ABOUT US
SOS Volunteer Centre Society was founded in 2006 to provide volunteerism support in the Okanagan Similkameen. In 2023, a name change to South Okanagan Similkameen Community Connections and Volunteer Centre to better reflect the services we offer to the community. At SOS Community Connections, we believe that everyone can find a meaningful volunteer role, and we are here to help residents discover their next volunteer adventure.
​
Volunteerism is one way to connect with your community and invest in creating a vibrant community. Volunteers support various social services programs and festivals or events.
MEET OUR TEAM
Subrina Monteith
Executive Director
Joining in 2021, Subrina brings many skills and connections to the centre with her regional approach to team building. Subrina has volunteered on many committees throughout the South Okanagan Similkameen and brings a regional connection to the team. Subrina has been a part of many festivals, events, and organizations in the South Okanagan over the years including Penticton Peach Festival, Rotary Penticton Rib Festival, South Okanagan Crime Stoppers, Volunteer BC, Terry Fox Foundation, Air Cadets, Kaleden Community Association, etc. Subrina has a wide range of experience in volunteerism and is excited to work with non-profits, festivals, corporate partners, and events to find the volunteers they need to be successful.
_edited.jpg)
Kona Sankey
Director
Kona has been a resident of Penticton for 17 years and has actively volunteer for many non profit organizations including:
PACE/Mental Wellness Centre, Harm Reduction, Keep the Cold Off & Nanaimo Square Dinners, AlleyCats Alliance, Penticton & District Community Arts Council and at the City of Penticton on two committees/task forces. Kona is currently on the Board of Directors at Penticton Art Gallery for a second term.
2022 I launched Pet-Friendly Penticton, running 2 in-person community events that year, and our Facebook Page & community which now has 2000 members and has just won Gold in the Best of Penticton awards for Best Overall Facebook Page.
In 2023 PFP launched our, newly named, In A Pickle Pet Food Bank & Pet Supply Lending Library. Serving Penticton & surrounding communities, our Food Bank is helping 2-5 families each week with emergency food support. Kona has a passion for helping her community and volunteerism!
Laura Turnbull
Chair
Laura is a retired United Church Minister. Laura joined the Volunteer Centre Board in 2013. She has experience and knowledge in the area of Board development and governance, important to the governance of the Volunteer Centre. Laura has been involved with community Boards as diverse as Art’s Councils, Hospice Society, and Crisis Centre. Laura has been a life-long volunteer. Laura received her Masters of Divinity degree in Saskatoon and Bachelor of Arts from Brock University, St. Catharine’s, Ontario. She was Ordained in 1987 and has served churches in Ontario, the Prairies, and B.C. She retired in 2019.
Paige Schulz
Marketing & Member Services Manager
Joining the Volunteer Centre Board in early 2024, Paige brings over a decade of marketing experience, with strong ties to the hospitality and tourism industry. She received her Bachelor’s Degree of Management with a Major in Marketing from the University of Lethbridge. Having worked with Visit Penticton, a long-standing partner of the SOS Volunteer Centre, since 2021, Paige brings many community connections, including festival and events organizers, which often require large volunteer support. She started volunteering at a young age in her hometown of Medicine Hat and has been involved in volunteering with various organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society, Greater Westside Board of Trade, and ElderDog.
Paul James
Director
Paul is a retired United Church Minister who took early retirement and moved to Penticton, from Ontario, in 2019. Paul is a current volunteer with Meals on Wheels and is one of the first to put his hand up to lend a hand. He is also a Certified Financial Planner. Paul has worked with various non-profit boards and looks forward to assisting the SOSCCVC. Paul is married and has 2 adult children, 1 grandchild, 2 dogs, and 1 cat.
_edited_edited.jpg)
Mandie Yantha
Director
Mandie started volunteering at a young age with her Opa for Meals on Wheels in Kitchener, Ontario, delivering meals to seniors. Since then, Mandie has volunteered for several organizations locally and internationally, and has worked alongside volunteers during her professional career. Mandie moved to Penticton from Ontario, in 2022, after a deployment to the area for the BC Flooding event of 2021, falling in love with the area, mountains and lakes. Mandie has been involved in several organizations in town since moving by volunteering her time and skills to support individuals and the environment. She worked for the Canadian Red Cross for three years in emergency management and operations working alongside hundreds of volunteers whom she has learned so much from! The passion, dedication, and experiences that volunteers bring to organizations and support to individuals is contagious and inspiring. Currently, Mandie is a Regional Climate Resilience Coordinator for FNESS (First Nations’ Emergency Services Society) and brings vast experience in fundraising, public relations, event management, operations, and community engagement.
Cloe Hurn
Director
With five years of dedicated experience in the healthcare setting, Chloe has established a reputation as a highly competent and compassionate HR Manager, specializing in supporting adults and children with diverse abilities. Outside of work, Chloe enjoys being involved in community, being outdoors, and is passionate about trying new experiences.
Sarah Andrews
Director
Sarah Andrews is a CPA with over 10 years experience. She moved to Penticton in 2020 from New Zealand and now lives on Apex Mountain with her husband and son. She sits on a number of other boards here in Penticton as treasurer or as a general director. Sarah is committed to volunteerism and its importance in the Penticton community.