News release

National Volunteer Week

April 29, 2025 - Kelowna, British Columbia
From: Kelowna RCMP

Content

During the week of April 27 – May 3, 2025 organizations across the country will celebrate volunteers for National Volunteer Week.

As many know, volunteers to a business or organization can be a lifeline and the difference to making a program or an event a success.

The Kelowna RCMP are fortunate to have several volunteers as part of the Speed Watch program that has relaunched with the warmer/dry roads throughout the city. The program is a partnership between the RCMP, ICBC and the local communities that promote road safety. Motorists that are caught excessively speeding by the Speed Watch program receive a letter stating when and where they were speeding.

Bob Greig first started volunteering for Speed Watch in 2006 and is excited to be back on the program this spring and summer.  He has seen first hand the difference the program can make in keeping neighbourhood streets as safe as possible.  “I know the traffic numbers that we collect helps the RCMP and ICBC.  I once had a child thank me for helping make it safe to get home from school.”

Research shows that Speed Watch does work. Over 70% of drivers travelling more than 10km/h over the posted speed limit slow down when they see an electronic speed reader board. The data collected is forwarded to the police and ICBC which the RCMP then use to help determine areas for future speed-related enforcement.

Alan Christy has joined Speed Watch for the first time this year.  “I’m volunteering because I care about road safety in our community,” he says. “Speeding can have serious consequences, and I want to help raise awareness and encourage safer driving habits. It’s a way for me to give back and help make our streets safer for everyone—especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and children.”

He’s had one shift so far this season, which was his first-time volunteering for anything and is looking forward to doing more, “What I’m enjoying most is the direct impact we’re having on road safety. It feels rewarding to be out there, helping to raise awareness and encouraging drivers to slow down. I also like the sense of community it creates—working with others who care about the same cause makes the experience even more fulfilling. It’s a simple but effective way to make a difference.”

The Speed Watch program is a very important piece for the Kelowna RCMP.  Speeding is involved in over 80 deaths every year and is the leading cause of crash fatalities in BC. The faster you go, the longer it takes to stop – and the more dangerous a crash can be.   Volunteers like Bob and Alan are integral parts of the Speed Watch program and are making an impact in the community with road safety.  “It’s a really rewarding experience,” says Alan. “You get to make a real difference in your community with straightforward work.  Plus, it’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people who care about making the community safer. If you’re looking for a way to give back and be part of something meaningful, Speed Watch is definitely worth considering.”

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Kelowna RCMP, connect with Kelowna Speed Watch today at E_Kelowna_Speedwatch@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.

Regardless of what you volunteer for in our community, thank you. Take a moment this week to celebrate because you are part of National Volunteer Week! 

Contacts

Ryan Sencar
Communications Advisor, Police Services
Kelowna RCMP Detachment / Government of Canada
Kelowna_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca