Celebrating Volunteers in the Capital Regional District Volunteer MATTERS Vol 2 Ed 1 I Spring 2024 Embracing Diversity in Volunteerism Repairing More than Broken Items How Technology Can Help Non-Profits
(Stat. Canada, 2018)
More than half of all children in one-parent families in BC live in poverty.
Here’s how 1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre is helping:
To stretch a monthly budget a little further we have:
• Free Clothing Room
• Market Day – Weekly Food Support
• Birthday Gifts for Children
To provide additional support and resources we have:
• Moms and Mentors Program
• Dads with Dads Drop-in Support Group
• Parenting and LifeSkill’s Courses
• 1-1 Counselling and Coaching sessions
These and other FREE services are open to ALL single parents in Greater Victoria who are caring for children at home ages 0–18. Learn how to DONATE Learn how to ACCESS our services 250-385-1114
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 3
| 1-Up.ca
4 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 Volunteer MATTERS Repairing More than Broken Items Q&A with the Volunteer Victoria Board of Directors Encourage Your Kids to Be HIP! Portrait of a Youth Volunteer How Technology Can Help Non-Profits Community 6 Health 10 Children & Youth 17 Social Services 16 Environmental 21 Education 24 Seniors 28 Government 28 Sports & Recreation 29 Arts & Culture 25 Animals 20 Corporate 20 Indigenous 20 Newcomers 20 Spiritual 20 Volunteer Organizations 12 22 30 18 26 Vol 2 Ed 1 I Spring 2024 Celebrating Volunteers in the Capital Regional District Jim Schneider, Publisher/Managing Editor publisher@islandparent.ca Erika Palmer, Contributing Editor erika@islandparent.ca Kristine Wickheim, Account Manager kristine@islandparent.ca RaeLeigh Buchanan, Account Manager raeleigh@islandparent.ca Volunteer Matters is a semi-annual publication by Volunteer Victoria in partnership with Island Parent Group Ltd., designed to be a fundraiser and to promote volunteerism in our community. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. No material herein may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. Volunteer Matters is distributed free in selected areas. 518 Caselton Place Victoria BC V8Z 7Y5 250-388-6905
Embracing Diversity in Volunteerism
Volunteering isn’t simply about lending a hand, it’s about fostering connections and creating positive change in our communities. But within our efforts to make these differences, they must reflect the beautiful tapestry of diversity that exists in every community. So, in this journey toward inclusivity, let’s explore some strategies to make volunteering not only more welcoming, but accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.
Cultivate Inclusive Outreach
If people of all cultures, languages and traditions could come together in the spirit of service, our communities would change for the better—quickly. To make this happen, we need to be reaching out to communities through channels they trust—like local community centres, places of worship or cultural organizations. This ensures that everyone feels welcomed in the volunteering community.
Address Any Participation Barriers
We all must overcome barriers at some points, but when it comes to volunteering, let’s strive to remove as many barriers as possible. Flexibility is key to removing these barriers. Providing options such as virtual volunteering,
transportation assistance and childcare services can make all the difference.
Foster Cross-Cultural Connections
When people from different backgrounds come together to share stories, traditions and laughter, magic happens. Whether it’s organizing cultural festivals or pairing volunteers from diverse backgrounds for joint projects, creating those cross-cultural connections is essential.
Implement Diversity Training
We are all on a journey of learning and growth, and diversity training is a crucial part of that journey. From unconscious bias to cultural competency, diversity training workshops open both hearts and minds. When we understand and respect each other’s differences, major transformations often occur.
Create Safe Spaces to Discuss Issues
Talking about diversity can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it’s only by having those tough conversations that we can start to grow and learn together. That’s why we need to create safe spaces for dialogue, so volunteers can speak their truth, share their experiences and listen with open minds.
Prioritize Representation in Leadership
Leadership isn’t simply about making decisions, it’s about paving the way for others to follow. Commit to ensuring that our leadership reflects the rich diversity of our communities. By actively seeking out leaders from underrepresented groups, we’re paving the path to true inclusivity.
Collaborate with Diverse Partners
Strength lies in numbers, especially when it comes to diversity. By reaching out to diverse community partners, from grassroots organizations to minority-led nonprofits, we’re enhancing our impact and ensuring that our volunteering efforts are truly inclusive and equitable.
Measure and Track Diversity Metrics
Data is a powerful tool for driving change. That’s why it’s important to be committed to measuring and tracking diversity metrics every step of the way. By collecting demographic data on volunteers and analyzing participation trends, you can see where diverse opportunities and continuous improvement can happen.
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 5
Community
1 Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre
250-385-1114 x3 singleparentvictoria.ca
9–10 Club Serving Soup to the Hungry Society
778-440-7687 thesoupkitchen.ca
Beacon Community Services 250-658-6407 beaconcs.ca
BeaYOUtiful Foundation 778-918-3059 thebeayoutifulfoundation.com
Burnside Gorge Community Association
250-388-5251 X223 burnsidegorge.ca
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
1-800-563-2642 cnib.ca/en?region=bc
Capital Region Food & Agricultural Initiatives Roundtable
250-896-7004 crfair.ca
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
250-363-4312 forces.gc.ca
Community Living Victoria
250-477-7231 | cyoungblut@clvic.ca communitylivingvictoria.ca
Community Options for Children & Families
250-380-6363 cocf.ca
Community Social Planning Council
250-383-6166 communitycouncil.ca
Cook Street Village Activity Centre
250-384-6542 csvac.ca
Destination Greater Victoria (Tourism Victoria) 250-953-2022 tourismvictoria.com
Esquimalt Farmers Market esquimaltmarket.com
Esquimalt Neighbourhood House
250-385-2635 enh.bc.ca
Esquimalt Volunteer Services
250-412-8511 esquimalt.ca
Fairfield Gonzales Community Association
250-382-4604 x104 fairfieldcommunity.ca
Family Caregivers Society of BC 250-384-0408 familycaregiversbc.ca
Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group
250-381-1552 fernwoodnrg.ca
Friends of Bowker Creek Society friendsofbowkercreek@gmail.com bowkercreek.org
Global Village Store –Victoria Global Village Society
250-388-5591 victoriaglobalvillage.ca
Gorge View Society
250-360-1977 gorgeviewsociety.ca
Greater Victoria Citizens’ Counselling Centre
250-384-2934 citizenscounselling.com
Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness Society
250-370-1512 victoriahomelessness.ca
Greater Victoria Housing Society 250-384-3434 greatervichousing.org
Habitat for Humanity – Victoria 250-480-7688 habitatvictoria.com
Help Fill A Dream Foundation
250-382-3135 helpfilladream.com
InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation
250-896-3236 innovativecommunities.org
Inter-Cultural Association
250-388-4728 icavictoria.org
Island Deaf & Hard of Hearing Centre 250-592-8144 idhhc.ca
James Bay Community Project 250-388-7844 jbcp.bc.ca
James Bay Community School Society 250-389-1470 sd61.bc.ca
James Bay Market Society 250-381-5323 jamesbaymarket.com
James Bay New Horizons Society 250-386-3035 jamesbaynewhorizons.ca
John Howard Society of Victoria 250-386-3428 jhsvic.ca
Learning Through Loss 250-413-3114 learningthroughloss.org
Volunteers play a vital role in fostering community growth and prosperity. They provide essential support for individuals dealing with challenges, advocate for better representation, offer a helping hand to those in need, and so much more. Undoubtedly, they are the heart and soul of community. We are so proud to support volunteers, and their selfless dedication, passion, and unyielding commitment to making British Columbia a better place.
