At its recent annual general meeting, Castlegar & District Community Services Society (CDCSS) recognized Seniors Citizens’ Counsellor Barbara Kuryluk with a framed certificate for her 15 years of service to the seniors of the community.
Working alternate Wednesdays from September through June, Barb helps her clients navigate the intricacies of applying for government programs and benefits, such as pensions, disability benefits, Pharmacare, SAFER grants, renewal of allowances, and guaranteed income supplements.
Barb has also worked in the free Volunteer Income Tax Program, which helps low income people and seniors file their tax returns every spring, provided their income sources are uncomplicated.
“That’s special,” said Barb, speaking of the award in a phone interview, “but it’s not what I look for in volunteer work. I do it because I enjoy it, and would prefer to do it quietly and without accolades.”
In her written reports and remarks at the meeting, Board Chair Roberta Hamilton praised the work of all the Society’s volunteers, and urged community members to offer their services as Board members.
“Boards aren’t boring,” said Hamilton. “Our board offers you an opportunity to make a commitment to the society, experience adventure, and have fun.”
Building society membership is a priority for the coming year, and fits with the goal of ensuring that the society is visible, known and supported within the community.
Keynote speaker Andrew Jarrett, Executive Coordinator of the Kootenay Boundary Community Services Cooperative (also called “the Koop”) reviewed the history and purposes of this unique, 13 member organization. The Koop is important in ensuring that decisions about local or regional services are made locally, by providing eyes, ears and a common voice for its members in pursuing service opportunities. It also provides affordable training and consulting for members and non-members throughout the Columbia Basin.
More information about both CDCSS and The Koop is available on-line at www.cdcss.ca and www.thekoop.ca.