2012 Stewardship Community Bursary

The Pacific Salmon Foundation raises funds and directs funding to grassroots, volunteer and community-driven projects focused on the conservation and recovery of Pacific salmon. The Foundation supports research and science, then integrates this knowledge into program plans at the community and watershed level. The Foundation works with First Nations, private companies, educational institutions, non-profit groups, all levels of government, and commercial and recreational anglers to bring salmon back to our streams. The PSF and Salmon Enhancement Program volunteers raise funds each year to support two annual awards for students in need who volunteer in activities that benefit salmon in the wild.

In 2012, the financial contribution from the stewardship community has remained strong resulting in a minimum of two bursaries of $2,000.

For information please contact Dianne Ramage, Salmon Programs Director, or Jim Shinkewski, Salmon Programs Coordinator at 604 664-7664

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Tackle Bullying and Celebrate Aboriginal Culture!

Take a stand against bullying – wear pink on February 29th

We encourage everyone to support Pink Shirt Day on February 29, 2012. It promotes a message of inclusiveness and anti-bullying. Pink Shirt Day started when two young men, David Shepherd and Travis Price, high school seniors at Central Kings Rural High School in Nova Scotia in 1997 saw a young man in their school being bullied for his choice of clothing and took a stand against it. By encouraging all students to wear pink, boys and girls, they made a statement and took a stand against bullying that spoke volumes and changed the climate of a school, and that change has now rippled across the country.

Our schools have many events planned to celebrate Pink Shirt Day and highlight the zero tolerance for bullying in our community. Let us join them in showing our support for a community void of bullying!

We can through our actions and choices allow the voice of the weaker or the more isolated to be heard. To create a safe environment for everyone in community; to have a dialogue about issues rather than a debate; to seek to understand rather than assume; to listen rather than be heard. We can speak out against bullying and work towards a community that belongs to everyone. The Good Neighbours Committee works towards the goal of a welcoming and inclusive community for all and invites community members to participate in the many projects happening through the Spirit of Vanderhoof Diversity Project, Legacy Initiatives. For more information about Pink Shirt Day, go to www.pinkshirtday.ca.

– Omineca Express

Get involved with Aboriginal History Week

This year, Aboriginal Awareness Week will take place during the week of March 5-9. Contact Jasmine Thomas at 250-981-6492 or Sarah John at johns@cnc.bc.ca to find out details about activities and to get involved!

New Volunteer Opportunities!

Calling all volunteers – we have two new and exciting volunteer opportunities, especially for those interested in sports and recreation!

Minor Hockey Bantom Boys
March 17-23, 2012 for the Provincial Championships
Position: General Volunteer – Will be involved in every aspect of the event (tickets, set-up, etc.)

Special Olympics Programs
18 sports to choose from!
Position: Coach – No experience necessary. Training will be provided. Must be 18+.

Contact: Kristin Webster (250) 570-1455 kwebster@specialolympics.bc.ca

For all other volunteer opportunities, click on the Volunteer Opportunities tab of this blog!

December Newsletter

Check out what’s been happening at Volunteer Vanderhoof! Click photos to enlarge.

Interview on Valley Wolf Radio!

Sheila and Debra-Ann talk to Jeff from Valley Wolf about Volunteer Vanderhoof, and the Vanderhoof Seniors Connected (VSC) program!

“If not now, when?

  If not us, who?”

Jim Hurtado – 2011 Road Rescue Volunteer of the Year!

Jim Hurtado has been a volunteer with the Vanderhoof Volunteer Extrication Association (VVEA) since its inception in 1978.

He has played an integral role in the VVEA as a volunteer, donating hundreds of hours to support training and fundraising to ensure the association’s viability and substantial growth under his leadership.

The costs of purchasing and maintaining equipment are substantial, but Jim has secured funding to replace the road rescue truck three times, most recently in September 2010.

Jim possesses a great deal of compassion for his fellow volunteers. No matter what the call was, Jim was there to greet the team that had ventured out – invariably on bad roads, at any time of the day or night. He was also ever-present to meet the team after they returned to the fire hall following calls, knowing that moral support was a vital part of ensuring volunteer responders were okay.

Jim recently retired from the VVEA, so it is only fitting to recognize his 31 years of dedicated volunteer service. Jim Hurtado is the 2011 Road Rescue Volunteer of the Year.