Lifetime Networks Victoria 250-477-4112 lifetimenetworks.org
MADD Canada – Victoria Chapter 1-877-676-6233 madd.ca
Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria 250-363-9429 mhsvictoria.org
Mercy Ships Canada
250-381-2160 mercyships.ca
Monterey Recreation Centre 250-370-7300 oakbay.ca
The Mustard Seed Street Church 250-953-1575 mustardseed.ca
NEED2
250-386-6328 youthspace.ca
Hon. Mitzi Dean MLA, ESQUIMALT–METCHOSIN Mitzi.Dean.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-952-5885
Ravi Parmar MLA, LANGFORD–JUAN DE FUCA Ravi.Parmar.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-391-2801
Oak Bay Volunteer Services
250-595-1034 oakbayvolunteers.org
Oaklands Community Association & Centre
250-370-9101 oaklandsca.com
Open Space Arts Society 250-383-8833 openspace.ca
Our Place
250-388-7112 ourplacesociety.com
Pacific Centre Family Services Association 1-866-478-8357 pcfsa.org
Pacifica Housing Advisory Association 250-385-2131 x2212 pacificahousing.ca
Hon. Rob Fleming MLA, VICTORIA–SWAN LAKE Rob.Fleming.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-356-5013
Hon. Lana Popham MLA, SAANICH SOUTH Lana.Popham.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-479-4154
Hon. Grace Lore MLA, VICTORIA -BEACON HILL Grace.Lore.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-952-4211
Hon. Murray Rankin MLA, OAK BAY–GORDON HEAD Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 7
Phoenix Human Services Assoc. (Thrive Social Services Soc.) 250-995-5510 thrivevictoria.org
Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society
250-385-2363 powertobe.ca
Quadra Village Community Centre
250-388-7696 x225 quadravillagecc.com
Rainbow Health Cooperative 1-888-241-9992 rainbowhealth.coop
Red Cedar Cafe Association 778-817-0395 redcedarcafe.ca
Royal Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary 250-217-0600 rjhaux.ca
Saanich Neighbourhood Place
250-360-1148 snplace.org
Saanich Volunteer Services
250-595-8008 saanichvolunteers.org
Salvation Army –Public Relations Office
250-386-6304 salvationarmy.ca
Search & Rescue Society of BC
250-383-6849 sarbc.org
Sendial
250-544-1234 thriftyfoods.com
Seniors Serving Seniors Association of BC
250-413-3211 sssbc.org
Serenity Housing Co-operative serenityhousingcoop.ca
Shekinah Homes Society
250-595-1014 shekinahhomes.org
Shelbourne Community Kitchen Society
250-590-0980
shelbournecommunitykitchen.ca
Soap for Hope Canada
250-590-1462
soapforhopecanada.ca
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
250-727-0007 svdpvictoria.com
Sooke Family Resource Society
250-642-5152 sfrs.ca
Sooke Shelter Society
250-858-7700 sookeshelter.org
Southern Gulf Islands Community Resources Centre
250-629-3665 sgicommunityresources.ca
Southern Gulf Islands Neighbourhood House sginh.ca
The Cridge Centre for the Family
250-995-6404 cridge.org
Threshold Housing Society
250-383-8830 thresholdhousing.ca
Together Against Poverty Society
250-361-3521 tapsbc.ca
Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association
250-920-0688 visoa.bc.ca
Victoria Chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan
250-391-3908 cw4wafghan.ca
Victoria Community Resources Society – Twin Oaks
250-658-4931 vcrs.ca
Victoria Cool Aid Society
250-595-8619 coolaid.org
Victoria Disability Resource Centre
250-595-0044 drcvictoria.com
Victoria Downtown Residents’ Association victoriadra.ca
8 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society
604-688-2382 victoriadragonboatfestival.com
Victoria Health Co-operative 778-440-0221
victoriahealthcooperative.com
Victoria Pride Society 888-241-9992
victoriapridesociety.org
Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society 250-384-2069 rainbowkitchen.ca
Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association
778-426-0506 vtra.ca
Victoria West Community Association
250-590-8922 victoriawest.ca
Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative
250-480-4006 x204 womeninneed.ca
Victoria Women’s Transition House Society
250-592-2927 x229 vwth.bc.ca
Wear 2 Start Society
250-472-9327 wear2start.com
West Coast Reach Association 250-882-4339 westcoastreach.org
WITS Programs Foundation
250-386-7625 witsprogram.ca
Worklink Employment Society
250-478-9525 worklink.bc.ca
YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island
250-386-7511
vancouverislandy.ca
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Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 9
Be a Part of Your Community. Come Volunteer with Us! You’ll have the flexibility to choose when and how often you volunteer 250-595-1034 | volunteer@oakbayvolunteers.org oakbayvolunteers.org
You Can Help:
How
Companionship through visits,
and walks
phone calls
Support including minor
repairs, technology support and gardening
In-home
home
Drives to medical appointments, recreation and shopping
Reassurance Phone Calls
Income Tax Support
Office Helpline Make your legacy last forever Start an endowment fund today Seniors Serving Seniors Association of BC is a nonprofit that has helped thousands of seniors age at home since 1996 with the help of donations and volunteers. Make a difference in Greater Victoria Regional District when you leave a legacy fund. When you leave a gift to Seniors Serving Seniors in your will, you are planting a seed—a seed that, with careful tending, will grow into bouquets of support for future generations to benefit from, ultimately leaving a gift that helps build a better world. Contact via email to ed@sssbc.org or phone 250-413-3211 That’s the power of a legacy donation.
