2026 Volunteer Spotlights
Here are just a few individuals who were nominated by their colleagues to be recognized during Volunteer Appreciation Week in April 2026.
We are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers who help make Colwood a better place!
TIME SPENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
One year & counting.
WHAT INSPIRED ME TO GET INVOLVED
I moved here a few years ago from Ottawa and I really love living in a smaller City with such a vibrant volunteering community. Volunteering with ReImagine gives me the chance to meet amazing people who really want to make a difference in our neighbourhood.
WHAT LIGHTS ME UP
I love bringing people together to learn and share ways we can live more supportive, sustainable and meaningful lives. The stories and ideas shared are inspirational. For example, how to successfully grow cucumbers in your living room!
ADVICE FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING
Start by attending community events and activities that are happening in the city and nearby. Sometimes just showing up at an event and helping with the chairs can be a great first step to get involved!
TIME SPENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
12 years
WHAT INSPIRED ME TO GET INVOLVED
After I retired, I spent a lot of time walking my dogs through Havenwood Park, getting to know every corner of it. I was inspired by seeing people care for parks — like a gentleman I used to meet pulling ivy in Mt. Doug Park. I’d always think, “I should do that too.” Living next to Havenwood Park gave me the perfect chance to give back to a place I love.
WHAT LIGHTS ME UP
I love the satisfaction of transforming an area overrun with invasives into something beautiful. Seeing wildflower meadows bloom in spring and arbutus trees re‑emerge where blackberry once took over is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy the rigorous activity.
WHAT I’D SAY TO A NEW VOLUNTEER
First, a hearty “welcome”, and then an equally hearty “thank you!”
MEMORABLE MOMENT
A colleague and I recently pitched an idea to the Board of Directors and the positive response and excitement about it was overwhelming. It makes us want to knock it out of the park to become a reality to further assist in the effort to get an Arts & Culture Centre built in the West Shore.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS
Fulfilled. Grateful. Amazed.
HIDDEN TALENTS UNCOVERED
I learned how to use Mailchimp which had never been on my radar before.
UNEXPECTED BENEFITS
Seeing and feeling the passion, dedication, and determination of such a small group of people to get an Arts & Culture Centre built. It's inspiring and infectious and drives me even more to help elevate the awareness of the group's mission and values to make this project a reality. The WestShore needs an Arts & Culture Centre and to see it come to fruition and play a small part in the project's success would be a truly humbling experience.
TIME SPENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Over five years.
WHAT INSPIRED ME TO GET INVOLVED
It's always been important for me to be active in my community. I reached out to the City of Colwood to discuss how I can make a difference to help protect what I love: the forest in our community. That conversation led to being offered a position on the Waterfront Stewardship Committee. This role allows me to integrate my volunteer experience with Wild Wise by sharing the importance of coexisting with wildlife in our community.
WHAT LIGHTS ME UP
I enjoy teaching about wildlife conservation and inspiring the next generation of conservation stewards.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEERS
Colwood is a wonderful community with lots of great organizations to volunteer with. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a difference in your community.
TIME SPENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
I started picking up roadside litter five years ago and have been part of PICK Colwood since it was formed one year ago.
WHAT INSPIRED ME TO GET INVOLVED
I was inspired to help pick up litter in our community simply from noticing it while walking around the neighbourhood. Lots of people talk about protecting the environment but do little about it. I believe this is a simple and positive step towards making a difference.
WHAT LIGHTS ME UP
I enjoy being able to see the improvements my efforts make in our neighbourhood and knowing that it’s protecting the environment.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEERS
Many hands would make a hugedifference, and it can be done at your own pace and time.
TIME SPENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Two years & counting.
WHAT INSPIRED ME TO GET INVOLVED
Colwood is growing and evolving so quickly. There’s an incredible amount of talent here. I was inspired by the vision of building a space that could support the full ecosystem of the arts while also hosting spectacular conferences and gala fundraisers that bring people together. I’ve always loved attending the arts festival in September and spending time at the Colwood Arts Centre. Getting involved felt like a natural way to support and shape that creative future.
WHAT LIGHTS ME UP
I love being able to stretch my skills and contribute at a strategic level as a board member. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my ideas are valued and can make a real impact. A highlight was bringing over 70 arts & culture organizations together for a collaborative workshop for the community.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEERS
Supporting local initiatives and showing up for your community creates such a strong sense of connection. Volunteering fills your cup in ways you don’t expect. Doing something positive for others, especially during challenging times can be incredibly grounding and meaningful for your own mental health.
