Nominees Announced for the First Annual South Shuswap Scoop Volunteer Awards!
By Jo Boxwell
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for our inaugural Volunteer Awards!
The 2026 nominees appear below in alphabetical order, along with a quote from a nominator.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Darlene Duxbury, Sorrento
South Shuswap Transportation Society - South Shuswap Rides
“Darlene is the dispatcher for South Shuswap Rides and as such works pretty much every day… She is a delight to work with and goes above and beyond for our clients." – Lynn Robertson
Monica Seys, Tappen
South Shuswap First Responders, Sorrento Housing Society, South Shuswap Canada Day, South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce
“Monica volunteers her time with many different organizations. She is on the South Shuswap Chamber board, the Sorrento Lions Manor Board, helps with the Canada Day committee, and is a first responder.” – Anonymous
Trudy Vercholuk, Sorrento
Sorrento and Area Health Centre Society, Friends of the Library, One to One Reading Program - Sorrento Elementary School
“We are so fortunate to have as talented a person as Trudy who is willing to share her skills in so many volunteer positions. She has a deep dedication to doing what she can for her community.” – Celia Dyer
Non-Profit Community Impact Award
Blind Bay Community Hall
“The hall serves as a vital gathering place that strengthens community connection, volunteerism as well as local culture in the Blind Bay area.” – Anonymous
Notch Hill Town Hall Association
“Restoring and maintaining the historic buildings on site help make the community a place for people to enjoy from all areas of the Shuswap.” – Carol Mowers
NSSCR – North & South Shuswap Community Resources
The NSSCR “benefits children, youth and families across the North and South Shuswap.” – Christine Tough
Shorei-Kan Shuswap Dojo
“Many, many hours spent teaching and helping by the dojo instructors.” – Anonymous
Shuswap Paws Rescue Society
“Their dedication, compassion, and tireless work helping animals both within our community and beyond is nothing short of inspiring.” – Monica Seys
Sorrento Lions Club
“They are always active in our community and have stepped up and gone above and beyond for our association whenever we have asked for help.” – Anonymous
South Shuswap First Responders
“They have surpassed 25 years of responding in the South Shuswap, attending hundreds of calls a year, with continued growth in education for themselves as well as the community.” – Anonymous
South Shuswap Transportation Society / South Shuswap Rides
“They supply a much needed and appreciated service to the community, supplying people with car rides to medical appointments, shopping or recreational events.” – Anonymous
Volunteer Lifetime Impact Award
Linda Eberle, Sorrento
Sorrento and District Hospice Society
“Without Linda there wouldn't be a Hospice Society in Sorrento. She's been a dedicated volunteer to this community for over 40 years.” – Robin Graham
Vic Hargitt, Blind Bay
Shorei-Kan Shuswap Dojo
“Vic, now well into his 80s, has been volunteering his time each week for children, teens, and adults in the community, instructing Shorei-Kai karate.” – Rebecca Chadwick
Sue McCrae, Blind Bay
South Shuswap Health Services Society, Rural Shuswap Housing Society, Shuswap Economic Development Society
“Sue has helped bring many services to the South Shuswap including the South Shuswap Health Services Society, the Rural Shuswap Housing Society and others." – Anonymous
Glenn Smith, Blind Bay
Cedar Heights Community Association
“Glenn acts as the main facility manager/caretaker at Cedar Heights Community Association… He is simply and quietly excellent.” – Bryan Lowes
Larry Stephenson, Blind Bay
Carlin Hall Community Association
“Larry has served in a variety of roles with the Carlin Hall Community Association as a board member and for a number of years as president.” – Anonymous
Barry Stokes, Sorrento
Sorrento and Area Community Association, Sorrento and Area Community Health Centre Society
Barry “is a strong leader and has truly sacrificed his personal time for the betterment of our community.” - Allan Hanson
Anita Walters, Notch Hill
Notch Hill Town Hall Association
"Anita is a pioneer resident of Notch Hill. She has been a volunteer at the Notch Hill Hall for over 50 years, participating in many of the events that have been held there.” – Anonymous
Outstanding Volunteer First Responder Award
Margaret Stokes, Sorrento
(South Shuswap First Responders)
Margaret “is one of the longest-serving and most dedicated volunteers our organization has ever had.” – Monica Seys
Lesley Tessier, Tappen
(South Shuswap First Responders, Tappen Sunnybrae Volunteer Fire Department)
“Lesley is an all-star volunteer and trainer for our South Shuswap First Responders Association. She is tireless and tenacious with a little spice for life!” – Melanie Boyko
Jeremy Wozniak, Eagle Bay
(Eagle Bay Volunteer Fire Department)
“No matter what he gets involved in he builds positive relationships and brings his ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’ motto with him.” – Geneva Whynot
Congratulations to all our 2026 nominees!
VOTING IS OPEN NOW UNTIL JULY 3, 2026.
To learn more about our nominees and their incredible volunteer efforts, and to cast your vote,
visit shuswapscoop.ca/volunteer-awards