Health
Aberdeen Hospital 250-370-5626 islandhealth.ca
Alzheimer Society of BC 250-382-2052 alzheimerbc.org
AVI Health & Community Services Society 250-384-2366 avi.org
BC Association for Living Mindfully lokhorstgroup.com
BC Cancer – Victoria 250-519-5500 bccancer.bc.ca/centre-vancouver-islandcentre-site
Borderline Personality Disorder Society of BC bpdbc.ca
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada 519-642-7755 braintumour.ca
Broadmead Care Society 250-658-0311 broadmeadcare.com
Canadian Blood Services 1-888-236-6283 blood.ca
Canadian Cancer Society 250-592-2662 cancer.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Region 604-688-3234 bc.cmha.ca
Cancer DriveLine Society 778-265-0906 cancerdriveline.ca
Capital Region Food Share Network 236-464-7551 foodsharenetwork.ca
Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island 250-940-4950 islandkidsfirst.com
Diabetes Canada 778-622-4275 diabetes.ca
Heart & Stroke 1-888-473-0333 heartandstroke.ca
Immunity Canada 250-381-7134 immunitycanada.org
Island Community Mental Health Association 250-389-1211 icmha.ca
Island Kids Cancer Association ikca.ca
Island Prostate Centre 250-388-0214 islandprostatecentre.com
10 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
Island Sexual Health Society
250-592-3479 islandsexualhealth.org
James Bay Care Centre
250-388-6457 reveraliving.com
Kiwanis Pavilion
250-598-2022 obkp.org
Luther Court Society 250-477-7241 luthercourt.org
Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria mhsvictoria.org
Mercy Ships Canada
250-381-2160 mercyships.ca
Mount St. Mary Hospital
250-480-3100 x3201 mountstmary.ca
NEED2
250-386-6328 youthspace.ca
Oak Bay Lodge, VIHA 250-370-6642 islandhealth.ca
Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society
250-385-2363 powertobe.ca
Rainbow Health Cooperative 1-888-241-9992 rainbowhealth.coop
Royal Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary 250-217-0600 rjhaux.ca
Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Association
250-656-6221 spstrokerecovery.org
Sooke Region Community Health Network
778-365-1878
sookeregionchn.org
The First Open Heart Society of BC
250-595-2123 fohs.ca
The Victoria Youth Clinic Society (Foundry)
250-383-3552 foundryvictoria.ca
Umbrella Society for Addictions & Mental Health
250-380-0595 umbrellasociety.ca
Uvic Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health
604-940-3580 uvic.ca
Victoria Brain Injury Society 250-598-9339 vbis.ca
Victoria General Hospital Auxiliary 250-294-4078 vgha.ca
Victoria Health Co-operative 778-440-0221
victoriahealthcooperative.com
Victoria Hospice 250-370-8715
victoriahospice.org
Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association 778-426-0506 vtra.ca
WomenMD Clinic
250-940-6010 womenmd.ca
YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island 250-386-7511
vancouverislandy.ca
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 11
Q&A with the Incredible Volunteer Victoria Board of Directors
Volunteer Victoria is proud to have a large roster of volunteers helping in our community. We recently sat down with three volunteers in leadership positions to ask about their experiences with volunteering on a board of directors and how they are looking to expand diversity on these boards.
Debbie Chabot
Why do you choose to volunteer in a leadership position on a board of directors?
I have been raised with a heart for service, so I volunteer in a variety of ways in the community from handing out food to helping organize and run fundraising events to having a position on non-profit boards like Volunteer Victoria. I have usually been recruited to boards for a skill that I have to offer that they need added to their board, such as marketing/ communications. There have been times in my professional career that I haven’t had roles that used my business skills, so I’ve purposely taken these board leadership volunteer roles to keep my mind busy and skills up-to-date.
What would you say are the benefits to being involved at the board level?
Taking a leadership role allows me to support the organization in a broader sense. I find that board work helps ensure the continuance of important services in the communities that I live and work and play in.
Do you feel that your board is diverse and representative of the community that it serves?
In some ways, absolutely. We have both youthful and young at heart members. We have members from private and public sectors, non- and for-profit and of different genders. Where I think all boards would benefit is from having a youth representative. If all boards currently recruited a youth representative this would give valuable development opportunities for the next generation of board members.
What actions have been taken to recruit diverse members?
We use skills matrix to ensure that we are filling in any gaps. Then we try to take a hard look at where the non-skills related gaps are and try to recruit for those. It’s an ongoing and critical process that most boards have to work through each year.
12 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
Darryl Hol
Why do you choose to volunteer in a leadership position on a board of directors?
It’s a great way to have a role in determining the strategic direction and ultimate success of an organization that I care about. I try to balance volunteering on a board with other more “hands on” volunteering opportunities because I find a lot of value in both.
What would you say are the benefits to being involved at the board level?
As a board member, you can learn valuable skills such as strategic planning or financial oversight. It is also an opportunity to meet other active and engaged members of the community who bring their own unique skills and experiences to the board. I would say the work is always interesting, and it is rewarding to help an organization flourish.
Do you feel that your board is diverse and representative of the community that it serves?
I appreciate that our board has a diversity of experiences, as folks bring different perspectives and expertise to the issues we are discussing. That said, our board has identified that we would like to become even more diverse so that we are truly reflective of the community.
What actions have been taken to recruit diverse members?
We recently struck up a subcommittee to look at how we can attract and recruit diverse candidates for the board ahead of our next AGM, which will likely be early in the fall. If you or someone you know is interested in promoting and growing volunteerism in Greater Victoria, please reach out to Volunteer Victoria!
