As the leaves turn brown and fall to the ground, Saanich Volunteer Services Society executive director Mario Siciliano and his team know it’s that time of year when people are more vulnerable and need more help.
“The challenge, of course, is the need in the community is more than it was and it’s increasing,” said Siciliano.
Whether it’s giving away food, helping clients get to appointments or any of the other services the not-for-profit offers, they know they’ll be busy this fall.
With the high demand the society relies on its volunteers heavily, but they struggle to have enough. The society has 1,000 clients and pre-pandemic they had 200 volunteers. In 2023, the society is now left with 150 volunteers, not even making their one-volunteer-per-five-clients ratio.
Just last year, Statistics Canada released data saying 65 per cent of non-profit organizations, serving households and individuals, are experiencing a shortage of volunteers and intend to recruit.
“Those volunteers are doing more and so we’re at risk of them burning out because they’re trying to help,” says Siciliano. “We’re very actively trying to recruit volunteers, particularly drivers that can help people that can’t move around and are stuck at home or isolated to try to meet that demand that already exists, never mind the increasing demand that’s out there.”
Siciliano believes that because of the pandemic and many people not being able to travel, “there’s a bit of a rebound on that, you know in terms of people visiting, traveling to visit … we’re seeing just a bit of general malaise where people are just aren’t quite as willing to volunteer as they might have in the past.”
Although the society has a lack of volunteers, they’re partnering with fellow not-for-profit organization Hearts to Home Meals to deliver six meals and two desserts per person who participates in their program and needs help affording their food needs. The society received a $2,000 donation from Hearts to Home Meals so it can continue to raise more funds to keep their effort going year-round.
“We’re honoured to be partnering with Saanich Volunteer Services Society to help bring our meals to even more people that need them,” said Scott Downton, owner of Heart to Home Meals. “For those that need a little help, we are pleased to support Saanich Volunteer Services financially so they can keep doing their great work.”
To visit SVSS’s website visit saanichvolunteers.org
