Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon
Strengthening Yukon communities through volunteerism since 2004
Our Vision
A resilient and thriving Yukon, driven by the power of volunteerism.
Our Mission
To strengthen and champion volunteerism across the Yukon by providing comprehensive resources, expert training, strategic consultation, and dedicated support for individuals and organizations.
Our policies ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in all our initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in volunteer engagement.
Our bylaws provide the structural framework for our organization, guiding governance, decision-making, and operational integrity.
Our Mandate
Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon (VBY) encourages and promotes volunteerism across the Yukon by providing support, training, and facilitation for individuals and organizations. Established in 2004, VBY has been strengthening Yukon’s volunteer network for over 20 years.
We are committed to:
● Educating the community about the importance and impact of volunteerism.
● Providing high-quality resources, training, consultation, and support to strengthen volunteer organizations and individuals.
● Connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities across the Yukon.
● Assisting non-profit organizations in recruiting and retaining volunteers.
● Advocating for the transformative impact of volunteerism and fostering a strong culture of community engagement.
● Inspiring Yukoners to share their knowledge, skills, and time through volunteering.
● Recognizing and celebrating the contributions of volunteers.
● Developing partnerships that enhance and advance volunteerism across the territory and beyond.
Meet the Team
STAFF
Executive Director
Vlad is the Executive Director of Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon, where he leads efforts to connect Yukoners with meaningful volunteer opportunities and strengthen community ties. With extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, and community engagement, Vlad is passionate about creating innovative programs that empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact.
Since joining VBY, Vlad has overseen key initiatives such as the modernization of operations, the development of an online volunteer management platform, and expanding training programs to support non-profits and volunteers across the territory. His forward-thinking approach ensures VBY remains a hub for fostering volunteerism, lifelong learning, and impactful partnerships.
When not championing volunteerism, Vlad enjoys exploring the world, venturing into new opportunities, and working on creative projects that inspire innovation and growth.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meghana Sanagaram
President
She brings over 14 years of experience in project leadership, strategy, and organizational change, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Harvard.
More recently, Meghana has become involved in Yukon’s nonprofit sector, where she is particularly interested in how strong, responsive organizations can contribute to thriving communities. As President of Volunteer Yukon, she looks forward to working with the Board, staff, and community partners to build on VBY’s work and continue creating meaningful value for Yukon communities.
Friederike Fayant
Vice President
Linda Casson
Treasurer
As Treasurer of Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon, Linda works alongside a dedicated Board and Executive Director to champion the vital role of volunteers and the value they bring to communities across the Yukon. With more than four decades of experience in volunteer organizations at the local, territorial, and national levels, Linda continues to be inspired by the diverse motivations, dedication, and impact of Yukon’s volunteers.
Her career has included leading a federal funding program supporting community resilience projects across the North, where she witnessed firsthand the remarkable results that can be achieved when community members unite behind meaningful initiatives. She is committed to addressing sector challenges including supporting overextended volunteers, welcoming new Canadians into the Yukon’s volunteer community, and finding innovative and efficient ways to strengthen the volunteer sector.
Beyond her leadership role, Linda finds balance and renewal in Yukon’s wilderness. Whether exploring by boat or quad, sitting by a fire at a lakeshore, or simply enjoying quiet time with a good book, she values the importance of recharging and encourages all who give their time in service to others to do the same.
Evelyn Shih
Secretary
Evelyn serves as a board member of VBY, working closely with fellow directors to guide the organization’s mission and support its Executive Director. With a professional background in human resources management and sociology, and lived experience as a newcomer to Canada, Evelyn brings a thoughtful and inclusive lens to board leadership.
She has over a decade of experience in local and international volunteer work, with a strong commitment to human rights, civic engagement, and sustainability. At VBY, she contributes to strategic oversight, policy development, and organizational accountability – ensuring the organization remains responsive, ethical, and impactful.
Evelyn is particularly passionate about VBY’s role as a bridge between non-profits and volunteers, helping to strengthen Yukon’s communities through meaningful connections and lifelong engagement.
Outside of her role with VBY, Evelyn enjoys exploring natural and cultural landscapes, capturing these moments through her lens and sharing them with others.
Eileen Melnychuk
Director
Eileen has been actively involved in Yukon’s non-profit sector for over a decade, contributing her expertise in administrative and financial management to strengthen community organizations. She brings valuable insight into the challenges and successes of the territory’s NGO community, informed by years of hands-on experience as both a volunteer and contractor.
Her volunteer leadership includes serving as Past President and long-time board member of the Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, with over 12 years of service, as well as roles in the arts, cultural, health, and social service sectors. She currently serves as Vice-President of the Ukrainian Canadian Association of Yukon, Treasurer of Yukon Learn Society, Vice-President of the Thrift Store Society, and as a Director with VBY.
A born-and-raised Yukoner, Eileen values strong community connections and collaboration. She leverages her extensive network, including relationships with First Nations and other partners, to support funding applications, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement efforts.
Her commitment to fostering collaboration and building capacity makes her an integral part of VBY’s governance team.