The Volunteer Victoria team includes 4 full time staff members, 5 part-time staff positions, a contracted part-time accountant position, and more than 100 amazing volunteers. We provide programs and services to our community and pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive environment.
Lisa Mort-Putland, Executive Director
Lisa joined the Volunteer Victoria team as Executive Director in June 2011. Lisa holds a B.A. in Drama and a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on non-profit management. Prior to working with Volunteer Victoria Lisa was the Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria and spent more than 25 years working and volunteering in the museum and heritage sector. Lisa is a member of the Board of Volunteer Canada. Lisa provides governance assistance to organizations and is often asked to speak at conferences, events, and celebrations. Lisa can be reached at lisa@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.
George Colussi, Manager of Membership, Training, and Outreach
George first joined the Volunteer Victoria team in January 2014 in membership services. George continues to work with new and existing members, leads the youth volunteer services team who deliver presentations to individuals of all ages and support the activities and learning journey of the youth involved with our Youth Engagement Team, and oversees the delivery of our training program. As George puts it, “My work at Volunteer Victoria is a powerful privilege since it allows me to link daily with individuals and organizations that are undertaking transformational work in community”. George can be reached at 250-386-2269 X28 or at george@volunteervictoria.bc.ca
Betty Leitch, Volunteer Services Coordinator
Betty joined the Volunteer Victoria team in February 2017. Betty is a certified Volunteer Management professional with a history of managing successful volunteer program in Victoria and Winnipeg. Betty holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and a Master’s in Environmental Sciences. When Betty is not coordinating our E-Link Newsletter she can be found volunteering for her amazing quilting group, travelling, and spending time with family. Betty can be reached at betty@volunteervictoria.bc.ca
Volunteer Access and Mental Health Recreation Visiting Programs
Debbie Flint, Volunteer Access Program Coordinator
Debbie Flint joined Volunteer Victoria in June 2018 in the position of Access Program Coordinator. Debbie has worked as a specialist in mental health and substance use for more than 25 years.
You can reach Debbie at debbie@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.
Julia Harrison, Mental Health Program Coordinator
Julia Harrison joined Volunteer Victoria in January of 2022, after receiving her BSc in Psychology from the University of Victoria. Julia is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Mental Health and Substance Use Dual Diagnosis, and is the coordinator for the Mental Health Visiting and Activity Program, as well as the lead for a new Eco-anxiety project at Volunteer Victoria. Julia is committed to community education surrounding mental health and substance use. When Julia isn’t working or studying, she’s spending time with family and her 100lb dog, Oakley.
You can reach Julia at julia@volunteervictoria.bc.ca.
Youth Engagement Workers
Brady Champagne, Youth Engagement Coordinator
Brady has always enjoyed volunteering and believes the more volunteering opportunities the better. He is excited to join the team and help youth with their volunteering potential.
Brady is currently attending RRU for a Bachelor Justice Studies graduating this August. When Brady is not at work, he can be found biking around Victoria. He is passionate about positive mental health and making connections through volunteering. He says “Making connections is the first step to progress and fulfilment”.
Vanshika Awasthi (Vinny), Volunteer Services Coordinator
Vinny has moved around a lot growing up which has made her very aware and appreciative of different cultures. She is passionate about volunteering and has been an active volunteer in the community supporting senior and women equity programs. She is thrilled to join the Volunteer Victoria team and expand her learning.
Vinny is excited to attend UVic in January 2024.
Sharon Bidner and Mike Grivel provide amazing admin support to the Volunteer Victoria team.
