In celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we're highlighting the people who show up in some of the hardest moments. Meet the volunteers with the Disaster Psychosocial Support (DPS) team, who provide short-term emotional support and psychological first aid to help communities across the province cope and recover during emergencies.
Kelly Smith has been volunteering with DPS since last summer. Already active with her local municipal emergency response team and the Canadian Red Cross emergency management team, joining DPS felt like a natural extension of her work.
Most recently, Kelly supported the community of Tumbler Ridge following a tragic shooting on February 10.
“Tumbler Ridge is closely connected to my own community. I have friends and colleagues there. When I learned what happened, I contacted DPS right away and offered my availability," she says.
Coming from a small community herself, Kelly understood the challenges of seeing unfamiliar faces arrive during a crisis. She wanted people to know there was someone on the ground who understood small-town life. “And it mattered," she says. “Community members felt comfortable connecting with me, and I felt comfortable connecting with them."
For Kelly, volunteering isn't just important—it's essential.
“Crisis can happen anywhere," she says. “Volunteering is an investment in resilience, and DPS provides strong training and support behind you."
Meet Brenda Tynan
Brenda Tynan has been volunteering with DPS since 2023. As a registered social worker with Interior Health in home and community nursing, she regularly supports individuals impacted by wildfires in the Kamloops region but felt a need to do more.
“I was introduced to DPS through a colleague who was actively volunteering with the team, and I immediately signed up."
“Being present with individuals and families who had lost their homes—often with little or no time to gather belongings or even ensure the safety of their pets—was deeply impactful."
“I felt honoured to be trusted with those conversations at such a vulnerable time in people's lives."
For Brenda, volunteering with DPS has been a grounding experience that brings a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment.
“I believe volunteering is important because it allows us to show up for one another in real, human ways," she says. “Even small moments of presence and kindness can have a meaningful impact. It shifts your perspective and reminds you what truly matters."
Meet Gina Vanderham
Gina Vanderham is a licensed therapist and registered clinical counsellor with specialized training in trauma‑focused therapies. She has been volunteering with DPS for a year and a half, motivated by a desire to support communities affected by wildfires.
“I learned about DPS at a community event where they were recruiting volunteers and decided to sign up."
Gina's first deployment was during the Qualicum Beach wildfire, and the experience left a strong impression.
“It was so meaningful to be there for people who had been evacuated," she says. “The people I spoke with were incredibly grateful and appreciative of the support. I was also amazed by the level of coordination between all the services supporting evacuees. Everyone showed such kindness and a genuine willingness to help."
For Gina, volunteering is deeply rewarding adding, “it feels very good to be of service."
Join an important cause
Together, volunteers like Kelly, Brenda, and Gina help ensure that communities across BC are supported during times of crisis.
Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. If you are a counsellor, social worker, or mental health professional with time to make a difference, consider becoming a volunteer.
Learn more at www.phsa.ca/dps.