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 13
Julia Dawson
Why do you choose to volunteer in a leadership position on a board of directors?
I chose to volunteer on the board of directors at Volunteer Victoria because of the work they do to inspire and empower volunteerism. The Volunteer Victoria website is a central hub for connecting those who seek to volunteer with organizations looking for people to serve. This service is easy to use and allows volunteers to hone in on their particular area of interest, while benefiting the non-profits who have their opportunities and needs highlighted to a larger audience.
Additionally, Volunteer Victoria has an exceptional education program helping volunteer managers develop their skills. When I moved into my volunteer management career nearly 15 years ago, I had the opportunity to take the “Foundations in Volunteer Management” course from Volunteer Victoria. This course helped me better understand the principles and best practices of volunteer management and also connected me with other leaders in the field. Over the years I’ve taken many additional workshops and participated in peer development facilitated by the Vol Vic team. So, when the opportunity to give back by joining the board was available, I jumped at the chance. I have continued to learn and grow through my participation on the board.
What would you say are the benefits to being involved at the board level?
Being involved in the board has provided growth opportunities in seeing the “back end” of a charitable organization and the complex considerations involved in not-for-profit leadership. I’ve been exposed to and involved in a whole gamut of learning opportunities, including strategic planning, grant writing, financial reports (although these still baffle me at times!), leadership, committee work, planning for organizational resilience through and beyond COVID and much more. I have also benefited from meeting fantastic people on the board and through other Volunteer Victoria events.
Do you feel that your board is diverse and representative of the community that it serves?
Volunteer Victoria is committed to creating a diverse board. As a whole, the board and Volunteer Victoria staff team create a welcoming and safe space of equity and dignity, and this is evidenced in the respect shown at every meeting, educational session or event I have attended.
What actions have been taken to recruit diverse members?
As board member recruitment needs arise, a committee on the board activates, with the focus on recruiting people with different lived experience, culture, values, beliefs and skills to enhance the Volunteer Victoria team.
14 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 15 ON NOW UNTIL Jun 2, 2024 rbcm.ca/wildlife
©
Alex Mustard
OPENS APR 5
Social Services
1 Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre
250-385-1114 X3 singleparentvictoria.ca
9–10 Club Serving Soup to the Hungry Society
778-440-7687 thesoupkitchen.ca
Action Committee of People with Disabilities
250-383-4105 actioncommittee.ca
Anawim Companions Society 250-382-0283 anawimhouse.com
CFB Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre
250-363-2640 emfrc.com
CHOICES Adoption & Counselling
250-479-9811 choicesadoption.ca
Community Social Planning Council 250-383-6166 communitycouncil.ca
Esquimalt Volunteer Services 250-412-8511 esquimalt.ca
Family Caregivers Society of BC 250-384-0408 familycaregiversbc.ca
Foster Parent Support Services Society 778-430-5459 fpsss.com
Global Village Store – Victoria Global Village Society 250-388-5591 victoriaglobalvillage.ca
Gorge View Society 250-360-1977 gorgeviewsociety.ca
Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society gvdss.org
Greater Victoria Housing Society 250-384-3434 greatervichousing.org
Greater Victoria Women’s Shelter Society gvwss.org
Independent Living Housing Society of Greater Victoria 250-383-2524 ilhs.ca
Inter-Cultural Association 250-388-4728 icavictoria.org
16 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
Thank you to our hundreds of dedicated Sendial volunteers, who take and shop customer orders in our stores! Interested in joining our volunteer team? Contact Customer Care: 250-544-1234 | 1-866-948-0196 sendial@thriftyfoods.com | thriftyfoods.com/sendial Grocery Shopping & Delivery Service
John Howard Society of Victoria 250-386-3428 jhsvic.ca
Lifetime Networks Victoria 250-477-4112 lifetimenetworks.org
MADD Canada – Victoria Chapter 1-877-676-6233 madd.ca
Oak Bay Emergency Social Services 250-598-3311 oakbay.ca
Our Place 250-388-7112 ourplacesociety.com
Pacific Centre Family Services Association 1-866-478-8357 pcfsa.org
Children & Youth
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria 250-475-1117 X40 bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Boys and Girls Club Services of Greater Victoria
250-384-9133 bgcvic.org
CFAX Santas Anonymous Society 778-561-1070 cfaxsantas.com
Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
250-940-4950 islandkidsfirst.com
CHOICES Adoption & Counselling
250-479-9811 choicesadoption.ca
Parent Support Services Society of BC 604-669-1616 parentsupportbc.ca
Saanich Neighbourhood Place 250-360-1148 snplace.org
Sooke Shelter Society 250-858-7700 sookeshelter.org
Sooke Transition House Society 250-642-2591 sooketransitionhousesociety.com
SUPPLY Victoria 778-700-7233 supplyvictoria.ca
Vancouver Isl. Counselling Centre for Immigrants & Refugees 778-404-1777 viccir.org
Victoria Community Resources Society – Twin Oaks 250-658-4931 vcrs.ca
Victoria Cool Aid Society 250-595-8619 coolaid.org
Victoria Hospice 250-370-8715 victoriahospice.org
Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society 250-384-2069 rainbowkitchen.ca
Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative 250-480-4006 x204 womeninneed.ca
Victoria Women’s Transition House Society 250-592-2927 x229 vwth.bc.ca
Community Options for Children & Families
250-380-6363 cocf.ca
George Pringle Memorial Camp Society 250-743-2189 camppringle.ca
Girls Rock Camp Victoria Society grcvi.ca
Help Fill A Dream Foundation 250-382-3135 helpfilladream.com
Island Kids Cancer Association ikca.ca
KidSport Greater Victoria 250-380-1518 kidsportvictoria.ca
Nature Kids BC naturekidsbc.ca/find-a-club/vancouverisland/naturekids-victoria
Scouts Francophones De Victoria 604-936-3624 scoutsfranco.com
Support Soweto Junior School 250-598-0708 supportsowetojuniorschool.org
The Victoria Youth Clinic Society (Foundry) 250-383-3552 foundryvictoria.ca
Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association vicpa.org
Victoria General Hospital Auxiliary 250-294-4078 vgha.ca
Victoria Youth Empowerment Society
250-383-3514 vyes.ca
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 17
Encourage Your Kids to Be HIP!
