Pushor Mitchell keeps a long-standing tradition of giving back through volunteerism

Volunteers are vital to keeping our communities strong. Whether it’s in the workplace in support of United Way BC’s campaign or out in community, volunteering is a powerful force for good.

A shining example of this in the Southern Interior is the staff at Pushor Mitchell LLP. Their team spent a Friday afternoon on September 22^nd volunteering across the Central Okanagan to support nine different non-profit organizations: BrainTrust Canada, Central Okanagan Hospice Association, Clubhouse Childcare Centre, CRIS Adaptive, Kelowna Gospel Mission, Kelowna S.H.A.R.E. Society, Reach Out Counselling, Salvation Army West Kelowna, and YMCA Southern Interior.

“Giving back to Kelowna and the Okanagan community is at the heart of Pushor Mitchell. We strongly believe that by serving the community with compassion, understanding, a sense of unity and, of course, some fun – we are all stronger together,” said Joni Metherell, Managing Partner for Pushor Mitchell, emphasizing the importance of the firm’s commitment to community.

For close to a decade, Pushor Mitchell has partnered with United Way BC to help strengthen vital connections and support those in need by lending their hands, hearts, and time to volunteer in the Central Okanagan, assisting with a variety of needs, including gardening, landscaping, painting, and sorting merchandise. “Helping others is very rewarding, and until you experience it, you don’t fully understand, so you just have to try,” says Lynne Campbell, Conveyancer, who volunteered in Kelowna Gospel Mission.

The day included a pizza lunch where United Way BC’s team members Jeremy Lugowy, Fundraising Development Manager, and Naomi Woodland, Community Impact & Investment Coordinator, spoke to the meaningful impact of volunteerism, as well as our focus on children and youth, seniors, food insecurity, and urgent response, such as the recent wildfires in the Okanagan area.

Serena Nolan, Paralegal, who volunteered at Reach Out Counselling, says, “Volunteers are the backbone of any strong community. Non-profits do amazing work, but they can only do so much on their own, and the more volunteers come together to lend a helping hand, the stronger our community becomes and greater the ability to help those who need it most.”

Pushor Mitchell’s Day of Community offers their staff a chance to not only volunteer but also connect with community, learn more about some of the great organizations in our region, and connect with coworkers in a more casual environment. “It’s a team-building exercise that I look forward to every year,” says Serena.

Lynne also shared how insightful the experience of learning how a shelter works was. “Volunteering will help you connect with other people on a personal level instead of just seeing the surface. Working downtown, we see homelessness and addiction daily, and over time we can get desensitized. So, volunteering at the shelter was very eye-opening. We could see how people actually use these services, and it’s remarkable to realize how many people are involved in helping others in need,” she says.

Different factors motivate this incredible group of people to volunteer. For Lynne, it’s her kids. “I want to raise them to be strong in their community and help support others when they have the ability to, so I try and lead by example. Trying to raise empathetic children is very important.”

Serena shared her motivation: “That sense of purpose, the feeling of accomplishment, that warm, fuzzy feeling you get. When you stand back and you see the difference you made, it really does give you something to be proud of. We are so fortunate for everything we have: good jobs, food, shelter, a network of support. What better way to express your gratitude than giving your most valuable commodity, your time, without expecting anything in return.”

Serving the Okanagan, Columbia, Shuswap, Similkameen, Trail and District, and East Kootenays, United Way BC – Southern Interior helps cultivate local love. “A great community is created by acts large and small and by working together. We are extremely grateful to Pushor Mitchell for their ongoing commitment to giving back. Together, we make a positive difference one project at a time,” says Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way British Columbia.

Pushor Mitchell’s actions have led to thoughtful and meaningful community engagement right #Here. No matter how they help, volunteers lead social change at home and around the world.

Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteering with United Way BC is a great way to connect with others. Get involved in your community today by visiting ivolunteer.ca.

Let’s be here. For each other. Volunteer now at iVolunteer.ca.