RDCK celebrates National Volunteer Week
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
This week marks National Volunteer Week across Canada and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is fortunate to work with hundreds of volunteers across the entire organization.
“The RDCK is what it is because of our volunteers,” said Stuart Horn, RDCK Chief Administrative Officer.
“We would not be able to provide the breadth of quality services we do without the dedicated volunteers we have across all of our committees, commissions, fire departments, search and rescue organizations, societies, as well as advisory and community groups. I want to thank all of our volunteers who offer up the most valuable thing you have to ensure the success of our region: your time. ”
All RDCK fire departments operate on a volunteer basis. In total there are over 300 volunteer firefighters across 16 departments; dedicated individuals who did not hesitate to stand up and serve their community.
“RDCK volunteer firefighters are integral to the communities they serve in and we are fortunate to have so many dedicated and community oriented individuals working with us,” said Nora Hannon, RDCK Regional Fire Chief.
“Volunteer firefighters provide essential fire suppression, rescue and pre-hospital care services throughout the RDCK. The training and accreditation to provide these services is stringent and time consuming.
As part of National Volunteer Week, I would like to recognize the tremendous service provided by the volunteer firefighters at our respective departments across the RDCK.”
“Volunteers are essential to recreation in our communities as they provide the majority of our sport, cultural and community entertainment programs and special events,” said Joe Chirico, RDCK General Manager of Community Services.
“We thank them for their commitment and willingness to give back to their community.”
John Bullock is one of those volunteers the community has come to rely on.
He volunteered to lead a committee to raise funds to acquire a regional park in Krestova. Lead by Bullock, the Krestova Park Fundraising Committee was able to meet its goal of raising $475,000 in just over a month’s time to help secure the purchase of the RDCK’s newest regional park, Krestova Regional Park.
“It is quite natural to take from community what we want and need, but it’s just as important to give back when we can,” Bullock said. “There is something amazing about experiencing the power of community working together to make something extraordinary happen.”
This week during, National Volunteer Week, take a moment to recognize those who choose to give back; through their kindness, generosity and commitment to volunteering. Thank you.
Incorporated in 1965, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is a local government that serves 60,000 residents in 11 electoral areas and nine member municipalities. The RDCK provides more than 160 services, including community facilities, fire protection and emergency services, grants, planning and land use, regional parks, resource recovery and handling, transit, water services and much more. For more information about the RDCK, visit www.rdck.ca.
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