News release

‘Volunteers make waves’: BC RCMP celebrates National Volunteer Week

April 28, 2025 - Island District, North District, Southeast District, Lower Mainland District, British Columbia
From: British Columbia RCMP

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The BC RCMP is expressing gratitude as it celebrates the incredible contributions and positive impact made by volunteers across the province as it recognizes National Volunteer Week. 

In 2024, volunteers contributed an estimated 57,952 hours to RCMP-related programs in BC.

“Every hour of that time is meaningful and we truly appreciate all of the volunteers who generously contribute their time, skill, and experience to RCMP-related programs across the province. Their efforts help bring people together, make our communities stronger, and further enhance public safety,” said Insp. Raina Siou, Officer in Charge of BC RCMP Community Policing Services. “To all of our dedicated volunteers – thank you for everything you do.”

The theme of 2025’s National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 27 to May 3, is “volunteers make waves,” which highlights the power of individual and collective volunteer efforts as they create positive ripples in our communities. 

This year, the BC RCMP is highlighting a few of its exceptional ‘wave-making’ volunteers as they reflect on their reasons for giving back through various RCMP programs.

Anna Hasneuaer, Prince George RCMP volunteer 

Since 2018, Anna Hasneuaer has contributed more than 200 volunteer hours with the Citizens on Patrol program with the Prince George RCMP. Her duties include vehicle and foot patrols, Speed Watch, and Cell Watch. Anna says volunteers in the program act as a ‘second set of eyes and ears’ for the RCMP.

What inspires you to volunteer your time? Contributing and being involved in the safety of our community. The work we do often highlights issues that for a lot of us, hit close to home. Put the phone down and pay attention to other motorists, give yourself enough time to reach your destination without putting others at risk. We often don't realize how important it is to not forget the basics. This program has allowed me to help remind our community that we need to put safety first. 

What aspect of volunteering with this program brings you the most satisfaction? Positive feedback from the community and from our partners like ICBC. Our volunteer work varies depending on need and the season. One of our most important weeks is back to school where we urge parents to slow down and follow posted speed times especially during drop off and pick up hours. The honks, waves, and thumbs up from parents driving by can be quite rewarding.  

Avni Gajiwala, Richmond RCMP volunteer

Avni Gajiwala has been volunteering with the Richmond RCMP for one year and contributes about ten hours of her time per month. She is involved in several crime prevention and community engagement programs at the detachment which include Lock out Auto Crime, Speed Watch, foot patrols, as well as community events. 

How do you fit volunteerism into your life?  I have always loved the idea of contributing to society and volunteering provides a good platform for that. Helping the people around us makes it a better place.

What message do you have for other people thinking about volunteering with RCMP-related programs?  I highly recommend taking the opportunity as it will help them understand a new side of the community. Volunteering has helped me develop skills including active listening, cooperation, patience and sensitivity.

Randie Johal, West Shore RCMP volunteer

Randie Johal has been volunteering with the West Shore RCMP in various capacities since 2005. Her experience has included time with the Auxiliary Program and working with Speed Watch and West Shore RCMP’s Keep in Touch program. She is currently Program Coordinator for the detachment’s Restorative Justice program, where she volunteers about five to ten hours of her time per week.

How do you fit volunteerism into your life? I am retired from work, but wasn’t ready to retire as a volunteer, so I have the flexibility to enjoy it. I believe in investing in my community and improving my community.

What aspect of volunteering with this program is most rewarding to you? I like it when participants who are skeptical get to see and feel how much of a positive impact Restorative Justice can have on all participants.

What message do you have for other people thinking about volunteering with RCMP-related programs? It doesn’t take a lot of time to volunteer with the police in your community. You learn a skillset and help make your community better, which is very rewarding.

Rod Barrett, West Kelowna RCMP volunteer

Rod Barrett has been volunteering with West Kelowna Community Policing for the past 14 years. His volunteer portfolio has included Community Patrol, Speed Watch, and a wide range of special events. He currently provides orientation for new volunteers and helps facilitate their placement into programs. Rod volunteers about 25 hours a month.

What inspires you to volunteer your time? As a volunteer I enjoy meeting new friends who are active in the community, and I receive great satisfaction from contributing to the betterment of my community.  I also enjoy being busy, filling my time with volunteer activities.  This is all the more important to me since my retirement.  In my working career I had ongoing contact with the RCMP, and after retirement I wished to continue that relationship in some form.  Being an RCMP volunteer has provided me with that opportunity, albeit through participation in very different activities.  

What is it like working as a volunteer alongside the RCMP?  As volunteers, we feel we are "flying the colours" of the RCMP when we are on duty.  Therefore, it is important that we are seen participating in community activities and charitable events, and that we take the time to cheerfully engage with the public.  A smile and a chat with members of the community while on patrol goes a long way to support the positive image of the RCMP.  Doing so provides me with great satisfaction as an RCMP volunteer.  

Contribute to community safety as an RCMP volunteer

The RCMP offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities with varying time commitments.

Many detachments are currently recruiting new volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering with the RCMP in your community, please visit the following link to learn more: Volunteer with the BC RCMP 
 

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