Profound contributions of our youth!

Article for August 2025

South Okanagan Similkameen Community Connections Volunteer Centre

Prepared by Laura Turnbull

Board Chairperson

As youth and young adults are returning to school, colleges, and universities it

has me thinking about the they make as volunteers. Many of our festivals would not run if it were not for our dedicated team of younger volunteers. The library, museum, and archives are the beneficiaries of skilled, enthusiastic younger volunteers. And let’s not forget the countless hours that teens and young adults give to Care Facilities assisting with reading, giving out water, and being friendly visitors. A 2018 Statistics Canada study found that 46% of Canadian youth formally volunteered through organizations. These young people make up almost half of the of the 22 million Canadians who volunteer each year! Thanks to school programs that often make volunteerism a part of its curriculum, scholarship requirements, and a changing job market, youth are often encouraged to

---

Youth and young adults who volunteer do so for a variety of reasons. Many see

it as a valuable stepping stone in their job search. Hands on experience can be gained, all while building marketable skills, expanding their network, and boosting their visibility to future employers. What a great way to make new friends while contributing to an organization or community!

If you are a younger person and are interested in volunteering, I invite you to

contact the South Okanagan Similkameen Community Connections Volunteer Centre and speak to our Executive Director, Subrina Monteith. She can be reached at: 1-888-576-5661, info@volunteercentre.info or check out the website:

http://www.volunteercentre.info. She would love to hear from you.

Please consider making volunteerism part of your fall activities. You won’t regret it!