My name is Brenda Clayton and I’m the survivor of a brain injury. I am a volunteer for the Victoria Brain Injury Society (VBIS). I volunteer as part of the Student Head Injury Neuro Education (SHINE) program at VBIS that aims to increase the awareness of the physical, emotional, social and spiritual consequences of brain injury. This presentation is offered for free to middle and high schools in the Greater Victoria area and communities south of the Malahat.
We need to encourage kids to take care of their heads, one of the most vital organs of the body. Think of your head as an egg. Your skull is only as thick as three pennies. The yoke is the
brain. Put it in a fitted helmet and toss it. The egg doesn’t break—a major injury or even death can be avoided.
However, a concussion (a mild traumatic brain injury) could still occur. The yolk, even if contained in a helmet, can become damaged in the shell. But how can we tell if the shell appears to be fine? That’s what makes concussions so easy to miss. We conducted anonymous polls through the SHINE program, and found that on average, seven in 10 kids have experienced a diagnosed or suspected concussion before graduating.
Concussions are brain injuries, and if people don’t recover properly from them, they can have long-term impacts.
During my recovery, one of my psychologists told me to think of my brain “as a battery that makes everything work.” Everything is controlled by your brain including your hearing, sight, smell, thoughts, feelings, movement and so on.
SHINE Facilitators share this with students:
“It’s important to note that you can receive a concussion without even hitting your head, so we need to be aware of the symptoms. Red flag symptoms include dizziness, changes in behaviour, nausea and vomiting, whiplash, vision disturbances and agitation. It can take two days for symptoms to show up; it is vital we seek out medical
18 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
attention if we notice these symptoms in a friend or ourselves.”
VBIS advocates for kids to wear head protection because HIP (Head Injury Protection) kids wear helmets! I challenge parents to ensure their kids are wearing a helmet when they are riding a bike, rollerblades, skateboard and during sports.
By Brenda Clayton & Jordan Parker of the Victoria Brain Injury Society Victoria Brain Injury Society supports, educates, advocates and provides housing assistance for brain injury survivors and their families. Learn more at vbis.ca.
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 19
Proven to reduce bullying and discrimination Is your school subscribed to WITS? witsprogram.ca
Animals
BC SPCA
250-478-9453 | spca.bc.ca
ElderDog Canada – Victoria Chapter 1-855-336-4226 | elderdog.ca
Pacific Animal Therapy Society
250-590-9082 | patspets.ca
Corporate
Better Business Bureau of Vancouver Island
250-386-6348 | vi.bbb.org
Coast Capital Savings
250-483-7000 | coastcapitalsavings.com
At Coast Capital, we’re not
dreaming about a better future, we’re building one. We’re a member-owned financial cooperative with an 80-year legacy of unlocking financial opportunities that positively impact
Indigenous
Indigenous Perspectives Society
250-391-0007
ipsociety.ca
people and communities. We believe that every Canadian deserves a financial partner who actually cares how things turn out.
Driven by our social purpose, we look at everything we do through the lens of how we can help our 600,000 members, our employees and our communities. A proud Certified B Corporation®, we’re part of a global movement building a more inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic system. We’re deeply committed to making our financial cooperative a great place to work, as demonstrated by some of our accolades, and have significantly
M’akola ILBC Housing Society
250-474-1524 X2 makola.bc.ca
R.A.V.E.N. Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs
250-383-2331
raventrust.com
invested in our communities over the past two decades.
Coast Capital is a platinum member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures and a BC Top Employer.
Downtown Victoria Business Association
250-386-2238 | downtownvictoria.ca
Vancity
250-519-7000 | vancity.com
Newcomers
Inter-Cultural Association
250-388-4728
icavictoria.org
Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants & Refugees
778-404-1777
viccir.org
Spiritual
Centre for Earth & Spirit Society
250-592-6400
centreforearthandspirit.ca
International Metaphysical Academy
250-472-0909
metaphysicalacademy.com
Environmental
Capital Region Food & Agricultural Initiatives Roundtable
250-896-7004
crfair.ca
Centre for Earth & Spirit Society
250-592-6400
centreforearthandspirit.ca
Friends of Bowker Creek Society friendsofbowkercreek@gmail.com bowkercreek.org
Garry Oak Meadows Preservation Society (GOMPS)
250-391-9480 garryoak.info
Greater Victoria Compost & Conservation Education Society 250-386-9676 compost.bc.ca
Greater Victoria Green Team 778-677-9078
greenteamscanada.ca
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
250-479-6162
hcp.ca
Land Trust Alliance of BC
250-590-1921
ltabc.ca
Nature Kids BC
naturekidsbc.ca/find-a-club/vancouverisland/naturekids-victoria
Oak & Orca Bioregional School
250-383-6609
orcapod.ca
Peninsula Streams Society
250-363-6480
peninsulastreams.ca
R.A.V.E.N. Respecting Aboriginal Values & Environmental Needs
250-383-2331
raventrust.com
Rocky Point Bird Observatory rpbo.org
Saanich Parks Pulling Together Program
250-475-5502
saanich.ca/volunteers
SeaChange Marine Conservation Society
250-652-1662
seachangesociety.com
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (New Marine Centre Society)
250-665-7511
salishseacentre.org
Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society naturetrailssociety.com
Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary 250-479-0211
swanlake.bc.ca
TLC The Land Conservancy 250-479-8053 conservancy.bc.ca
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 21
Repairing More than Broken Items
In a world where more and more things are seen as disposable, it is refreshing to experience an environment that promotes a circular economy.
The Repair Café North Saanich (RCNS) does just that by offering a space where skilled volunteers help mend broken items, giving them a new lease on life.
Getting Started
On an otherwise ordinary afternoon in 2020, two women met in a local café to discuss a topic dear to both of their hearts and that is how RCNS came to be.
Modeled after the original Café in Amsterdam, the neighbourhood Repair Café follows the simple principle of community members working together to help one another by repairing broken items and in doing so, keeping those items out of the landfill.
