In a role that requires meeting the constantly fluctuating needs of the community, no two days are ever the same.
But Carol Turnbull, executive director of Saanich Volunteer Services Society for over a year, is grounded in the team of women she works with and leads.
It's a team of five, who Turnbull describes as "women who will drop everything to support our clients and volunteers if there is a critical situation."
Together, these women support Saanich residents in independent living, coordinating volunteers to provide one-to-one services such as appointment drives, help with income tax filing, food bank hampers and deliveries, yard work, and friendship calls and visits.
Her coworkers, Sharon Parker and Erin Lumley, say their ability to support and manage 164 active volunteers while serving 800 Saanich and CRD residents is thanks to Turnbull “doing her job so well.”
"She is the glue for our team," they said, adding she “tirelessly” works to find SVSS grants and build various income streams to support their programs.
Turnbull has a natural knack for caring for others. As a former social worker and executive director at another non-profit for over 10 years, she was drawn to the organization for its ability to connect people in “meaningful ways” and its “direct way of giving service that helps people feel seen.”
Throughout the grant writing, working with practicum students, fundraising, giving presentations or coming up with new ideas, the best moments for Turnbull are the "times of connection."
She is currently fired up about the latest project: developing a derelict shed to host "a beautiful community space" for expanded programming.
Then, there's the Tea and Talk program, going into its second year, to support positive mental and emotional health by reducing isolation and loneliness.
"There are many cross-generational and cross-cultural conversations amongst volunteers and participants as well as with the speakers that join the group," Turnbull said.
Parker and Lumley said the organization has plans to be in the community for “many more years” and will be in good hands with its current leader.
"Carol Turnbull: we at SVSS love your enthusiasm and your dedication, your larger-than-life spirit and your honest efforts to make our little organization better and better," they said.
