PROUDLY ANNOUNCING THE 2026 WINNERS OF THE
A huge thank you to everyone who voted and submitted nominations
for our inaugural awards program.
A Spotlight on the First Annual South Shuswap Scoop Volunteer Award Winners
Trudy Vercholuk
Trudy’s leadership has strengthened local literacy, health care and community organizations throughout the South Shuswap. Learn more about the many ways she has helped bring people together and support a stronger community.
Volunteer of the Year
Barry Stokes
35 years helping improve life in Sorrento through leadership, advocacy and hands-on community involvement.
Discover some of the lasting projects and organizations that have benefited from his service.
Volunteer Lifetime Impact
Outstanding Volunteer First Responder
Margaret Stokes
For over 20 years, Margaret has served the South Shuswap First Responders with dedication, calm leadership and compassion. Read more about her long-standing commitment to helping others when they need it most.
South Shuswap First Responders
(Melanie Boyko accepted the award on behalf of the organization)
For over 25 years, the South Shuswap First Responders have provided vital emergency medical support throughout the community. Learn more about the volunteers behind this essential service.
Non-Profit Community Impact
CONGRATULATIONS THE FINALISTS!
Monica Seys,
Tappen
South Shuswap First Responders, Sorrento Housing Society, South Shuswap Canada Day, South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce
- AND -
Darlene Duxbury, Sorrento
South Shuswap Transportation Society/South Shuswap Rides
Sorrento Lions Club
- AND -
Shorei-Kan Shuswap Dojo
Sue McCrae,
Blind Bay
South Shuswap Health Services Society, Rural Shuswap Housing Society, Shuswap Economic Development Society
- AND -
Vic Hargitt,
Blind Bay
Shorei-Kan Shuswap Dojo
Lesley Tessier,
Tappen
South Shuswap First Responders, Tappen Sunnybrae Volunteer Fire Department
- AND -
Jeremy Wozniak,
Eagle Bay
Eagle Bay Volunteer Fire Department
THANK YOU TO ALL THE NOMINEES!
Volunteer Lifetime Impact Award Nominees
Glen Smith (Cedar Heights Community Association), Anita Walters (Notch Hill Town Hall Association) Linda Eberle (Sorrento And District Hospice Society), Larry Stephenson (Carlin Hall Community Association).
Non-Profit Community Impact Award Nominees
Shuswap Paws Rescue Society, Blind Bay Community Hall, South Shuswap Transportation Society/South Shuswap Rides, NSSCR North And South Shuswap Community Resources, Notch Hill Town Hall Association.
A word from the South Shuswap Scoop team
Since we launched our inaugural volunteer awards program in April, it has been a true privilege for our team to receive nominations for dedicated individuals and volunteer-powered non-profits whose volunteer efforts have made a lasting impact in our communities. Our very first volunteer awards program has been a fantastic way for us to celebrate some incredible people and organizations while also celebrating the 10th anniversary of our community publication.
We want to thank everyone who participated, including our awards sponsors (Blind Bay Sorrento Village Grocer, SASCU, Shuswap Lake Estates and Shuswap Marina), those who submitted nominations, everyone who participated as a nominee and the many, many people who voted.
We received hundreds of votes, demonstrating how much community involvement is valued in our beautiful region.
Every single nominee across all four categories is highly deserving of recognition for their volunteer efforts. If you have an opportunity to thank any of the individuals or organizations that were nominated this year, we hope you take a moment to congratulate them.
Based on the public vote, we are pleased to announce our 2026 winners, finalists and nominees. Finalists and nominees are listed in alphabetical order. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we will be presenting prizes to the winner in each category.
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
With your contributions and support we have been able to showcase and celebrate the community members and organizations that are going above and beyond to make this community a better place to live.
THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED, NOMINATED AND VOTED.
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!