Spirit of Revelstoke Award recipients honoured at volunteer fair

Mayor Dave Raven (center) poses with the Spirit of Revelstoke Award winners Ken Talbot, Chuck Ferguson, Steve Olsson, Beth Campbell, Elsie Jamieson, Neills Kristensen, Dave Kaegi and Randy Gribble. Missing from the photo are Bonnie Teed,and Bob Leoppky. Cathy Burke photo

By Jill Zacharias
CDFC Volunteer Committee

For a few hours October 13 the Community Centre was alive with the spirit of volunteerism. 26 organizations hosted colorful displays in an attempt to recruit new volunteers. The sweet sound of jazz permeated the hall courtesy of the Fourth Street Jazz Project. There were snacks and activities for kids. And over 100 potential volunteers ambled in, looking for a way they could contribute.

Preliminary feedback indicates that many of the community groups were successful in recruiting new volunteers. As well, most organizations thought it was a great opportunity to talk to people personally about what they were all about.

A highlight of the day was honouring the first Spirit of Revelstoke award recipients. This award recognizes citizens who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to our community. Mayor David Raven was on hand to give out the awards and paid tribute to each person. The Spirit of Revelstoke awards are ongoing – you can nominate someone at any time. Nomination forms can be picked up at Chamber of Commerce reception (204 Campbell Ave) or requested via email to: volunteer@revelstokecf.com. The names of nominators remain confidential.

If you missed the Volunteer Fair but are keen to get out there and volunteer, check out the Volunteer Recruitment board at the Community Centre. The fair was a joint effort between Community Futures, the Community Response Network and Okanagan College’s Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutoring Program. Looks like it’ll be a go for next year!

Here are some additional photos from the event:

Veteran actresses and directors Robin Abear and Lyn Kaulback of the Revelstoke Theatre Company are always looking for men and women — and sometimes even teens and kids — who want to act, direct, handle the sound, lights or technical aspects of putting on dramas and comedies. David F. Rooney photo
Wanna make Revelstoke a safer community? Roberta Ciolli and Corylie Dias could easily tell you how Crimestoppers works to do just that. But, like other organizations, it needs volunteers to be effective. David F. Rooney photo
Audrey Lally (left) and her friend Janine Kohlman are two of the Revelstoke Hospital Auxiliary’s active volunteers. They were in charge of the desk for the auxiliary, which runs Revelstoke’s popular thrift store at Boyle Avenue and Second Street West. David F. Rooney photo
Fire Rescue Service Volunteers Dave Mohn, Steve Olsson and Randy Driediger were the guys in charge at the department’s desk during the Volunteer Fair. Like other organizations, it is actively seeking volunteers. David F. Rooney photo