Volunteer Matters

From Corrections to Community: Melissa Scherrens on Volunteering & Crime Prevention with Saanich Police

Volunteer Victoria’s Volunteer Matters podcast interviews Melissa Scherrens, Coordinator of Volunteers and Crime Prevention Programs with the Saanich Police Department. Melissa shares her career path from a criminal justice policing diploma to working as a correctional peace officer, a Calgary Transit peace officer, and ...

From Volunteer Victoria in Victoria, BC, host George speaks with Tracy Cullen, Director of Community Initiatives at the Victoria Foundation, about what community foundations are and how the Victoria Foundation manages donor gifts as endowment funds that generate annual grants to federally registered charities. Tracy notes the foundation’s 90th anniversary, its service area across the Capital Regional District, and recent gran...

Join us for another enlightening episode of Volunteer Matters, recorded in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. In this podcast, we delve deep with Usman Afzal, a wealth advisor and portfolio manager for Alitis Investment Counsel, known for his exceptional community involvement. Discover Usman’s journey from Pakistan to Canada, his extensive travels, and his dedicated volunteer work with several organizations, including Volu...

Exploring AI in Volunteer Management with Eli Colussi

Welcome back to Volunteer Matters with George Colussy from Volunteer Victoria. In this special episode, George is joined by his son Eli Colussi, an AI enthusiast and expert, to discuss the fusion of artificial intelligence with volunteer management. The conversation delves into the intricacies of AI tools like ChatGPT and their potential impact on the volunteer sector. Eli shares...

Volunteer Matters Podcast: Inclusive Communities for Dementia with Carolyn Brandley

Welcome to another edition of the Volunteer Matters podcast, hosted from the boardroom of Volunteer Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, we speak with Carolyn Brandley about her important initiative to foster inclusion for people with dementia in the city of Victoria. Carolyn shares insights on integrating those living with dementia...

Catalina Roberts: Driving Global Change with Innovative Communities | Volunteer Matters

Guest:

Catalina Roberts BA, FRSA,

Chairperson – Board of Directors, InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation

Join us for another inspiring episode of Volunteer Matters, where we meet the extraordinary Catalina Roberts, a dedicated volunteer with the Innovative Communities.org Foundation. Broadcasting from the beautiful Victoria, British Columbia...

Exploring Leadership and Legacy with John Hughes | Volunteer Matters Podcast

Welcome to Volunteer Matters, a podcast coming to you from beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, we sit down with John Hughes, the Executive Director of Craigdarroch Castle, a historic house museum with a rich tapestry of stories and a vital role in the community. Join us as we delve into John's journey from a jewelry designer to a ...

Meet the Visionaries Behind Voluntoria! In this episode of Volunteer Matters, host George Colussi introduces the young and inspiring creators of Voluntoria—Will Porter, Jude Edgington, and their colleague, Liam Murtagh, who couldn't make it to the podcast. George, dives into a fascinating conversation with Jude and Will about their journey into volunteerism, their passion project Voluntoria, and how they aim to engage the yo...

Scale Collaborative: Transforming Nonprofits with Kristi Rivait

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, we have an in-depth conversation with Kristi Rivait, one of the founders and directors of Scale Collaborative, a transformative organization aiming to build a thriving social change sector. From the offices of Volunteer Victoria in British Columbia, Kristi shares her journey, the impactful work of Scale Collaborative, the shift f...

Volunteer Matters: A Conversation with Andrea Pipes on Community Engagement

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, we are delighted to host Andrea Pipes, Director of Volunteer Resources and Engagement at Island Health, in our sunny Victoria office. Andrea shares her extensive experience in volunteer management, detailing her work with Island Health and the various volunteer programs she oversees, including the Step Up Youth program...

The Impact of Volunteerism: Exploring Lifetime Networks with Julie Mason & Emily Mayberry

In this edition of Volunteer Matters by Volunteer Victoria, hosts welcome Julie and Emily from Lifetime Networks, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities. Discover the origins of Lifetime Networks, its unique programs, and the powerful impact of unpaid relationships and community integration. Julie and E...

Volunteer Matters Podcast: Ken Watson's Journey from Engineer to Dedicated Community Volunteer Join us in this insightful episode of the Volunteer Matters podcast as we sit down with Ken Watson, a retired engineer and city manager from Port Alberni, British Columbia. Ken shares his fascinating life journey, starting from his engineering beginnings to taking a leadership role in city management. He discusses his active involvement ...

Volunteer Matters: Exploring Non-profit Leadership with Whitney Ayoub- Goulstone

In this episode of 'Volunteer Matters,' we sit down with Whitney Ayoub Goulstone, the Executive Director of Immunity Canada. Whitney shares her inspiring journey from an aspiring writer to a non-profit leader, detailing her personal experiences and the critical work of Immunity Canada. Learn about the challenges and rewards of working in the non-profi...

Empowering Community Through Volunteerism: A Conversation with Councillor Steve Duck

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, recorded at Volunteer Victoria in British Columbia, the hosts delve into the importance of volunteerism in community building and personal growth. The episode features an engaging conversation with Steve Duck, a proactive city councillor in Sidney, Victoria, who shares his extensive experience in volunteerism,...

A Candid Discussion with Maureen Young on the Power of Volunteering

In this episode of the 'Volunteer Matters' podcast, Maureen Young, Vice President of Social Purpose at Coast Capital, is welcomed to discuss various aspects of volunteering and social impact. Personal anecdotes from her life, experiences from her time with Coast Capital, and the company's philanthropy projects are shared. She underscores the significance of commun...

In this episode of Volunteer Matters, George Colussi and Lisa Mort-Putland host Pedro Arrais, a seasoned reporter from the Times Colonist in Victoria, British Columbia, discussing his journey into journalism, community services, and volunteering. Pedro provides insights into the changing dynamics of the media industry and how local newspaper plays a crucial role in a community's development. Addressing the significance of volunteer...

In this captivating episode of the Volunteer Matters Podcast, join host George Colussi as he delves into the remarkable life and experiences of Yana Hempler. From her early challenges as a young immigrant from Russia to being celebrated as a Saanich Local Hero, Yana's journey unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of volunteerism. Discover how her passion for running became intricately woven with her philanthropic endea...

In the Volunteer Victoria's Volunteer Matters podcast, hosts welcome Bruce Williams, CEO of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Brenda MacFarlane, a board member of Volunteer Victoria, for a discussion on community service. Bruce sheds light on the Chamber's role as the voice of business, advocating for members and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. He shares insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by business...

The Volunteer Matters podcast, hosted by George Colussi, explores the world of volunteerism and community service in Victoria, BC, Canada. In the third episode, George interviews Dr. Cara Gibson, the Executive Director of Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, discussing her background in entomology and her passion for insects. They delve into various topics related to volunteerism, community engagement, and the value of being ...