Introduction

Saanich Volunteer Services Society was founded in the fall of 1992 and began operation with initial funding from the Municipality of Saanich.  The Volunteer Services Sub-Committee of Healthy Saanich 2000 and the Victoria Volunteer Bureau identified the need for one-to-one volunteer services in Saanich.  In their 1990 report entitled Volunteer-Provided Direct Services in Greater Victoria the first recommendation on volunteer services in the Capital Regional District was:

"The lack of volunteer based direct services in Saanich should be addressed.  With an estimated 1989 population of 89,190 people, this developing municipality has the largest population of any area in the Capital Regional District.  In spite of this population base, age integrated volunteer services are not universally available throughout the region."

Mission Statement

“The Society will provide coordinated volunteer assistance to persons living within the Municipality of Saanich to improve their quality of life.”

The Society meets these needs by matching trained volunteers with Saanich residents of all ages who request service.  The Society provides high quality volunteer training to volunteers, all of whom provide their volunteer service without remuneration.

Operational Structure

A Board of Directors currently directs the Society under the leadership of Damian Kowalewich.  Four regular part time staff is employed by the Society: Susan Zerb – Executive Director, Heather Fetherston – Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Kathryn Beaumier – Office Coordinator, and Lynn Hanman – Community Services Coordinator.  Ten volunteer receptionists handle reception duties and dispatch drivers during a four hour shift.

The Municipality of Saanich provides office space at McRae House, 1445 Ocean View Road, near  the 9^th tee of Cedar Hill Golf Course.