News and Stories

National Volunteer Week was created to celebrate all volunteers, including Jill Siebert who has contributed over 10,000 hours helping thousands of Okanagan children develop invaluable water safety skills through Y swim lessons.

After immigrating to Kelowna from Venezuela, I found it very difficult to feel at home in a foreign country. I was struggling to learn the language and had numerous doors slammed in my face while trying to find work. I was very lucky to find the YMCA where I started to volunteer and had the opportunity to learn more, connect with a community, and improve myself.

Before our world changed, our long-time Y volunteer and member, Alyson, was teaching at least one fitness class a week out of the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre near her home. Once COVID-19 became an increased risk in our community, she didn’t know what she would do without this regular part of her life, and without the social interactions she came to know and love.

In a time when nothing seems normal, seeing a familiar face and participating in a familiar activity can bring a sense of normalcy back to our lives when we need it most.

Volunteering has a direct impact on the lives of Canadians — whether it is teaching and supporting children, helping Canadians live healthier lives, or giving companionship. For Bryan Wentworth, the Y’s staff and volunteers have become a second family.