Carol Kachanoski, VAC Member

Carol Kachanoski, Volunteer Advisory Council Member

I retired in 2019 from working with ICBC Driver Services for 25 years. After my retirement my concern was ‘oh what to do with all my spare time and experience?’  I found Saanich Volunteer Services Society to volunteer with and now I’m exploring a role on the Volunteer Advisory Council.

SVSS was unknown to me in 2020 when covid struck and turned our world inside out.  The B.C. Government requested volunteers to shop for seniors living alone. Newly retired, not quite sure how to use up all that spare time, of course I applied. They connected me with SVSS. I am still one of a few volunteers who continue to help some grandfathered clients with this program that is presently under review.

My first full time job was with White Spot Restaurants for 25 years before my ICBC profession. During my time with White Spot working as a manager at different locations, I met my husband. We were married and two years into our marriage we were transferred to Victoria. We raised our family in Victoria including two boys, who now have their own careers and families. Unfortunately, my husband passed away in 2018.

With my experience in hospitality and as a Client Service Representative / driver examiner while also being a senior myself, I have a lot of life experience to offer the Volunteer Advisory Council. Having volunteers from different areas in SVSS on the council helps us all understand how to better support SVSS’ clients’ needs as well as fulfilling the important roles and responsibilities associated with VAC.  I look forward to being a long-term volunteer with SVSS.

Elaine Carson, VAC Member

Elaine, Volunteer Advisory Council Member

Elaine is a retired business systems consultant and has been a receptionist and driver for SVSS since April 2023. Her volunteer work experience in Victoria includes Deputy Venue Chair at 1994 Commonwealth Games, and 20 years in office administration with CFAX Santas Anonymous.

She moved to Victoria in 1988, and enjoys playing bridge and walking with close friends, while also volunteering with SVSS. She is a wonderful multitasker and invaluable to the organization. She looks forward to extending her volunteering role to membership on the Volunteer Advisory Council and any new learning that that may entail.

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.