Have you ever helped a friend move to a new home? Brought food to a sick family member? Given directions to a lost stranger? Helped to clean up after a social function? If so, then you have volunteered. To volunteer is simply to give your time and services without accepting payment.
Many Canadians also volunteer in a more formal manner, often for charitable organizations. Volunteers are found in every sector of Canadian life. Have you seen children playing team sports? Chances are the coaches are volunteers. Have you attended a festival or theatrical event? A volunteer might have greeted you and taken your ticket. Have you visited a hospital? Volunteers do many jobs in the hospital such as working in the gift shop, reading stories and taking magazines around to patients.
People volunteer for many reasons. They might like to be active and involved in the community. They may like to meet people through volunteering. Sometimes volunteers work at cultural festivals so that they can attend events for free. Students volunteer to gain work experience and learn about jobs they are interested in. Sometimes people volunteer because they really believe in a cause or want to give back to their community. For example, a person who has lost a sister or a mother to breast cancer, may want to volunteer at a dinner to raise money for cancer research.
For newcomers to Canada, volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, practise English and gain Canadian work experience.
There are many volunteer opportunities in Vancouver. If you are interested in volunteering, think about what you are really looking for.
Where do you want to volunteer (what area of Greater Vancouver)?
What skills do you have?
What type of people would you like to work with (such as children, seniors or youth)?
What experience would you like to gain?
How much time can you give?
Do you want to volunteer for a short term only (one or two days…) or long term (three months or more)?
There is a very good Website called www.govolunteer.ca. It lists hundreds of volunteer opportunities across Greater Vancouver. You can search by areas of interest, location, type of activity, type of organization, and more.
Each listing has information about volunteer activities, the skills required and contact information. Generally, organizations will ask you to complete an application form, come in for an interview and attend some training. Most volunteers will receive a letter of reference after three months. Be sure to ask about references in your interview, especially if you hope to use your volunteer experience on a résumé.
