Volunteer With Us

We will work with you to find a role that fits your schedule, preferences, and goals. While some roles require a longer time commitment, we also need help with seasonal programs and one-time events. You can volunteer much or as little as you like. We also welcome both individual and group or corporate volunteers.

In a 2018 survey, 94% of our volunteers said they were extremely or very likely to continue volunteering with Family Services of the North Shore. Our volunteers feel that their work is very impactful in the community, and we couldn’t agree more.

Would you like to join a committed group of people who ensure that our North Shore community takes care of its most vulnerable? Volunteer for the Christmas Bureau and help to ensure that everyone can celebrate the holiday season.

Volunteering with the Christmas Bureau is flexible and fun. No job is too big or too small – and you’ll have a direct impact on your community. You’ll also make new friends, feel the spirit of the holidays, and give back to the community you love. Program runs September through January.

We welcome volunteers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to:

Sort and organize toys
Help with office duties and answering the phones
Set up and dismantle the Toy Shop
Help parents with gift selection
Organize and distribute gift baskets
Reception and admin support
Toy Drive event set up
And more…

If you or your family would like to receive support from the Christmas Bureau, you can learn more here.

If you would like to donate to the Christmas Bureau, learn more here

We believe healthy families make communities thrive. If you would like to support local parents and caregivers of children aged 0-6 years, we would love to welcome you as a Thrive volunteer.

In 2018, over 2,800 children aged 0-6 years and their caregivers visited Thrive 26,000 times. That’s a lot of play sessions, snacks, and meaningful connections – for parents of all backgrounds and income levels.

We always need volunteers for our Thrive Family Centres at Maplewood, Lonsdale Quay Market, and the West Vancouver Community Centre. We also have Thrive programming in several community spaces, including the North Vancouver City Library and the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

Please contact us to learn more about volunteering with Thrive. Volunteer roles include food prep and support, toy washing, yard maintenance, program support and more. Program runs September through June.

If you’re seeking a meaningful, one-to-one volunteer opportunity in your community, the Companioning Community Care program provides on-site and in-home support for individuals affected by life-limiting illness, cancer treatment, grief, or disability. It’s an important opportunity to help caregivers and your North Shore neighbours who are experiencing serious life challenges.

As a volunteer, you’ll receive extensive training in communication, personal boundaries, palliative care, death and dying, spiritual and self-care, grief and loss, and other topics.

Volunteer roles include one-to-one companionship and support, grief support, relaxation circle, reception and admin support and more. Program runs throughout the year.

If you’re a North Shore student starting grade 10, 11 or 12 in the upcoming school year, we encourage you to volunteer for the Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB). You’ll learn about mental health issues – including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bullying, and LGBTQ2S+ issues – from our experienced counsellors. You’ll also earn over 60 community service hours and meet other local youth, while making a real difference in your community.

YouthLAB members advocate for the needs of at-risk local youth and give presentations to their high school peers. It’s a great way to develop your leadership, communication, and public speaking skills. You’ll also help us to refine our youth outreach plans.

YouthLAB members meet two evenings each month, starting in September. Each meeting is two hours and includes snacks. If you’re ready to get involved and you can commit about five hours each month, please get in touch. We would love to meet you.

Youth volunteer roles include hosting presentations, supporting campaigns, participating in Agency events and more. Program runs September through June.

Eating disorders can be devastating for both individuals and families. Jessie’s Legacy, a province-wide program of Family Services of the North Shore, provides education, resources, and inspiration to prevent and address disordered eating.

As a volunteer with Jessie’s Legacy, you’ll join a movement dedicated to promoting a healthy body image and a resilient sense of self. You’ll work with local youth, educators, and like-minded people who are spreading a critical message of mental health and wholeness.

Volunteer roles include support with community outreach, presentations, and the annual PEDAW campaign. Program runs October through February.

Through Allies in Aging, we work with our partners to reduce isolation due to disability, low income, language, or cultural barriers among seniors age 75+. At Family Services of the North Shore, we offer volunteer training events and resources to deepen our capacity to serve vulnerable seniors in our community. We always welcome volunteers for this Lower Mainland program, so please get in touch to learn more.

Community events are a great way to facilitate strong, caring connections between people in our community. We are dedicated to promoting inclusion, understanding, and cooperation. Volunteers are ambassadors of Family Services of the North Shore and partners in caring – a unified force working to change lives in our community.

Events include:

Pride at the Pier – July
Vancouver Pride Festival – August
STEM – Imagine the Possibilities – August
Thrive Block Party – September
PROUD2BE conference – October
Christmas Bureau Kick off – October
Toy Drive at the Northshore Auto Mall – late November

Volunteer opportunities include: event ambassadors, event set-up, social media support, registration, and more.

Fundraising events do more than raise money to run our programs and services; they facilitate strong and caring connections across the community. Led by dedicated volunteer committees, these events support critical Agency work and enhance our ability to listen and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable people we serve.

Events include:

The Art of Caring – October
Christmas at The Beach House – November
Winter Family Ball –December
Beer by the Pier – June

Volunteer opportunities include: event set-up, registration, silent auction support, social media support, and more.

Our volunteer Board members are active participants at Family Services of the North Shore. Our Agency Board of Directors act in a position of trust for the community and are responsible for the effective governance of the Agency. If you’d like to learn more about our Foundation and Agency boards, please contact us directly.

The Agency Board consists of the following positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Directors.