South Shuswap Transportation Society / South Shuswap Rides

From the nominator(s):

"Darlene is the dispatcher for South Shuswap Rides and as such works pretty much every day. She has the difficult task of matching ride requests with available drivers which at times is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together. She is a delight to work with and goes above and beyond for our clients." - Lynn Robertson

"Darlene is the volunteer dispatcher for South Shuswap Rides and the main contact with our hundreds of clients we transport each year. She links clients needing rides with the volunteer drivers, which requires a lot of coordination as there are only 2 cars which have to transport an average of 15 clients each week to critical appointments not only locally but also to Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops for medical treatments. She devotes countless hours each week to make everything work out in an optimal fashion for clients who are reliant on South Shuswap Rides service." - Bryan Lowes

From the nominee:

“I joined the organization in 2020 as dispatcher and driver. I had owned and operated a taxi business in Sorrento for 7 years before retiring and felt I needed to stay occupied.”

Highlights: “People are generous with their appreciation and keep telling me I am doing a great job. Gives me a reason to get up in the morning.”

Volunteer inspiration: "I have lived in this area for 30 years and want to give back and help people who cannot drive, or need help with medical transport and don’t have any other options."

South Shuswap First Responders, Sorrento Housing Society, South Shuswap Canada Day, South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce

From the nominator(s):

“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

“For several years Monica has volunteered with the First Responders, South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce, South Shuswap Canada Day, the Lions Manor - she has also done stints with SEDS, Sorrento School PAC and TOTA while holding down a busy job and being a very involved Mum.” - Anonymous

From the nominee:

Volunteer experience: “South Shuswap First Responders, Sorrento Housing Society (Sorrento Manor), South Shuswap Canada Day, South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce and Shuswap Paws as a foster parent.”

Highlights: “I have got to help lots of people, some friends and other even customers of mine, it's a good feeling when they see you coming, they feel supported and relieved in some cases, to see the familiar face.”

Volunteer inspiration: “I like to help people.”

Sorrento and Area Health Centre Society, Friends of the Library, One to One Reading Program - Sorrento Elementary School

From the nominator(s):

“Trudy is a natural leader who shares her talents generously with her community. She has been a resident of the Shuswap since 2010 and has assumed leadership roles in several volunteer positions. Trudy joined the Sorrento and Area Community Health Centre Board of Directors in 2024. She volunteered to take over the Presidency in January 2025 and leads the management of our local medical clinic with a high degree of competence and professionalism. 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

“Endless volunteer work as President of the Sorrento Health Clinic, Chair of Friends of the Library for South Shuswap and Salmon Arm (donated their loft to store 1000s of books for sales), former organizer of the Reading Program at Sorrento Elementary School.” – Anonymous

From the nominee:

Highlights: “Leading teams of Tutors to benefit hundreds of students feels like we have made a difference to their lives. The Friends are a strong team who through their love of books have raised over $80,000 for the libraries. Leading the current Health Centre Directors has been a challenge as we have undertaken a 10-year review of all aspects of the clinic including staffing, financing, refurbishment, website and governance. The Directors and staff have been enthusiastic, professional and resilient though all the changes. I am most proud of their achievements on behalf of the patients.”

Volunteer inspiration: “I spent 31 years as a Police Officer and in retirement I wanted to continue to help my community. I believe literacy is the key to becoming a confident adult able to fill their potential. I have seen many folk in distressing circumstances and wanted to redress the balance. Tutoring children who giggle has been a great antidote.”