After recruiting a handful of volunteers with a wide range of skills, the first RCNS event was held in July 2020 at St. John’s United Church on West Saanich Road.
A Community Hub
Four successful years later, the Repair Café operates out of Deep Cove Elementary School and has a roster of more than 50 volunteers. Each event draws dozens and dozens of people during the three-hour session.
The “fixers,” as the volunteers are fondly called, bring an amazing variety of skills to their workstations while others with a more administrative bent, usher people and their items to the appropriate tables.
If you brought in a broken piece of costume jewelry, Kathryn was there to help. Geoff and Greg were there to tackle any project that involved electrical work and electronics.
Need a repair to a garment? Sherley was there. Bicycles, clocks, garden utensils or knives that need to be sharpened—the skills and equipment were on hand.
The success rate is impressive. Last year, 75 percent of the items brought in for repair went back out the door in working order.
By
Taking time to chat between jobs, all the volunteers shared their enthusiasm for Repair Café explaining how they enjoy the atmosphere and the work.
Good Growth
The power of like-minded, goodhearted people working together always generates positive energy and RCNS has grown beyond the regularly scheduled monthly sessions. This year, some of Camosun College’s marketing students will become involved by using their recently acquired knowledge to generate plans to increase the Cafe’s exposure. And members of Sidney/ North Saanich Library’s Teen Advisory Group are looking forward to the Café’s return visit in April during the week of Earth Day when they will be on hand to shadow the fixers and learn new skills.
and sustainable action to promote a circular economy. For more information, visit repaircafenorthsaanich.ca.
Showing Support
School District 63 is supporting RCNS by offering the space at Deep Cove Elementary, as well as staff to help out. Repair Café and school staff look forward to finding creative ways to foster local citizenship and involve the students in repairing, recycling and preserving the world’s limited resources.
Principal, Philip Jungen is excited about this partnership and sees it as a natural and positive extension of the school’s long history of ecological concern. This shared focus is evident in a Repair Café lunchtime club for the kids. Jungen explained that the partnership also complements the School District 63 plans by stressing the importance of students becoming globally-conscious critical thinkers.
By embracing repair culture and adopting mindful consumption habits, we contribute to a more sustainable future and we might even learn a little something along the way.
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 23
Susan McDonald. The North Saanich Café is one of over 2,200 Repair Cafés around the world that combine volunteerism, education, social inclusivity, “sharing economy” practices
Education
BC Aviation Museum
250-655-3300 bcam.net
BeaYOUtiful Foundation
778-918-3059
thebeayoutifulfoundation.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria 250-475-1117 x40 bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Bridges for Women Society
250-385-7410 bridgesforwomen.ca
Camosun College-Co-op Education & Career Services
250-370-3420
camosun.bc.ca
Diabetes Canada
778-622-4275 diabetes.ca
Girls Rock Camp Victoria Society grcvi.ca
Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy literacyalliance.ca
Greater Victoria Compost & Conservation Education Society 250-386-9676 compost.bc.ca
Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society gvdss.org
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific 250-479-6162 hcp.ca
Indigenous Perspectives Society 250-391-0007
ipsociety.ca
InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation
250-896-3236
innovativecommunities.org
International Metaphysical Academy
250-472-0909
metaphysicalacademy.com
James Bay Community School Society
250-389-1470
jamesbaycentre.ca
Learning Through Loss
250-413-3114
learningthroughloss.org
Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria mhsvictoria.org
MISSA International Summer School of the Arts
778-966-4772 missa.ca
Oak & Orca Bioregional School
250-383-6609 orcapod.ca
Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence Society
250-220-2587 pise.ca
Pacific Training Centre for the Blind
250-580-4910 pacifictrainingcentre.ca
Scouts Francophones De Victoria 604-936-3624 scoutsfranco.com
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea (New Marine Centre Society)
250-665-7511
salishseacentre.org
Support Soweto Junior School
250-598-0708
supportsowetojuniorschool.org
The Circle Salt Spring Education Society
250-537-1336 thecircleeducation.org
University of Victoria Graduate Students’ Society
250-472-4543 uvic.ca
University of Victoria Students Society
250-472-4317 uvss.ca
UVic Community Engaged Learning Department
250-472-5667 uvic.ca
Uvic Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health uvic.ca
Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association vicpa.org
Victoria Literacy Connection Society
250-385-0014
victorialiteracyconnection.ca
WITS Programs Foundation
250-386-7625 witsprogram.ca
Worklink Employment Society
250-478-9525
worklink.bc.ca
24 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
Arts & Culture
Alliance Française Victoria 250-686-4065 afvictoria.ca
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria 250-384-4171 x232 aggv.ca
Arts on View 250-388-9166 artsonview.ca
artsREACH
250-475-0354 artsreach.ca
Ballet Victoria 250-380-6063 balletvictoria.ca
CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
250-363-4312 forces.gc.ca
Civic Orchestra of Victoria 778-426-9048 civicorchestraofvictoria.org
Dance Victoria Society 250-595-1829 dancevictoria.com
Destination Greater Victoria (Tourism Victoria) 250-953-2022 tourismvictoria.com
Early Music Society of the Islands 250-882-5058 gov.bc.ca
Friends of Government House fghgs.ca
Friends of Music Society 250-592-5114 friendsofmusic.ca
Greater Victoria Festival Society 250-382-3111 gvfs.ca
Greater Victoria Folk Festival Society folktoria.ca
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival
250-386-9223 gvpaf.org
Intrepid Theatre Company Society
250-383-2663 intrepidtheatre.com
James Bay Market Society 250-381-5323 jamesbaymarket.com
La Societe Francophone De Victoria 250-388-7350 sfvictoria.ca
Langham Court Theatre 250-384-2142 langhamtheatre.ca
Maritime Museum of BC 250-385-4222 mmbc.bc.ca
MISSA International Summer School of the Arts 778-966-4772 missa.ca
Oak Bay Figure Skating Club oakbayfsc.ca
Open Space Arts Society 250-383-8833 openspace.ca
Pandora Arts Collective Society 250-920-7227 pandoraarts.ca
Royal BC Museum
250-387-7902 royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Sooke Region Historical Society 250-642-6351 sookeregionmuseum.com
Soroptimist International of Victoria, Westshore sivw.ca
Vancouver Island Dirt Riders Association vancouverislanddirtriders.com
Victoria BC Ska & Reggae Society victoriaskafest.ca
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society 604-688-2382 victoriadragonboatfestival.com
Victoria Film Festival 250-389-0444 victoriafilmfestival.com
Victoria Symphony 250-385-9771 victoriasymphony.ca
Victoria Target Theatre Society targettheatre.ca
West Shore Arts Council 250-478-2286 westshorearts.org
How Technology Can Help the Non-Profit Sector
Eli Colussi is a 23-year-old entrepreneur who is deeply passionate about the intersection of technology, volunteering and community service. We are SO excited to share his journey into volunteering and how he believes technology can help the non-profit sector.
