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Comox Valley man invested into Order of St. John

More than 2,000 St. John Ambulance volunteers offer their time and skills throughout B.C.
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LONGTIME ST. JOHN Ambulance volunteer Don Jellie of the Comox Valley is invested into the Order of St. John by Lieut.-Gov. Steven Point (right). Also present is Graig Wilson

More than 2,000 St. John Ambulance volunteers offer their time and skills throughout B.C.

They assist at community events, provide patient care and emergency response, teach first aid, run youth programs, visit the elderly and shut-ins, and provide professional advice and guidance.

From first aid providers to those who take their dogs to visit the elderly, to youth program leaders, volunteers are the lifeblood of St. John. They offer more than 100,000 hours per year of their time to help others.

In 2011, B.C. and Yukon St. John Ambulance medical first-responders were on duty at 1,556 public events. From large airshows and hockey games to small community celebrations for a few hours to events lasting a few days, there are more than 42 events per week all year long in B.C. and the Yukon.

It is am powerful example of St. John’s community services in action.

In 2011, 458 therapy dog handlers and their dogs took part in the therapy dog program. Together, they provided more than 25,000 hours of volunteer service to 233 facilities.

The youth who belong to the St. John youth program are busy training in first aid competitions, providing community service by going on first aid duties and learning new skills.

In 2001, more than 547 youths took part in the youth program, in which they received valuable volunteering experience, first aid training and leadership skills.

The St. John Ambulance branch executive committee is the advisory body to the branch. Committee members give their time to support the interests and participation of the volunteers and their respective activities, fundraising for mutually agreed-upon initiatives and other matters that support the branch in the community.

If you or your child is interested in volunteering for the branch executive or the youth committee or your dog in the therapy dog program, call 250-897-1098, e-mail cvalley@bc.sja.ca or write to St. John Ambulance, Comox Valley branch, 107-1742 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2K8.

— St. John Ambulance, Comox Valley branch