As National Volunteer Week winds down and Saanich’s Earth Day celebration draws near, it’s the perfect time to thank all the Saanich volunteers who care for nature and their community throughout the year.

“Over the past year, volunteers with Saanich Parks, Recreation, and Community Services provided more than 19,000 hours of their time to support the department’s Mission of Healthy Nature, Healthy People, Healthy Community,” says Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Services, Suzanne Samborski. “These citizens have come together in service of the environment and our community, and we’re grateful for their dedication and generosity which makes a big impact.”

On Saturday, April 20, a team of eight Community Services volunteers will attend the Saanich Earth Day Festival, supporting the event in a variety of roles including bike valet, sustainable art assistant and other positions that facilitate sustainability learning for residents of all ages.

Meanwhile, volunteers with Saanich Parks celebrate the earth every day by removing invasive plants, improving wildlife habitats and sharing information about ecological restoration through our Pulling Together Volunteer Program. Without their support and dedication, these projects could not operate at their current scale. There are volunteer-led Pulling Together projects in more than 45 parks in Saanich, and Park Ambassadors also take daily walks through PKOLS (Mount Douglas Park) to help visitors understand the value of this natural space and their role in protecting it.

Remember to join us for the Saanich Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. behind the Municipal Hall at 770 Vernon Avenue. All are welcome!

-30-

Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca