Room To Shine: Meet Karen Macleod, The Heart Behind the Kamloops Blazers Volunteer Team
Every month, Room to Shine highlights the people who help make Kamloops a great place to live, work and visit. This month, we’re shining a light on Karen Macleod, who helps keep the Kamloops Blazers volunteer team running smoothly on game nights.
Finding Community Through Volunteering
When Karen moved to Kamloops from the coast 10 years ago, she wanted to find a way to get to know her new community, and volunteering with the Kamloops Blazers seemed like the perfect fit. It was an opportunity to meet new people, give back, and watch some great hockey along the way. What first started as a way to get to know her new hometown grew into something much more.
A Team That Feels Like Family
If you ask Karen what she enjoys most about being part of the Blazers volunteer team, one thing truly stands out for her: the people. “We have become like a family,” she says. “There is always something new happening, and what a great group of people. They are all so giving, and we all cheer for our Blazers.”
That sense of connection is a big part of what makes volunteering so meaningful to Karen. She sees it in many of the people who join the volunteer team, too. Like Karen when she first moved to Kamloops, they’re looking for opportunities to meet new people, give back and feel connected to their community. As volunteer coordinator, Karen helps welcome new Blazers volunteers and ensures they feel supported. She makes a point of listening to all concerns and addressing issues as they arise, helping create a positive experience for everyone involved.
Behind The Scenes of Game Night
There’s a lot more that goes into a Blazers game night than just what fans see from the stands. From coordinating volunteer schedules and managing emails to organizing training sessions and keeping safety top of mind, Karen helps ensure everything is ready to go. She estimates she walks at least 12,000 steps on an average game night, taking a hands-on approach to keeping everything running smoothly. It’s a reminder that a successful game night depends on more than just what happens on the ice. It takes a dedicated team working behind the scenes to make it all happen.
Being involved with the Blazers is just one part of what makes Kamloops such a great place to call home for Karen. “You know what? I love it here. There’s lots to do all year round.” From local festivals and Music in the Park to getting outdoors and exploring everything the community has to offer, Karen enjoys making the most of her time in Kamloops. And when you don’t find her at the rink, there’s a good chance she’s out camping or fishing. And if there’s one thing that might surprise people about Karen, it’s that she ties her own fly-fishing flies. Hockey might be another story, though. “I can’t skate,” she admits, with a laugh.
Thank you, Karen!
Whether she’s coordinating volunteer schedules, supporting new volunteers or keeping game nights running smoothly, Karen plays an important role in creating the experiences our Kamloops Blazers fans know and love. Her story is a reminder that volunteering offers more than the work itself. It’s an opportunity to meet like-minded people, build lasting connections and feel part of a community. Thank you, Karen, for the time, energy and care you give to the Kamloops Blazers and the Kamloops community.
Volunteers like Karen are who also help make Kamloops a great place to host major events, from the 55+ BC Games to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Their time and dedication help create welcoming experiences for athletes, spectators and visitors, supporting the events that bring people to our community.
Karen, thank you for helping make Kamloops shine!