Please tell us about your journey into volunteering and how it led you to start your AI business.
My journey into volunteering began in high school when my dad, George, asked if me and a couple friends wanted to be a part of the Oaklands Spirit Garden clean up. I begrudgingly
said yes, but to my surprise I left the clean up with some new friends, a sense of pride with what I helped accomplish and a sense of community. Without volunteers like me that day, the garden would be overgrown and sad. The direct impact of our collective efforts on the community ignited a desire in me to do more. This experience not only showed me the importance of giving back but also sparked the idea that technology could amplify our efforts.
This realization led me to start Proxy-ai, an AI automation agency focused on integrating software and AI solutions into businesses and nonprofits. Our aim is to streamline operations, enhance efficiency and ultimately enable these organizations to serve their communities more effectively. We believe that by harnessing the power of technology, we can unlock new possibilities for impact and service.
What other experiences have you had with volunteering?
Growing up, my family consistently demonstrated that working for a cause you believed in combined with improving your community was a surefire way to be satisfied in the workplace. My mom and dad were always doing stuff for the community—my mom helped with the BC Schizophrenia Society, and my dad worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Vancouver. Their good deeds and passion inspired me to volunteer too. I’ve participated in a plethora of different volunteering jobs, like walking for cystic fibrosis at Royal Roads University, painting fun murals at Fisherman’s Wharf and repacking soap at Soap for Hope to give to people who really need it. Each of these experiences taught me something new and showed me how many ways there are to help and make a difference. The foundation these volunteer opportunities gave me left me inspired to keep volunteering in new sectors.
One of my best memories is helping at Soap for Hope with Ann, who was in charge there. She was super funny and made the whole experience a blast. We were there for about three hours, but it flew by like it was just 20 minutes. Anne showed me that volunteering can be a lot of fun, almost like a mini vacation from daily life. It made me see that helping can make you and the people around you really happy. This is something cool I learned, and I think lots of people would enjoy volunteering just like I did if they gave it a try.
Do you think different sectors have different volunteer needs?
While it is true that the needs for volunteers can vary depending on the specific requirements for the job, at the end of the day different sectors require different types of volunteers. While all volunteers bring enthusiasm and a willingness to help, the specific skills and expertise needed can vary widely. I suppose as long as the person volunteering is comfortable, he or she could work in any sector. For example, a healthfocused nonprofit might benefit from volunteers with medical or public health backgrounds, whereas an educational initiative might seek volunteers skilled in teaching, public speaking or curriculum development. Understanding these nuances is key to effectively matching volunteers with opportunities where they can make the most impact.
What do you believe technology’s role in the non-profit sector is?
Technology has the power to transform how non-profits operate, offering tools to streamline administrative tasks, enhance data analysis and expand outreach efforts. Unlike for-profit companies, which often use technology to drive profitability, nonprofits can leverage technology to extend their services, reach underserved communities and achieve their mission more efficiently. From fundraising platforms
26 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
and social media to data analytics and AI, technology empowers nonprofits to do more with less, ensuring resources are directed where they’re needed most. I would recommend that all nonprofits start out with a good CRM (customer relationship management) platform from which they can store data, schedule their volunteers and keep tabs on everything happening from a birds-eye view. To be honest, there are designated platforms that have features specific to non-profits, which is great! But the benefits I have seen in designing a few custom solutions and then letting them run on autopilot far outweigh the pros that a lot of these volunteer specific software’s have.
In the spirit of community service and technological advancement, could you share some insights into the benefits that nonprofits might experience by partnering with an agency focused on AI and automation? Specifically, how can these technologies be employed in a meaningful way to enhance nonprofits’ ability to connect with people and further their mission?
Embracing AI and automation can significantly enhance how nonprofits serve their communities. Not only are a significant chunk of nonprofits slow to adopt new technology, but an even greater chunk is also not utilizing AI in any capacity. As time progresses there will be a scramble to get up to speed on AI, while the nonprofits that took a proactive approach will be miles ahead. Tech in any capacity, but
specifically AI and automation, offer an immense boost in efficiency, freeing up time and allowing members to focus on furthering the mission, vision and mandate of the organization. Tasks like volunteer queries, scheduling, managing and social media can all be automated. It is the compounding effects of automation that leave lasting results. Approaching technology partnerships with humility ensures solutions are aligned with the nonprofit’s objectives, deepening community connections and fostering a more effective future. These are just a few reasons as to why any agency that specializes in AI is wise to consult with.”
Do you have any advice for young people wanting to start volunteering?
My best advice is to start with your passions. What are you already good at? Do you play a sport? Do you love video games? Asking yourself these types of questions can help guide you to an organization that is related to something you like, and more times than not pave the way for you to have a really positive first impression of volunteering. Search for the issues that move you deeply and seek out organizations working in those areas. Don’t underestimate the value of contribution, regardless of size. Inversely, think of an area that you want to develop or are uncomfortable in. Going into a foreign environment can at times be more beneficial to your growth than being 100% comfortable in your volunteer placement. Literally just have fun and dip your feet in the water.
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 27
Amica Jubilee House
250-592-1200 amica.ca/jubilee-house
Abbeyfield House St. Peter’s Society 250-479-6140 abbeyfieldstpeters.org
Broadmead Care Society
250-658-0311 broadmeadcare.com
Cook Street Village Activity Centre
250-384-6542 csvac.ca
James Bay Care Centre
250-388-6457 reveraliving.com
Seniors Government
Aberdeen Hospital
250-370-5626 islandhealth.ca
Camosun College Co-op Education & Career Services 250-370-3420 camosun.bc.ca
CFB Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre 250-363-2640 emfrc.com
James Bay New Horizons Society
250-386-3035 jamesbaynewhorizons.ca
James Bay New Horizons provides opportunities for individuals to lead more meaningful, active, healthy and complete lives.
