Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

national volunteer week

Despite pandemic postponements, still plenty of volunteer spirit in Kamloops

Apr 21, 2021 | 4:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s National Volunteer Week and while many events community members would normally volunteer for have been postponed, their desire to give back has not diminished.

CFJC Today spoke to several of Kamloops’ dedicated residents today and they’re eager to get back to their usual activities.

In a normal year, Volunteer Kamloops directs thousands of people towards a variety of programs, non-profits, events and more. Link Program Coordinator Ainsley Tymchyna says pandemic restrictions have halted many of those opportunities this year, but it hasn’t stifled the giving spirit.

“I think there’s pent-up demand. Everyone is excited to get back and out in the community. And non-profits are excited to be able to have their full team of volunteers back. I think if anything, it’s going to be busier going into the spring and summer.”

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Bob Cowden is one such volunteer. The longtime community member and educator is technically retired, but he’s far from ‘slowed down’.

Whether it’s track and field, soccer, swimming or skiing, Cowden often officiates sporting events at local, national and international levels.

Bob Cowden speaking to CFJC in front of the National Throws Centre near Hillside Stadium in Kamloops. (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

“We started with our sports programs in the school system — being introduced to track and field for example — and that just continued on.”

The former principal also believes in the power of social work — helping with the Salvation Army’s meal truck, and spending the last 11 years with the RCMP’s Restorative Justice Program.

“I know that our community is filled with volunteers in all areas and it’s truly what makes our community work.” Cowden says, noting the level of involvement his family grew into over the years.

“It all really comes down to the basic principles of what we believe in as a family and what we believe should be happening within our community.”

Jan Antons is another local resident who often raises his hand to volunteer. To name a few, Antons is heavily involved in the BC Games, Special Olympics, Kamloops Broncos and St. John’s Ambulance.

“When you volunteer and you see — not just in sports but any aspect of volunteering, either somebody achieves something or people overcome hurdles, or they are able to compete better just because you were there and were making it a little bit easier for them.”

Jan Antons on the Warner Rentals Field at Hillside Stadium. (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

Lately the Tournament Capital hasn’t had as many sporting events to host, so regular athletics volunteers have tried to pour their energy into other areas.

“During the pandemic I’ve shifted a bit to the non-sports stuff,” says Antons. “I joined the Snow Angels, I joined Emergency Social Services because I just thought that was a good group to help. Kamloops Film Society — there’s some big events coming up that I’m going to help out with. It just gives you something to do in your spare time.”

Not one to pass up an opportunity to help, Antons adds the Kamloops Film Society is still looking for volunteers for this week’s Kamloops Film Festival. (click here to inquire)

Longtime volunteers all have different reasons for giving their time, but have simple advice for those interested in starting out — find something you’re passionate about.

“It is everybody from all walks of life that volunteer in Kamloops,” notes Tymchyna. “It’s a great community for volunteering. And if anyone is interested in what there is right now, they can go on our website — Volunteer Kamloops.org, and there is a list of all the volunteer opportunities available today.”