Do you have a skill from your former working life that you feel is being wasted, or would you like to learn a new skill and do something completely different? In both cases you are welcome here. We love to connect people and enable them to use and develop their talents.

Join our team – in most cases you can set your own hours. Many of our volunteers work from two to fours hours a week. But, if you would like to commit to more time than that we would welcome you.

When we help one another our lives are fulfilled and more enjoyable. Volunteering helps us to meet new people and build community. If you see a need and have a solution to offer, our doors are open to your ideas.

1. FRONT DESK – If you phone or drop in to the Centre you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable Front Desk Staff. These helpful people are dedicated and ready to assist people to find the resources or information they need. The front desk staff wear many hats as record keepers, reservation listers, cashiers, message takers, and problem solvers. Hands-on training is provided for all staff.

2. DRIVERS DESK – Our Drivers Desk Volunteers collect requests for medical rides from Island Health and match the requests to volunteer drivers. It may take some time, and several phone calls to find a driver who is available on the requested day and time. When a driver is found the drivers desk volunteer forwards information to the driver. They then call the client and inform them that they have a ride and tell them either that the ferry fare is covered by the service or that they are responsible for the fare [either through a pink TAP (Transportation Assistance Program) form from their physician or out of their own pocket]. On the rare occasion the appointment is cancelled the drivers desk volunteer will take the call from the client and pass the cancellation information onto the driver. Our volunteers keep meticulous records of their calls and the rides that they have arranged.

3. VOLUNTEER DRIVERS – Our volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to transport seniors to medical appointments. This is a much needed and appreciated service for seniors who are unable or uncomfortable to drive locally or off island to appointments.

We require our volunteers to have a clean driving record, and a sound and insured vehicle. Our drivers will also be required to take a Criminal Record Check. Our drivers keep meticulous details of their time and expenses.

We appreciate our drivers and we provide compensation for their expenses, depending on the amount of time and mileage required for the ride.

4. THURSDAY LUNCHES – Our volunteers are committed, friendly, and welcoming. They meet new people as they serve and find a sense of fulfillment. New volunteers are always welcome. We need people to set up, cook, serve, or clean up and wash the dishes. Please call the reception desk or speak to the cashier to apply for a volunteer position, and get your name on the schedule. Then be sure to make a lunch reservation for the Thursdays when you are not serving.

5. VOLUNTEER HANDYMAN – Are you adept with simple tools like a screwdriver and a hammer? Can you change a door handle or fix a leaky faucet? If you like to putter with small jobs and would be able to advise the board about bigger problems that you anticipate will need attention in the future, we would love to enlist your help. If you are familiar with local contractors and could help us find the right company for bigger projects, your help would be very welcome. Please speak to the friendly receptionist at the front desk to approach the Building and Grounds Committee.

6. VOLUNTEER GARDENER – We like to keep the grounds of the Seniors Centre attractive in all seasons. We would love to have the help of our members to make our gardens beautiful. The Centre would provide a budget to compensate our volunteers for the purchase of plants, seeds, fertilizer or other agreed-on materials. Please ask the front desk volunteer to introduce you to the grounds committee in order to get started.

7. VOLUNTEER FACILITATOR – Do you have a hobby or skill that you are passionate about and would like to share with like-minded people. We encourage our members to offer their skills to seniors in our community. As a facilitator you would be responsible to work with our Programs Committee to organize the event, provide any equipment or materials needed, guide the participants in a cheerful, enriching activity, and then return the space to its original state, ready for the next users. Facilitators may not charge for the event but they may request the participants compensate them for any materials that they use.