Kiwanis Pavilion
250-598-2022 obkp.org
Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society
250-721-1818 mdshs.net
Mount St. Mary Hospital
250-480-3100 x3201 mountstmary.ca
City of Victoria
250-361-0397 victoria.ca
CRD Parks
250-360-3329 crd.bc.ca
Emergency Management Victoria (AKA VictoriaReady)
250-920-3373 victoria.ca
Royal BC Museum
250-387-7902 royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Oak Bay Lodge, VIHA
250-370-6642 islandhealth.ca
Selkirk Seniors Village
250-940-1028 selkirkplace.ca
Seniors Serving Seniors Association of BC
250-413-3211 sssbc.org
Silver Threads – Saanich 250-382-3151 silverthreads.ca
The Glenshiel Housing Society 250-383-4164 theglenshiel.bc.ca
Saanich Emergency Program
250-475-7140 saanich.ca/prepare
Saanich Police Department, Block Watch
250-475-4321 x4365 saanichpolice.ca
Town of View Royal 250-479-6800 viewroyal.ca
Victoria Police Department 250-995-7654 vicpd.ca
Sports & Recreation
Bike Victoria Society
250-920-5775 biketowork.ca
Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame gvshof.ca
KidSport Greater Victoria 250-380-1518
kidsportvictoria.ca
Monterey Recreation Centre 250-370-7300 oakbay.ca
Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence Society
250-220-2587 pise.ca
Power to Be Adventure Therapy Society
250-385-2363 powertobe.ca
Royal Victoria Marathon runvictoriamarathon.com
Saanich Recreation & Community Services
250-475-5502
saanich.ca/volunteers
South Island
Mountain Bike Society simbs.com
Special Olympics BC – Victoria 604-737-3078
specialolympics.ca/british-columbia
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society
604-688-2382
victoriadragonboatfestival.com
YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island
250-386-7511
vancouverislandy.ca
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 29
esquimalt.ca/volunteer ARCHIVES • PARKS • EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS • RECREATION • COUNCIL ADVISORY • YOUTH • EVENTS...AND MORE! We appreciate the contributions of the dedicated volunteers in our community. JOIN US! We our volunteers!
Portrait of a Youth Volunteer
Youth volunteer, Turquoise Chiang, is a powerhouse in our community and is hoping other youth follow in her helpful footsteps. Here is her fascinating story: Please let us know a bit about yourself—age, school and what you like to do.
I am 17 years old and in grade 12 at Esquimalt High school. I really enjoy reading: some of my favourite authors are Donna Tartt, Mona Awad and J.D. Salinger. I love to paint and draw, as well as go on walks and hikes throughout the island.
How did you get started with volunteering? How old were you?
Because of the pandemic, I didn’t get involved with volunteering as early as I would have liked. Nonetheless, the first time I volunteered was when I was 14 years old. It was a super positive experience at Vic West Community Centre. They were holding a holiday event that I heard about through my school,
so some friends and I decided to sign up. It was very relaxed, we set up decorations, played with little kids and handed out hot chocolate.
Do you volunteer with friends? family?
Yes! Throughout my life, my dad has always volunteered so much of his time to coach both mine and my sister’s sports teams. When I was in grade 10, I helped him as an assistant coach for Lansdowne Middle School’s girls volleyball team. It was really neat because I was able to help younger kids build foundational skills for the game as well as develop a strong sense of sportsmanship.
Please list the places you have volunteered with and are currently with.
I have volunteered at Capital City Comic Con, Vic West Community Centre and Lansdowne Middle School. I am currently volunteering weekly with the City of Victoria Youth Council.
Do you have an awesome or unique experience while volunteering that you can share?
Recently with The City of Victoria Youth Council, we fundraised for and participated in the Coldest Night of the Year walk which is self-described as “a winterrific family-friendly 2 or 5 km fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger and homelessness.” It was a wonderful experience, we listened to some excellent stories and speeches, warmed up with some upbeat music and went on a really beautiful walk throughout the city. It was impactful seeing how many people participated and came together for the more vulnerable members of our community.
What do you think is the best way to get other youth involved with volunteering?
I think more organizations need to cater to youth if that is the demographic they are hoping to attract. There are so many of my peers who simply do not know about all the volunteering opportunities out there. Promoting in meaningful ways as well as sincerely valuing our time goes a long way.
What do you like to see (training, leadership, management, etc) when you start volunteering at a new place?
When volunteering at a new place, it can feel daunting. It is really important for the people in management to be friendly and approachable. It is also critical to have regimented training and resources you can rely on to gain the knowledge and experience to be effective.
What is your favourite part about volunteering?
My favourite part of volunteering is all the amazing connections you form. I have met so many new people, made so many friends and been exposed to so many things I otherwise would not have been if it wasn’t for my volunteer work. That is one of the reasons I encourage everyone to get involved in volunteering; it opens up your whole world.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences, or any further advice regarding volunteering?
I encourage anyone with the ability to volunteer to get involved. There are so many different opportunities that there really is something for everyone. Volunteering is extremely important for thriving communities and it is so rewarding!
30 Volunteer Matters Spring 2024
Volunteer Matters Spring 2024 31
Welcoming Boards
Have you ever thought about volunteering as a board member in community? Want to learn more about your volunteering options?
Volunteer Victoria's Welcoming Boards Program helps first time board members and experienced board members looking to learn new governance skills. We also help boards who are looking to create more welcoming spaces for new board members from diversity and equity seeking groups. We offer governance workshops, volunteer advising and support for people looking to make a difference in community. All of our services are offered free of charge.
Welcoming Boards is an inclusive space for people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, a person with a disability or members of equity seeking groups.
Our thanks to the Victoria Foundation for providing a grant to help build more inclusive and welcoming boards.
volunteervictoria.bc.ca
Learn more at 250.386.2269 or at volvic@volunteervictoria.bc.ca