Volunteering

Volunteering is a work of heart

Canuck Place volunteer Canuck Place volunteer

Volunteer at Canuck Place

As a Canuck Place volunteer, you help families create lasting memories. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Without this dedicated group, we couldn’t provide the exceptional care and comfort families count on.

As a Canuck Place volunteer, you can support us in a range of ways. From baking cookies to helping a child with a craft project, you can ensure short lives are lived to the fullest.

we are actively recruiting volunteers at both vancouver and abbotsford hospices!

Our current priorities, based on the needs of children and families, are Peer, Kitchen, Garden, and Reception volunteers.

APPLY TO BE A VOLUNTEER TODAY!

Canuck Place garden volunteer

Garden Volunteers

  • Lovingly maintain our grounds and beautiful gardens—places of joy and tranquility for children and families while in hospice
  • Must be able to manage light to moderate physical labour—year-round and in all types of weather

Garden Volunteer shifts are every other Saturday at Canuck Place Vancouver – Glen Brae from 10 am. to approximately 3 p.m. (Approximately 3–4 hour shifts) 

Canuck Place volunteer with Canuck Place child

Peer Volunteers

  • Support Family Volunteers and our professional care teams
  • Provide general companionship to children by reading aloud, doing arts and crafts, playing computer games, etc.
  • Work closely with the siblings of in-house children
  • Assist clinical staff in running errands
  • Must complete a 4-hour Canuck Place training program, and then commit for a minimum of 1 year of weekly or bi-weekly shifts

Peer Volunteer shifts are available morning, afternoon, and evenings, seven days a week. (Approximately 3–4 hour shifts) 

Canuck Place kitchen volunteer

Kitchen Volunteers

  • Play a huge part in creating and maintaining a warm and welcoming place that provides families with the comforts of home
  • Provide support to kitchen staff by assisting with baking, meal preparation, and clean-up of kitchen and dining room areas
  • Must have Food Safe Level I Certification and a current Hepatitis A Vaccination

Kitchen Volunteer shifts vary depending on the need but are typically between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. seven days a week. (Approximately 3–4 hour shifts) 

Canuck Place office reception volunteer

Office Reception Volunteers

  • Provide a pleasant, articulate first contact for guests, visitors, and callers to Canuck Place
  • Perform office support as needed
  • Assist the full-time receptionist with reception and switchboard duties during evenings and weekends.

Reception Volunteer shifts are Monday-Friday, 5-8 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday, Stat Holidays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-4 p.m., 5 p.m.-8 p.m. and on an as needed basis during weekdays. (Approximately 3–4 hour shifts) 

Housekeeping Volunteers

  • Support the Housekeeping team by assisting with various light cleaning tasks to ensure a high standard of infection, prevention, and control

Housekeeping Volunteer shifts can vary, but are typically morning and afternoons on weekdays. (Approximately 3–4 hour shifts) 

Canuck place volunteer

Family Volunteers

  • Work alongside the clinical care team to enhance the quality of life of a child with a progressive, life-threatening condition, and support their family
  • Keep children company during activities: in the school room, working with arts and crafts, and on community outings. They provide general support for the child and family
  • Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to newer volunteers
  • Must complete a Canuck Place 25-hour training program (offered once a year), and then commit for a minimum of 1 year of weekly or bi-weekly shifts

Family Volunteer shifts are available morning, afternoon, and evenings, seven days a week. (Approximately 3–4 hour shifts) 

volunteer vancouver

Maintenance Volunteers

  • Provide support to the Grounds and Maintenance team by assisting with various projects around the hospice

Maintenance shifts vary according to need. (Approximately 3–4 hour shifts) 

Give your time

COVID-19 Update- Volunteering at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Canuck Place. We are recruiting volunteers again and encourage you to apply for the role that suits you best.

Please note: all volunteers, regardless of role, must:

  • be at least 16 years of age
  • have received at least 2 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine
  • complete a Criminal Record Check

Have questions?

I find myself leaving Canuck Place with a more mature and compassionate outlook on life.

Sumaiyah

Peer Volunteer

My favourite thing about volunteering in the garden is being part of a group who work to create an outdoor space that is safe, welcoming, comforting, cheerful, and fun.

Val

Garden Volunteer

Volunteering at Canuck Place is a way for me to give back to my community, spend time with children—give them care and attention and hopefully a good time.

Bev

Family Volunteer

I am privileged to be a part of a wonderful team of caring people. This team impacts the lives of the kids and families we serve in a deep and meaningful way.

Bruce

Family and Bereavement Volunteer

How can you help?

There are so many ways to give. You can support complex care for children with life-threatening illnesses and families in BC and the Yukon. With your help, Canuck Place will support them in living the end of life as fully as the beginning.

Donate