Volunteer of the Month
Bernie has been a fixture of the YMCA for over three years now. He goes above and beyond the call of duty every day he volunteers. Working with our broken down machines in the conditioning room, he works hard to make sure that if it can be fixed, it is fixed! Bernie is certified to work on both of our major equipment lines in the gym and often comes in multiple times a week to ensure they are repaired as quickly as possible. Bernie will even do the parts ordering for us and will bring the equipment home with him to make any welding repairs needed.
Besides the YMCA, Bernie has volunteered with several other organizations, including NOW Canada. All in all, Bernie is a pretty incredible guy. He is giving, kind, and friendly. Even when he is covered in grease, dirt and sweat from all the hard work he does, he still will have a big smile on his face. Bernie, thanks for everything you do.
Congratulations, you are this month’s Volunteer of the Month!
Volunteer Spotlight
Sometimes there are experiences that transform you. The Kelowna Family Y has been life-altering for me. A year ago I was eating my way through frustration in Vancouver and then I moved back to Kelowna and joined the Y.
Initially, I was resistant to the concept of “joining a gym” so I started small; a couple of water aerobics classes a week, then three, then six classes broken up by pool walking three days a week. Pounds started to melt away and I was encouraged to try out the gym upstairs. Working out in the weightless environment of the deep pool was one thing, but donning my sole pair of sweat pants was not a concept I immediately embraced…so I checked to see if they would let me work out in the gym in a skirt and heels…for safety reasons the answer was no.
Meet the Jill Siebert Award Nominees for 2012–2013.
Volunteer Opportunities
As the place for better health and development for all, we turn no one away from a membership or service because of financial hardship. We are able to do this in part by the generous time and skills of our volunteers.
It is from the help of volunteers and donors that we are able to subsidize memberships and offer much needed health programs for the community today and tomorrow.
Four easy steps to become a Y Volunteer:
- Find the right fit for you by reviewing the volunteer positions below. if you cannot find a role that fits, we will help you to create a customized role that feels right.
- Complete a Volunteer Application Form and drop it off in person at a Y Branch
- Come in for an interview with a volunteer coordinator
- Complete a current RCMP Records Check
The following opportunities are available at specific locations. Please read description for available locations.
Volunteer Advisory Committee
Volunteers represent our community and can share unique ideas, perspectives and input on how to better improve our volunteer program. Join the discussion. Located at the Kelowna Family Y.
Contact Ryan Adams radams@ymcaokanagan.ca for more information.
Member Services & Administration
Gain great customer service experience and meet new people in your community. If you love to smile and go the extra mile, join our team as a membership desk host, a tour guide, or program assistant.
Administration | Member Services Greeter | Employment Resource Area Assistant
Fitness – Become certified through our volunteer program
The YMCA Fitness Instructor Program will help you achieve your certification. Discover the thrill of leading fitness classes, supporting members using the conditioning equipment and providing everyone with the opportunity to stay healthy and active.
Fitness Host | Group Fitness Instructor
Aquatics
Work towards becoming a certified lifeguard/instructor and help our members develop a passion for swimming and to feel safe in the water.
Swimming Instructor Assistant | Junior Lifeguard
Child and Family Programs
Run, play, laugh and encourage our youngest YMCA members to have fun every visit by volunteering in children’s programs. From volunteering in child minding to mentoring our teens to assisting with family events/programs – you can make a difference.
After School Care Leader | Childminding | Child Program Leader | Junior Leader
Youth and Young Adult Programs
Gymnasium Volunteer | Youth Program Leader
Facility Operations & Maintenance
Help us show our best face by helping to keep the facility clean and safe.
Conditioning Room Cleaner | Maintenance
Silver Lake Kids Camp
Love the outdoors? Help the Y at Silver Lake Kids Camp give children and youth a great camping experience while instilling strong leadership skills and values. We also have volunteer opportunities for youth at Silver Lake, with our Leaders In Training program – for more information contact Rhonda Zakala rzakala@ymcaokanagan.ca
Campaigner
Philanthropy is the glue that keeps the YMCA able to build healthy communities. We are looking for volunteers to fund raise with our fund development department, supporting the Strong Kids Campaign and other initiatives. For more information contact Allie aramchuk@ymcaokanagan.ca
or at 250-764-9621 ext 306.