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South Okanagan residents invited to participate in ‘Community Champions’ program

Regional District launched the program during Volunteer Week
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The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is marking the first annual National Volunteer Week in Penticton from April 24 to 30. (Photo: Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen)

Members of the public who get the word out about upcoming local events and gatherings will now be called “community champions” by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS).

The region is acknowledging volunteers with a new program that encourages people to act as a liaison between the RDOS and the public.

Erick Thompson, the region’s communications coordinator, spoke to the Western News on Wednesday, April 27, to mark National Volunteer Week in Penticton from April 24 to 30.

While the RDOS does not have any formal plans to celebrate this year’s occasion, the pending expansion of the Community Champions Program is meant to engage local volunteers in a way that they never have before, all year long.

“Community champions would get our information releases directly, and share the link on their social channels or print it out and put it on a local bulletin board,” Thompson said.

“We do have some community champions now, who basically just offered to share information to others from the RDOS. But it’s a program that we’re continuing to develop and over the next several months we hope to formalize it even more.”

National Volunteer Week in Penticton will conclude on Saturday, April 30, when leaders from the South Okanagan-Similkameen (SOS) Volunteer Centre present a special pancake breakfast at Gyro Park in celebration of all the people who dedicate their time to various local events and organizations.

The city recognized Georges Jansen on Wednesday, April 27, someone who has volunteered at the Penticton Museum and Archives for the last six years.

Georges Jansen was recognized by the City of Penticton on Wednesday, April 27, for being a volunteer at the city’s museum and archives. (Photo: City of Penticton, Facebook)
Georges Jansen was recognized by the City of Penticton on Wednesday, April 27, for being a volunteer at the city’s museum and archives. (Photo: City of Penticton, Facebook)

People interested in learning more about becoming a community champion are asked to email info@rdos.bc.ca.

READ MORE: Mayor John Vassilaki declares April 24 to 30 National Volunteer Week in Penticton


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com

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