The City of Colwood celebrated the contributions of local volunteers and environmental advocates during its first annual ConnectFest on April 21, 2026. Held at Colwood City Hall, the event coincided with National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 19 to April 25, 2026, and Earth Week.
The national theme for this year’s volunteer celebration, led by Volunteer Canada, is Ignite Volunteerism. To mark the occasion in the community, Mayor Doug Kobayashi joined the Citizens’ Environment Network in Colwood to present Environmental Stewardship Awards to three local recipients.
Charlotte Gorely, founder of the litter cleanup group PICK Colwood, received the individual award. The Friends of Colwood Parks, led by founder Stephan Doyle, took home the organizational award for their work in removing invasive species and restoring local green spaces. ASH Refillery, a business that provides low-waste household and personal care products, was recognized for its contribution to local environmental efforts.
More than a dozen community organizations attended the event, including the Colwood Community Garden Society, the Juan de Fuca Performing Arts Centre Society, and various emergency support groups. This event highlights the city’s commitment to supporting local initiatives, a goal bolstered by the appointment of a volunteer coordinator in 2024. Since that time, the city has assisted in the formation of twenty community groups and engaged 208 volunteers in local building initiatives.
Residents interested in getting involved in community service can reach out to the city’s volunteer coordinator, Angie Dedrick, for more information.
