Introducing the Chilliwack YMCA’s Volunteers!

Chiliwack YMCA volunteers

The Chilliwack YMCA is grateful for the support of their dedicated and incredible volunteers who help in so many areas at the centre of community. Today, we are introducing you to two individuals who make a huge difference.

Name: Sarah Bried

Volunteer class: Active Kids/Creative Kids 3-5-year-old program 

Chilliwack YMCA volunteer: Sarah BriedSarah joined the Chilliwack YMCA as a member in the early 2000’s and became a volunteer at the Membership Services desk a few years later. She’s been volunteering at the Chilliwack Y for over 10 years!

Sarah has the remarkable gift of remembering not only all the members’ names but also family members, as well as any special events in their lives. When members move away from Chilliwack, she still keeps them all connected.

You can now find Sarah with her familiar, happy face in the Chilliwack Child and Youth Family Team, as well as greeting members in the social space or front lobby. Sarah’s welcoming smile, extremely cheerful disposition and ability to connect with all ages makes her a perfect volunteer for the Chilliwack YMCA. 

Name: Bill Bailey

Volunteer class: Cycle Fit primarily but in the past a little bit of everything

Chilliwack YMCA volunteer Bill BaileyBill has volunteered with the Chilliwack Y for over 35 years. He originally joined the Y to take care of his health which then led him to volunteer for the charity in various capacities. Now, Bill teaches a Cycle Fit class at the new centre of community.

In Bill’s words, there are “thousands of reasons” why he enjoys volunteering at the Y. He enjoys interacting with each person he meets and knows that he makes a difference “no matter how small it is.” Bill has a knack for making people laugh and feel at ease in his class which is why participants always return. For Bill, the highlight of volunteering as a fitness instructor is the people who attend—they are a tightly knit group and have formed a family.

Aside from volunteering, Bill has been working in Emergency Health Care for 40 years. He is internationally recognized in his field and was recently awarded the Governor General’s Medal of Excellence! In his words, this “pales in comparison” to his wife’s battle with breast cancer which showed him that family, community and self are his priorities. What matters most to Bill is his family.

If you would like to volunteer with us, please take a look at our current volunteer postings.