ethic, organizational skills and ideas to the team.
Patterson is an employee of both Interior Health Authority and the City of Kamloops.
"Any organization in Kamloops would be lucky to have her as a staff member or volunteer and it will not come as a surprise to find that one day she is a prominent figure our community," the organization said in a statement.
