Who We Are
In 2026, Volunteer Lethbridge proudly celebrates 45 years of connecting people, strengthening nonprofits, and building a culture of volunteerism in our community. We are deeply grateful to the thousands of volunteers, community partners, and supporters who have made this journey possible.
Founded in 1981 by the YWCA as the Lethbridge Volunteer Bureau, the organization became an independent nonprofit after its initial federal funding ended. Since then, while our name and locations have changed, our mission has remained the same: supporting and promoting volunteerism throughout Lethbridge.
Over the past four and a half decades, strong leadership has guided our growth. From our first Executive Director, Betty Cronquist, to Laurie Ruff, Diana Sim, Amanda Jensen, and today Sandi Davis, each has helped shape the organization through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to community service.
Volunteer Lethbridge has introduced many impactful initiatives over the years, including Leaders of Tomorrow, which continues to recognize youth volunteers and community champions nearly 30 years after its launch. Other successful programs have included Project Paintbrush, Human Voice Drive, UVolunteer, and Keep in Touch, each created to respond to changing community needs and strengthen volunteer engagement.
More recently, Volunteer Lethbridge developed the Community Volunteer Management Model (CVMM), an innovative approach that streamlines volunteer screening and recruitment while helping nonprofit organizations build safe, effective volunteer programs.
As we celebrate 45 years of service, we honour the people, partnerships, and programs that have shaped our history. While much has changed since 1981, one thing has remained constant—our commitment to connecting people with meaningful volunteer opportunities, building the capacity of nonprofits, and fostering a stronger, more engaged community.
Our 5 Pillars
Grounded in our mission and vision, our pillars represent the core areas that guide our work and shape how we support both volunteers and nonprofit organizations, while also informing our internal operations to ensure our own long-term sustainability.
Advocacy
We pave the way for volunteers and organizations by advocating for their needs in the halls of power.
Convening
We bring together various stakeholders in the community so they can make a bigger impact.
Volunteer Management
We help organizations find the help they need to make a change in their community.
Internal Operational Excellence
We strive to operate to the best of our ability so our partners can do the same.
Capacity Building
We build up member organizations so they can have a bigger impact on our community.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission defines our purpose and guides the work we do each day, while our vision reflects the future we are working toward and shapes our long-term direction for volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and the broader community. Together, they form the foundation of all the work Volunteer Lethbridge does.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Volunteer Lethbridge builds connections and empowers individuals and organizations to enhance volunteerism and grow volunteer capacity.
We pave the way for volunteers and organizations by advocating for their needs in the halls of power.
Our Team
Executive Director
Sandi Davis
Volunteer Coordinator
Jaixann Persigas
OFFICE MANAGER
Shelley Ducheminsky
membership manager
Nicole Bosh
Our Board of Directors, 2026-2027
President
Moya Johnson
Director
Ali Siees
Director
Jackie Stambene
Vice President
Ashley Hiraga
Director
Eddy Corleto
Director
Noah Bay
Treasurer
Richard Low