TIME SPENT MAKING A DIFFERENCE
I’ve been involved with CENiC for six years, since its inception.
WHAT INSPIRED ME TO GET INVOLVED
I’m inspired to make a positive difference in my community.
WHAT LIGHTS ME UP
I enjoy meeting like-minded people.
ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEERS
It’s a great way to meet new friends and to make your community an even better place to live!
2025 Volunteer Spotlights
Here are just a few individuals who were nominated by their colleagues to be recognized during Volunteer Appreciation Week in April 2025.
MEMORABLE MOMENT
During my first time volunteering for the Victoria Marathon, it was a quiet day until we noticed a young girl standing alone near our station. She seemed lost and didn’t know where her parents were. We called it into net control and the police got involved to begin the missing child process. Eventually, after a while, the girl was safely reunited with her family. This experience highlighted that the routine preparations for emergency scenarios that rarely happen can suddenly become crucial.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS
Practical. Educational. Rewarding
HIDDEN SKILLS UNCOVERED
Speaking clearly over the radio has been the most surprising skill. It requires being concise, following protocol, and overcoming “mic fright.” With practice, it becomes more natural.
UNEXPECTED BENEFITS
Our regular radio shifts always come with a few good laughs. The people make it fun, and we’re always looking for more volunteers!
MEMORABLE MOMENT
It's hard to pick just one! Seeing the kids' and parents' reactions to their school art on the gallery walls at our School Shows, setting up the Christmas Show, reconnecting with old friends from Pendray House, and meeting new artists and watching them develop their skills.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS
Connection. Community. Camaraderie.
SURPRISING SKILLS UNCOVERED
I've found it is easier than I thought to talk to people who visit the gallery. They are interested in the art, the artists and our history — it's a pleasure to discuss these topics with them.
UNEXPECTED MOMENT
Being asked to do this feature profile!
Between Coast Collective at Pendray House and the Arts & Culture Colwood Society, Barb has been a dedicated volunteer for 16 years! Thank you, Barb, for your unwavering commitment to our community!
MEMORABLE MOMENT
A colleague and I recently pitched an idea to the Board of Directors and the positive response and excitement about it was overwhelming. It makes us want to knock it out of the park to become a reality to further assist in the effort to get an Arts & Culture Centre built in the West Shore.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS
Fulfilled. Grateful. Amazed.
HIDDEN TALENTS UNCOVERED
I learned how to use Mailchimp which had never been on my radar before.
UNEXPECTED BENEFITS
Seeing and feeling the passion, dedication, and determination of such a small group of people to get an Arts & Culture Centre built. It's inspiring and infectious and drives me even more to help elevate the awareness of the group's mission and values to make this project a reality. The WestShore needs an Arts & Culture Centre and to see it come to fruition and play a small part in the project's success would be a truly humbling experience.
MEMORABLE MOMENT
Celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Friends of Havenwood Park was unforgettable. Reflecting on our achievements and sharing our successes with the Colwood community and fellow restoration enthusiasts felt amazing!
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS
Friendship. Positive Energy.
HIDDEN SKILLS UNCOVERED
I've been learning about public speaking and doing group presentations, which has been challenging but very useful for someone who grew up shy. Additionally, both the presentations and hands-on work have deepened my understanding of our region's ecology, which I find endlessly fascinating.
Judy has dedicated nine years to Friends of Havenwood Park and two years to ReImagine West Shore. Thank you, Judy, for your dedication to continuously make a positive impact
in our community!
MEMORABLE MOMENT
During my first time volunteering for the Victoria Marathon, it was a quiet day until we noticed a young girl standing alone near our station. She seemed lost and didn’t know where her parents were. We called it into net control and the police got involved to begin the missing child process. Eventually, after a while, the girl was safely reunited with her family. This experience highlighted that the routine preparations for emergency scenarios that rarely happen can suddenly become crucial.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE IN 3 WORDS
Practical. Educational. Rewarding
HIDDEN SKILLS UNCOVERED
Speaking clearly over the radio has been the most surprising skill. It requires being concise, following protocol, and overcoming “mic fright.” With practice, it becomes more natural.
UNEXPECTED BENEFITS
Our regular radio shifts always come with a few good laughs. The people make it fun, and we’re always looking for more volunteers!
MEMORABLE MOMENT
The overall appreciation I receive from people when they see me picking litter in the community.
MOST SURPRISING
The importance of taking action without judgement.
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE AS DESCRIBED BY PICK COLWOOD VOLUNTEERS
Engaging - Big Impact - Pride - Gratifying - Empowering - Making a difference - Small steps - Purposeful - Inspiring - Engaging