Heart of Monterey

Volunteers Really Are the Heart of Monterey

A conversation with Joanne Donohue, Volunteer Programmer

What role do volunteers play at Monterey?

It’s been said many times: “The Monterey Centre would not exist without its volunteers.” The truth is that it would exist, many recreation centres do function without volunteers. But it would not be the Monterey Centre we know and love. It would not have the family of Monterey Centre Volunteers showing up each day serving the patrons, clearing the tables, sharing a laugh with one another, or the staff. It would just be another recreation centre.

Who is on the Volunteer Team?

The heart of Monterey is comprised of many volunteers. They are a diverse group of men and women from different backgrounds and from different parts of the world. They work together, sharing their skills, their time, and their commitment to Monterey. We know we are fortunate to have them here and we like to show them how much we appreciate them.

How do you show appreciation to the Volunteers?

Every year the Centre hosts two Volunteer Appreciation events. In May we come together for an evening featuring wine and cheese, where volunteer service milestones are recognized. In the late fall all of the volunteers are celebrated at a Volunteer Appreciation luncheon. All of the volunteers are invited to each of these events. In August, annual workshops are held to review the volunteers’ training and update them on any Centre changes.

What is involved in the Volunteer Application Process?

All volunteer applicants are screened. We provide an orientation for each volunteer, so they understand what the job entails. We also partner them with a team member currently filling the position so they can see firsthand what is involved.

What is MRAA’s involvement with Volunteers?

In 2018, a Volunteer Committee formed to further develop the volunteer experience at Monterey. The committee has evolved to oversee training and mentoring and ensure that volunteering at the Monterey Centre is a positive and rewarding experience. MRAA is responsible for screening and training their Committee and Club Rep Volunteers.

What type of Volunteer Opportunities are available?

• Fern Café and Coffee Express Volunteers • Special Event Attendants • Centre Decorators • Reception Volunteers • Blood Pressure Nurses

MRAA Volunteer Opportunities: • Club Representatives • Board and Advisory Committee Members

Interested in finding out more about volunteering? Please contact Joanne Donohue at jdonohue@oakbay.ca or by calling 250-370-7309 Our volunteer team is a valuable resource. Please consider joining us as a volunteer!