Volunteering

Whether you enjoy working with children, youth, adults or seniors, at cultural facilities, festivals and special events, or contributing as a member of a council-appointed group, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.

Volunteering allows you to contribute to your community and helps you establish a personal and professional network. You can also meet new friends, practice your English and develop leadership skills that can be transferable to a career.

Join us for a Volunteer Orientation

Prior to becoming a volunteer, all candidates must complete a volunteer orientation.

View upcoming volunteer orientations below.

Get Started Today!

How to Become a Volunteer

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Please follow the steps below.

- Minimum 14 years of age
- Proof of valid BC Medical, BC Care Card, or BC Services Card with a Personal Health Number
- Good understanding of spoken and written English
- Eligible to volunteer in Canada
- Commit to a minimum of 50 hours or one term (3–4 months)
- Complete a volunteer orientation and further training as needed
Register for a volunteer orientation by calling 604-925-7270, online at activewestvanrec.ca, or at any of the front desks at our West Vancouver Community Centre, Gleneagles Community Centre or the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. Registration is $20 (free for Seniors' Activity Centre members).

Police Information Checks (PIC) will be required for adult volunteers (19y+). PIC request letters will be distributed at the volunteer orientation. Do not apply for a PIC prior to the orientation.

Bring your ID! For all age groups, proof of identity and a BC Services Card with your Personal Health Number will be checked at the volunteer orientation.
The District uses MyImpactPage.com to manage volunteers and all volunteer opportunities.

All volunteers will create their volunteer profile on MyImpactPage.com at the volunteer orientation.

Use the volunteer portal to explore and sign up for volunteer opportunities, enter your hours, print reports, edit your profile and more.

District staff are available to help volunteers navigate the portal and find the role that's best for them.

There are multiple volunteer areas available within the Parks, Culture, and Community Services department including the West Vancouver Memorial Library, Ferry Building Gallery, Seniors’ Activity Centre, West Vancouver or Gleneagles Community Centre, the West Vancouver Art Museum, or special events.

For further information, please contact the Volunteer Services team at [email protected].

Start volunteering and have fun!

Featured Volunteer Opportunities

We are pleased to highlight the following roles for Fall 2024. For more information and additional opportunities, please visit the volunteer portal after completing your volunteer orientation.

We offer a variety of roles to support the operations of our Seniors' Activity Centre cafeteria, including:

Busser
Monday to Sunday, either 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 12 to 2 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, 4:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Following the direction of the kitchen staff, volunteers will engage in general bussing duties such as scraping plates, cleaning tables, and restocking the cafeteria. Volunteers also greet and assist patrons as needed.

Dishwasher Assistant
Monday to Sunday, 12 to 2 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Our Dishwasher Assistant volunteers load and unload the dishwasher, put away clean dishes after they have been washed, and aid in the general cleaning of the cafeteria. This role is essential as it aids in the cleanliness, organization, and overall functioning of the kitchen.

Food Packer
Monday to Saturday, shift times vary.
Food Packers will work alongside the chefs to package a variety of fresh foods for take out and the Feed the Need meal security program. Volunteers will set up and clean their stations, pack food and soup into individual containers, and then add labels.

Sandwich and Salad Maker
Monday to Saturday, 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Our Sandwich & Salad Maker volunteers are essential to providing seniors with sandwich and salad options that day. Volunteers will follow FoodSafe guidelines and directions from the chefs.

Server
Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday, 4:45 to 7:15 p.m.
Volunteers serve hot food and soup to patrons during our lunch and dinner services, talk with and answer questions of patrons, and FoodSafe guidelines are being met at all times.

Accessibility

The District strives to provide equal opportunities for everyone to contribute their time and talents as volunteers. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences to join our vibrant volunteer community.

We understand that everyone's needs may vary, and we are committed to accommodating specific requirements to ensure that volunteering is accessible to all. If you have any specific needs or accommodations that would enable you to volunteer effectively, please reach out to our dedicated Volunteer Services team directly at [email protected]. They will be more than happy to discuss your needs confidentially and work together to find suitable opportunities.

You do not need to be a West Vancouver resident to volunteer for most opportunities (although you do for some committees and working groups). Most volunteer positions have a minimum age requirement of 14 years. Some volunteer placements require a Police Information Check (PIC).