Sonia Newman has dedicated over 25 years to Westside Health Network Society (WHNS), starting with a part-time position while her sons were growing up, and for many years now as the Executive Director. Having originally been raised in Boyle, Alberta, she has called the Central Okanagan home for 30 years. She is proud of her two sons and happy to be sa国际传媒淏abasa国际传媒� to two granddaughters. She is entirely committed to her organizationsa国际传媒檚 mission of enhancing seniorssa国际传媒� wellness through volunteerism, education, referral and social programs in the West Kelowna and Peachland area and is looking for new volunteers that will make a huge impact.

sa国际传媒淚 found my passion,sa国际传媒� enthuses Sonya, who decided to take the gerontology certificate program at UBC to support her work. sa国际传媒淭he organization became a society in 1991 and we have been growing for the past 33 years assisting seniors in the community.sa国际传媒�

Sonia along with Karen Northcott, the Coordinator of Volunteers, are the only employee, with all of the other services provided by incredible volunteers.

sa国际传媒淲e have volunteer drivers, visitors, tax clinics and a group that knits and crochets articles that are donated to the community,sa国际传媒� explains Sonia. sa国际传媒淭hese volunteers make a huge impact for seniors as they navigate the system with the wish to remain in their own home in the community that they love.sa国际传媒�

Potential volunteer roles include Board Directors, Drivers who help seniors get around town and to their appointments, Volunteer Visitors who join seniors for a visit, walk or activity and Digital Device Tutors, who help participants stay connected through technology.

sa国际传媒淲e require Criminal Record Checks for most positions as people work directly with vulnerable elderly population,sa国际传媒� states Sonia. sa国际传媒淥ur volunteers are caring, compassionate people who feel that they have made a difference in a seniorsa国际传媒檚 life. For example, volunteers deliver Christmas packages to seniors living alone and there are always tears of joy as the seniors truly appreciate sa国际传媒榯hat someone cares.sa国际传媒檚a国际传媒�

Sonia highlights that WHNS also offers navigation services, helping with referral and connection to community resources for seniors, as well as an exercise program and a social program.

If you are interested in joining the WHNS team as a volunteer, connect with Karen at 250-768-3305 or email whns@telus.net. You can also find out more about the organization at .

Sonia herself volunteers as sa国际传媒渋t is rewarding to know I made someonesa国际传媒檚 day and it gives me something to do in my retirement.sa国际传媒�

For more opportunities to share your time and passion, check out the VolunteerConnector.org. Impactful new positions are always popping up, including a variety of options with Kelowna Gospel Mission, Ozanam House, Project Literacy and for those already thinking of winter sa国际传媒� Volunteer Ski Patrollers at Big White. Check out volunteerconnector.org for more info.

Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.