Thank You, Cortes Volunteers!

Cortes Island is a vibrant community thanks to countless individuals like YOU who generously volunteer your time and energy. From supporting local projects, essential services, serving on boards, and offering a helping hand to neighbours, Cortes volunteers are the heart and soul of our island.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to every volunteer who has contributed to our island community. Your dedication and passion strengthen the fabric of our island.

Earlier this month, the Cortes Island Community Foundation hosted a special gathering to recognize island volunteers. We celebrated the volunteers’ tireless efforts and recognized the incredible impact Cortes volunteers have made. A particular highlight was honouring our longest-standing volunteers, who have dedicated over 50 years of service to this community.

A big thank you to the Gorge Hall for the party space, Kirsten Vidulich for the delicious catering, the local businesses (listed below!) who donated amazing gifts, Andrea Block, Taryn Wilson, and Bella McKnight for being server-superstars, Kai Harvey for some priceless photos, and Ester Strijbos for rocking the door.

In our recent Vital Signs survey, we asked neighbours how many hours they volunteer for a local non-profit in an average month. 48% of survey respondents (160 people) reported volunteering regularly, and the total number of monthly volunteer hours reported was 940. To quantify their impact on the community, imagine volunteers were paid minimum wage. Combined, these volunteers would “earn” $16,356 in an average month. So, the Cortesians who responded to the survey are providing nearly $200K/year in pro bono services to our local non-profits and charities. If we think of all those neighbours who didn’t respond to the survey, and the higher wage work our volunteers contribute, then the value of volunteer hours in our community becomes even more!

To all our Cortes Island volunteers, both past and present, thank you for your unwavering commitment. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are so grateful for your efforts.

Together, we can continue to build a strong and supportive community for everyone.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Cortes Island Community Foundation
Andrea, Jemma, Manda

❤️ Supported by: ❤️
Whaletown Community Club
Fairhaven Gardens
Hollyhock
Gathering Place Trading
Gorge Harbour Marina Resort
Sunflower Foods
Good Libations
Cortes Market
Burger Barn
Nzuri Baskets
Irene Blueth
Lane 8 Delivery
Lisa Day Massage
Becca’s Beans
Arbutus Arts
❤️