Volunteers reflect on the past year:
S. Cameron, long time volunteer:
“Twelve years ago, when I first became a volunteer with Community Policing, some aspects of the job were disheartening. Verbal outbursts in the negative with the accompanying ‘finger’ from traffic when doing Speed Watch were not understood and baffling to me. Slowly over time, things started to improve as our volunteers became more noticeable in the community. During our work in 2021, I have seen and experienced the best community acknowledgement and appreciation since my beginning. Even though we are in the throes of a pandemic, we now experience high signs during our work with Speed Watch, Defensive Driving and Parking Lot Audits. People cheerfully wave at our Crime Watch patrollers and are happy to engage in conversation. The community climate has certainly changed for the better! I must admit that joining this group was initially self serving, but now I’m proud and happy to explain to my family, friends and neighbours what this great organization is all about and where I fit into it.”
A. McLean, recent volunteer:
“ I joined the Nanaimo RCMP Community Policing Program in June 2021. After a valuable hands on training program for speedwatch, crimewatch, parking lot audits and distracted driving I have now completed close to 150 volunteer hours not only carrying out the regular programs but as well as being part of delivering educational programs to motorists on the “Slow Down and Move Over” initiative, a winter driving program and a local high school session on distracted driving,
I have found my volunteering time to be most rewarding and through it, being able to give back to my community. As well, I have met some very interesting volunteers making new friendships and end each shift feeling appreciated by our citizens for the work we do.”
D. Hobbis, avid volunteer:
“Volunteering with the Nanaimo Community Policing Volunteers in 2021 with COVID running rampant, the protocols for staying safe and healthy are excellent and it is my pleasure doing my best to keep the people of this amazing community safe with the programs we have.”
G.Brar, volunteer trainer:
“Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, especially if you are new to an area. It strengthens your ties to the community and broadens your support network, exposing you to people with common interests, neighborhood resources, and fun and fulfilling activities”