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National Volunteer Week

Dedicated residents are making a difference

Apr 23, 2020 | 4:12 PM

The City of Vernon and Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP are thanking the people who donate their time to make the community a better place.

The recognition is part of National Volunteer Week in Canada.

“Volunteers are the backbone of a community,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “It never ceases to amaze me how many people in our city step up and work tirelessly to make great things happen when there is a need. Whether it’s working at a large sporting or cultural event, serving on a local board, directly assisting those with needs, or helping with a small fundraising campaign, Vernon is full of driven, compassionate, and generous individuals who just want to make a positive difference – and they’re doing it!”

More than 200 volunteers help the city on a regular basis, with approximately 70  serving on council committees and the tourism commission, 70 with emergency support services, and another 70+ volunteers working with the community safety oOffice and RCMP crime prevention unit.

“These folks are dedicated to this work,” added Cumming. “Some of them have been volunteering with the city for more than two decades, providing invaluable expertise, advice and recommendations on a variety of issues to help make this a great place to live. Our RCMP volunteers act as extra eyes and ears on the street to help keep us safe. And it’s all because they love serving their community.”

Cumming is thanking all the unpaid helpers.

“This is especially important right now as we all navigate the difficulties of a public health emergency. We are seeing many examples of our citizens caring for one another, whether close friends or complete strangers, all in the name of getting through this difficult time together. Each and every one of you is making a difference here in Vernon, and for that, we are grateful.”

Cpl. Tania Finn, media relations officer with the RCMP, says their 70 volunteers help-out at the Community Safety Office, the crime prevention unit, and the auxiliary constable program.

“These dedicated individuals volunteer hundreds of hours each year participating in crime prevention initiatives.”

Finn said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been unable to make use of their volunteers over the last month but want them to know how much we appreciate their commitment.

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