Staff
By all indications, the demand for Rimbey Victim Services (RVS) is on the rise.
“Well, it’s definitely a required service,” said society president Carolyn Hager. “There are a lot of incidents that happen in and around the district that involve the police — sometimes they don’t — but anybody who becomes a victim requires some sort of help even if it’s a person to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, they all need help.”
The society held its annual general meeting March 23. To address the growing needs, RVS has sent out the call for more volunteers to join the organization, no matter what their skills may be.
“We always need help. We’re looking for more advocates, board members or for people who can help in any way. If they have skills that could help us in fundraising or anything else, we’re willing to talk to people and see where they fit into the system,” Hager said.
“There is training involved and it is all taken care of by the Alberta Victim Services Program. We also do in-house training as well.” It also involves a security check for board members and advocates.”
The society is a non-profit organization funded in large part by the Alberta Solicitor General’s Office, the Justice Canada Victims of Crime Fund and through donations and fundraising activities.
The program is run by a volunteer board of directors, volunteer advocates and a paid co-ordinator’s position and is located in the Rimbey RCMP detachment.
“An advocate is always available to victims of crime to provide support, information and referrals to appropriate agencies and resources as needed,” Hager said. “Support is also offered in other cases such as a sudden death by tragedy or illness, victims of fire or people seeking information with potentially unsafe situations in their personal lives. But the sad reality is the service RVS offer are required more every month.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating to RVS can do so through the Rimbey RCMP detachment in person or by calling 403-843-2224.