As our name implies, volunteers are the backbone of our small non-profit society.
In our 47 years of community service, we are fortunate to have attracted hundreds of volunteers. Without these compassionate and dedicated individuals, we would be unable to serve our “super seniors” on the North Shore.
Volunteer Positions
We are currently recruiting volunteers for our one-on-one visiting program, and our drop-in centre programs.
One-on-one Visitors
Our one-on-one visiting program is designed for "super seniors" who still live independently in their own homes. Volunteers are carefully matched with senior clients in their area to ensure compatibility. Volunteers are expected to commit to approximately 2 hours/week for at least 6 months. Volunteers provide: companionship by visiting seniors in their homes, sharing conversation, having tea, playing games and cards, or simply socializing; access to the community by taking seniors for walks, helping them with shopping/appointments; consistency in a senior’s life through regular weekly visits.
Drop-in centre Volunteers
Our drop-in centre volunteers assist in lunch/tea preparation and service for our programs. For our Tuesday and Wednesday programs volunteers prepare for luncheon service, greet guests, serve lunch, and clean up. Our Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoon volunteers prepare and serve tea and tidy up afterwards. Lunch volunteer shifts are 11:30am-1:30pm, and tea volunteer shifts are from 2-3pm.
All one-on-one volunteers must be over 18 years of age, complete a criminal record check, and provide two references. Fluency in English is required, but knowledge of other languages is an asset. A warm, non-judgmental personality, with openness to different beliefs, customs, cultures, and lifestyles is essential. Volunteers should be resourceful, self motivated, reliable, patient, and emotionally mature. Volunteers also require good social and language skills, excellent listening skills, and an ability to focus on the clients needs.
Training
All one-on-one volunteers are carefully screened through a detailed interview, reference check, and criminal record check. Volunteers receive information on all seniors’ services available on the North Shore. These include: all provincial/federal/municipal seniors programs, health and support services, housing, meal programs and shopping, personal security, social education and recreation programs, and transportation. Volunteer training, as well as additional printed information, is available upon request.
Benefits of Volunteering
People volunteer for many reasons - some simply wish to help. Volunteering with seniors is also an excellent way to acquire experience, develop personal networks, community connections, and insights into future choices. All volunteers gain personal enrichment, a sense of community involvement, learning experience, and an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with others.
Contact Us
If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please phone our Volunteer Coordinator at 604-922-1575, email volunteers”at”nsvs.ca, or fax your completed volunteer application to 604-922-1543.
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