Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteerism and community participation play an important part in building the spirit of our community.

Beginning with the Incorporation Celebration Committee in 1913, our local service clubs and community organizations have a long history of volunteer activities. Our City’s volunteers support community projects and contribute to making our City stronger, safer and healthier.

Port Coquitlam volunteers give hope and friendship to those in need. They help when asked and, more importantly, even when they’re not. You’ll find volunteers involved in our community’s minor sports, schools, churches, emergency preparedness programs, care facilities, animal welfare organizations, cultural events, outreach programs, crime prevention initiatives, environmental programs … the list is endless!

The City of Port Coquitlam is a better place thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers working throughout our community. It is with sincere appreciation that we say “thank you” to the volunteers who assist us and make Port Coquitlam a beautiful place to live, grow and prosper.

Volunteer Spotlight: Atharva Vaishampayan

“There is nothing that compares to helping tots take their first steps on the ice.” Atharva Vaishampayan has been a volunteer with the City of Port Coquitlam since 2019. He had enjoyed ice skating since taking lessons as a child. Now, Atharva helps inspire that same...

Volunteer Spotlight: Aidan Kokotilo-Moen

“Don’t give up!” Aidan Kokotilo-Moen is motivated by helping people and the fulfillment he gets out of it. He has always had an interest in policing and helping the community, so when he found an opportunity to join the City of Port Coquitlam’s Community Policing (CP)...

Volunteer Spotlight: Jacki Goring

“It’s important to give back and make someone’s day better if at all possible!” After attending one of the City’s Residential Emergency Preparedness training sessions back in 2014, Jacki Goring took the plunge and signed up to become an Emergency Preparedness...

Volunteer Spotlight: Michele Malmberg

Michele Malmberg has been a volunteer with the City of Port Coquitlam since 2008. She first started volunteering with the Emergency Preparedness Program after being inspired by her parents’ own volunteer work there. In 2014, she also joined the Adopt-a-SPOT program to...

Volunteer Spotlight: Denis Sleightholme

“Helping each other makes us stronger.” Denis Sleightholme’s mantra for life is “helping each other makes us stronger.” Part of the way he has decided to help people was to join the City of Port Coquitlam’s Emergency Preparedness (EP) team as a volunteer in 2015....

Volunteer Spotlight: Fran Laidlaw

Fran Laidlaw is a community-minded individual who has called Port Coquitlam home for the last 30+ years. During this time she has contributed to numerous community initiatives, inclusive of the RCMP’s victim services program and the City’s Bear Aware program. However,...

Volunteer Spotlight: Lori Nick

“I really like having a Little Free Library in my neighborhood because I can see the community using it… as much as I’ve given in volunteer time, I’ve gotten way more back.” Lori Nick come by her love of reading honestly. Both of her parents were readers,...

Volunteer Spotlight: Ethan Jang

“Every shift, we meet new people and learn something new. I’m always proud that I can contribute my time to keep our community safe and stay connected with our community members.” Ethan Jang started volunteering with the Port Coquitlam Community Police Station’s...

Volunteer Spotlight: Caroline Sigrist

“It’s good to be involved in the community and to meet new people.” Caroline Sigrist grew up in Ontario; her father had been transferred to British Columbia and after a few visits she knew she would like it here and decided to make the move herself. She has been...

Volunteer Spotlight: Helen Mitchinson

“If everyone stepped out of their house and picked up just one piece of litter, our community would be so much more beautiful.” Helen Mitchinson, a long time Port Coquitlam resident, has a weekly routine: she walks a two and a half kilometre stretch of Confederation...

Volunteer Spotlight: Lucas Hotra

Lucas Hotra is a twenty-three year old Port Coquitlam resident and an active volunteer at Hyde Creek Recreation Centre. Lucas does an exceptional job organizing pool equipment and ensuring that the pool deck is clear and safe for participants. On top of volunteering,...

Volunteer Spotlight: Melia Rokosh

“I loved the way it made me feel so accomplished to know that I was making a difference in their lives” Melia, a grade 12 student at Riverside Secondary School, is passionate about staying active and helping others. When she’s not studying or volunteering, Melia...