News release
For immediate release

Saanich Emergency Program volunteers attended 16 public events throughout 2023 to promote personal preparedness and build relationships in the community.

Saanich, BC – The Saanich Emergency Program (SEP) celebrates National Volunteer Week from April 14-20, recognizing the dedication and commitment of its volunteers. With over 90 members, SEP’s volunteers are a diverse team with a shared desire to support their community. Many volunteers have served with SEP for several years, with some having served for decades!

“Our volunteers are the heart of the Saanich Emergency Program,” said Captain Erin Stockill, Emergency Program Officer. “Their knowledge, commitment and vibrancy make a positive difference in the community. Their ongoing contributions through training, exercising and public education are a crucial component to the success of our program and the resiliency of Saanich.”

This National Volunteer Week, SEP encourages you to share your appreciation with the volunteers in your community to honour the important work they do.

Benefits to volunteering

There are many benefits to volunteering with the Saanich Emergency Program. Our volunteers consistently mention having a stronger sense of connection with their community.  As a volunteer you will learn about and enhance your personal preparedness while learning how to support others during an emergency or disaster. You may already have skills well suited to the program or you may be looking to try something completely new.

Do you love to help those in need and connect with your neighbours? There are many positions available in: Emergency Radio Communications, Emergency Support Services, and the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program. Join us!

Quick facts

• Saanich Emergency Program Volunteers dedicated over 3,400 hours last year!
• When a Saanich resident is evacuated from their home and requires assistance, volunteers are ready to respond. These events can be as small as a house fire or as large as a community evacuation. SEP has volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year.

• SEP volunteers respond to both local and provincial emergencies through physical and virtual deployments. With ongoing training, modernized equipment, and a strong desire to lend a hand, our volunteers supported over 300 provincial evacuees during the 2023 wildfire response.
• Volunteers deliver scheduled emergency preparedness presentations each month, and by request for groups of 10 or more. These presentations have already enhanced the preparedness of thousands of Saanich residents. The next presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre. Register by calling 250-475-5400.
• Emergency Program volunteers attended over 16 public events in 2023 to promote preparedness, dedicating more than 200 hours of their time to serve our community. In addition to these events, volunteers support the Grade 4 Emergency Preparedness Program, delivering 30 presentations to over 1,100 students in 24 Saanich schools.

Find out more

We love welcoming new volunteers to the SEP team and have a space and training available for you! Learn more at our upcoming Volunteering Information Session on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 p.m. at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Visit Saanich.ca/prepare or call 250-475-7600 to register. For more information about the Saanich Emergency Program, follow along on X (formerly Twitter) with the accounts @SaanichEP and @SaanichFire.

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Media contact:
Captain Erin Stockill, Emergency Program Officer
Saanich Fire Department
250-475-7124