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.
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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.
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Jean Sveinson
Director
Jean Sveinson, B.Ed; M.Ed. (School Administration and Educational Leadership), Director
Jean made Penticton her home in November 2019 after retiring as an elementary school Principal on the Coast. Jean has worked over the years as a volunteer in both hands-on and Executive positions. (a few examples: grant-writing, teaching Adult Ed. and new arrivals to Canada, book and penny drives, mediation, conflict resolution, Food Banks, Festivals, donation sorting, Emergency preparedness, facilitating the building of a library and a soccer pitch overseas). Working with the SOSVC offers Jean incredible opportunities to help facilitate connecting local people and local organizations, as well as to raise awareness about the amazing volunteer opportunities right here in the Southern Okanagan.
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.
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.
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.