Since 2007, Katimavik has brought 14 groups of young committed volunteers to the community to assist with the needs of local non-for-profit organizations.
Saturday, June 18 is the last day of the program for the current group of Katimavik volunteers, who said their goodbyes to Castlegar on Tuesday, June 14 with a final presentation of their experience.
What makes this ceremony even more significant is that it also marks the departure of Katimavik from Castlegar.
It is normal for Katimavik to rotate communities. We feel it is important for the program to benefit as many communities as possible in British Columbia, as well as in Canada as a whole.
Two Katimavik volunteer groups visited this year. Each Katimavik volunteer averaged 35 hours a week of service with the following organizations: Twin Rivers Elementary School, Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce, Castlegar and District Public Library, Kootenay Gallery, Community Options Castlegar, Kootenay Family Place, Castleview Care Centre, Castlegar Food Band, Castlegar Museum, Blueberry Creek Community School, Robson Community School and Children’s Orchard Pre-School.
Over the last five years, other local groups, including Bird Emergency and Kare Society, BC Conservation Foundation, Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society and The Salvation Army benefited from Katimavik.
In addition to hours given by the youth to their volunteer-service placements with not-for-profit groups, Katimavik volunteers also found time to lend a hand in many important community events, including Castlegar Spring Fling, Sunfest, and the season opening of the Doukhobor Heritage Society.
Katimavik promotes civic engagement and fosters sustainable communities through challenging national youth service programs. Since 1977, Katimavik has enabled more than 30,000 Canadians to be involved in more than 2,000 communities throughout Canada.
For further information on Katimavik please visit www.katimavik.org or visit our blog at www.gokatimavik.com
Jesse Whitehead,
Project Leader
Katimavik Castlegar