鈥淢ake a Difference鈥� is the motto of the Central Okanagan Branch of the National Association of Federal Retirees and it is at the heart of Jan Redlich, the branch Vice-President and Membership team leader鈥檚 drive to recruit volunteers.
鈥淲ithout volunteers, we would not have a presence in the community,鈥� explains Jan. 鈥淭here are 79 branches across Canada, and all are staffed by volunteers. There is a volunteer National Board of Directors and a national office staffed by paid professionals who lead in administration, government liaison, advocacy, pension benefits, communication. However, volunteers are the local voice for members.鈥�
The National Association of Federal Retirees is one of the largest non-profit organizations in Canada with approximately 170,000 members. It has been in existence for over 50 years, as has the Central Okanagan branch, which covers Lake Country to Peachland and has about 1500 members.
鈥淢embers who have questions about seniors鈥� services or programs have access to a branch message phone or email at all times that is answered within 24 hours,鈥� says Jan. 鈥淚n normal times (pre-pandemic) the branch also holds social activities, learning experiences and participates in community services.鈥�
Volunteers must be members of the association and to be a member they must be eligible for a federal pension. This includes federal government employees who have retired or will retire from the public Service, Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP or federally appointed judges as well as their partners and survivors.
鈥淭here are opportunities for members to try new activities utilizing skills and interests from their careers or to learn new skills. They can participate in advocacy initiatives to influence governments, to communicate with members or public representatives, or just take on short projects to support the branch motto,鈥� explains Jan. 鈥淭he reward for volunteers is the opportunity to meet new members and volunteers from other non-profit organizations as well as community leaders. They can gain self-satisfaction in knowing they helped someone through a difficult time or made a positive difference in someone鈥檚 life.鈥�
Opportunities for volunteers include a lot of flexibility, depending on how much time people have to give, although ideally there is training involved and more options become available as people become more familiar with the organization. The Branch currently has 8 directors that oversee the Branch鈥檚 activities and there may be openings becoming available for these roles. Anyone interested in joining this active and committed group that advocates and serves seniors is asked to contact the branch office at 250-712-6213 or by email to kelownaafr@gmail.com. You can also find out more info at .
Dorothee Birker is the communications and development coordinator for KCR Community Resources. If you are interested in sharing your volunteer or organizational news, please contact Dorothee at dorothee@kcr.ca.
Like us on and follow us on .
Want to support local journalism? Make a donation
