RDOS Volunteer Spotlight | Donna Bartlett

News Article

INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is pleased to recognize Donna Bartlett from the Village of Keremeos as volunteer of the month for November 2022. Donna has been volunteering at the Similkameen Ice Rink since the 2009-2010 skating season and continues to play a big part in maintaining the programs and services offered at the rink.

Growing up, Donna’s children loved public skating and mites hockey, though Donna realized the facility could be improved by expanding its programs and services. She saw that equipment resources were limited and the programs offered at the rink were heavily dependent on volunteer support.

With the help of a few other parents, Donna established “Friends of the Keremeos Skating Rink,” a registered society that enabled important services at the rink including drop-in hockey for older kids, skating lessons, and skate sharpening. This support also improved access to the rink by providing community members with hockey equipment, subsidized fees, and free skating passes.

“Thank you for stepping up, your generous spirit, and your service to this beautiful area we call the Similkameen,” said Jason Wiebe, Village of Keremeos Mayor. “Volunteerism is the heartbeat of any community, and without the diligent and resourceful work of our incredible volunteers, I cannot think of a single event in our area that would exist.”

Donna has found great joy in seeing local kids learn to skate and participants enjoy public skating and hockey in their own backyard. She has also inspired others in the community to join her in volunteering their time at the rink.

Volunteerism is critical in helping RDOS Recreation strive to promote its goal of “Healthy Individuals and Communities.”

To learn more about RDOS volunteer opportunities, including the Community Champions program, please visit the RDOS website.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Jason Wiebe, Mayor
Village of Keremeos

Contacts: 

Nancy Wigley
RDOS Recreation Administrative Assistant
250-490-4385

Jessica Browne
RDOS Communications
250-490-4147

RDOS Communications
Toll Free 1-877-610-3737


RDOS Volunteer Donna Bartlett

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