YORKTON — Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19-25) is being kicked off by Yorkton’s Social Prescribing Community Connector, Jan Cochrane, as she gives thanks to the dedicated volunteers spearheading the community’s "Aging in Motion" program.
Cochrane, who is herself one of the 14 recipients of the 2025 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, works at matching the needs of seniors to available community services and began the exercise program catering to seniors. Initially, the program ran two classes weekly with Cochrane leading, but it quickly grew to four sessions per week.
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal was established in 1995. According to the provincial government, Sask has the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada, using the award to recognize community members who help improve both their communities and the province and serve as role models for others.
Paying it forward, Cochrane is recognizing the volunteers who rose to the occasion to propel the Aging in Motion program forward.
Volunteer Charlene Donald stepped in not only to help lead classes, but also to restructure the program.
Tammy Geeves took over leading other classes, bringing the same level of commitment.
Donald said, “Fitness for seniors is very, very important. It keeps them in their homes longer. It is a low-cost program that is accessible to everyone.”
Geeves added, “It’s fun, you get to meet people, it’s good for your body, and volunteering keeps the program going.”
“These exercise sessions — and so many other community events — simply wouldn’t happen without volunteers,” said Cochrane. She went on to say, “National Volunteer Week is a reminder of how much stronger our community becomes when people give their time and talents.”
