Seasonal Closures, Nature Lovers and Volunteer Advocates

Today our executive director, Carol Turnbull, snapped a picture of a local volunteer hard at work stashing acorns for all the neighbourhood foragers. Winter is the time for creating comfortable nooks with food and drink to enjoy as the darkest day approaches.

We at SVSS are animal lovers and volunteerism advocates. We hope you'll stop by before December 22 in order to sit on our porch or inside to have some light conversation while waiting for our lovely animal neighbours to make an appearance.

We are closed from December 23 to January 1 inclusive, and in the New Year we will have new programming to inspire and interest those who may wish to participate. We look forward to serving Saanich with wonderful volunteers who are committed to being neighbours helping neighbours again in 2024. In the meantime,enjoy this season, whatever it may mean to you.

Introducing our new Executive Director

Carol Turnbull is our new Executive Director at Saanich Volunteer Services Society. She comes to us with a decade of experience in a similar role with another Victoria non-profit organization, and she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the non-profit sector.

Carol holds a degree in social work from the University of Victoria and is currently adding to her skill set with a certification in gerontology from Toronto Metropolitan University. But beyond her qualifications, what truly stands out is her genuine passion for community service. She's not just here to lead. She's here to collaborate closely with our amazing volunteers, dedicated board members, and hardworking staff to create and provide programming and services to support and uplift our Saanich community. Here's to new beginnings and making a difference together!

Big Shoes to Fill...

Mario Siciliano has let Saanich Volunteer Services Society (SVSS) know that he must resign from his position as Executive Director due to unforeseen family circumstances, but will remain in place until a new Executive Director is appointed. SVSS is now advertising to recruit the new Executive Director. See below for a link to the position description and information on how interested candidates can apply.

In his short time at Saanich Volunteer Services Society, Mario accomplished more than many people accomplish in years. He built ties to outside organizations and community stakeholders while successfully helping staff to coordinate several multi-organization programs. These included our short-term Heart to Home meal delivery program as well as a United Way BC and Beacon Community Services program to provide vulnerable Saanich residents with 72 hour emergency kits. In addition he supported staff to transition the organization into a larger scale footprint to serve more members of our Saanich community

Saanich Volunteer Services Society and its staff will sorely miss Mario's help to positively impact the Saanich community. We do hope he may one day return, at least for a coffee and maybe for volunteering!

If you may be interested in this position please apply using the link below. If you know people who may fit this position, please spread the word to your friends and neighbours that our small but mighty Society needs another executive director to fill Mario's position (and boots).

https://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=Saanich+Volunteer+Services+Society&l=Saanich%2C+BC&vjk=7b56a04897116a7f