You can make a difference
Volunteers are an integral part of our circle of care, supporting programs and services to ensure patients and families receive quality end-of-life care and support. It takes a special person with strong skills and abilities to become a hospice volunteer, and we’re lucky to have such a dedicated team.
Our volunteers work with patients and families, and staff, across departments. Volunteers can be found on the inpatient unit, in our community program, and with our bereavement program. Volunteers are also active at fundraising events, our Rooftop Garden, and office administration. Volunteers share their skills in patient care, companionship, complementary therapies (e.g. reiki, healing touch), administration, and more.
Any questions? Please use our contact form.
VOLUNTEER spotlight
Magee Miller
Magee volunteered with Victoria Hospice for several years and shares her story on why she got involved, what Hospice means to her, and what volunteering taught her.
Where to start
To maintain the high quality of our volunteer program, we place a great deal of care and attention on volunteer intake, training, and ongoing support. In fact, our direct service volunteers are required to complete a comprehensive 36-hour training course.
Quarterly information sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the screening, application, and training process. The next info session will be in March 2023. If you are interested in attending or learning more, please use our contact form to receive more details.
All volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and follow all PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements. We also strongly recommend the annual flu vaccine.
Opportunities
Recruitment of volunteers fluctuates throughout the year and is dependent on the greatest need and capacity for growth of any given program or service. Learn more at our quarterly info sessions or reach out via our contact form.
Victoria Hospice relies upon many dedicated volunteers sharing their time and diverse skills in the following areas:
Direct Service Volunteer Roles
- Inpatient Unit Support Volunteers
Caring and compassionate individuals enhance the quality of care to patients and their families on our 18-bed unit at Richmond Pavilion. Screening and training required.
- Community Support Volunteers
Caring and compassionate individuals visit patients’ homes to give support to patients and their families. Advanced screening and training required.
- Bereavement Volunteers
Effective listeners aid recently bereaved clients through scheduled telephone and in-person contacts as well as support groups. Advanced screening and training required. We are not currently recruiting for this role.
- Complementary Therapy
Skilled individuals certified in therapeutic touch, Reiki, and other healing modalities share their talents with patients, families and hospice staff on the unit and in the community. Advanced screening and training required.
- Life Stories
Trained volunteers interview hospice patients and record their memories and special thoughts. Advanced screening and training required. We are not currently recruiting for this role.
- Bedside Singers
Volunteer Bedside Singers provide comfort, singing a cappella in teams of two for patients, their families, and loved ones.
Organizational Support Volunteer Roles
- Office Admin
An opportunity to support various departments with administrative tasks such as phone calls, photocopying, data entry, mailing, library maintenance, and/or other office services.
- Special Events
Our annual awareness-raising and fundraising events such as Celebrate-a-Life, Hike for Hospice, Cycle of Life Tour, and Teeny Tiny Garden Tour are driven by energetic and enthusiastic volunteers. It’s a team effort!
- Gardeners
Skilled gardeners maintain our beautiful rooftop garden on the 4th floor of Richmond Pavilion, provide a tranquil oasis for patients, families and friends.
- Music on the Unit
Musicians (guitar, harp, violin) play gentle ‘background’ music, late afternoon, in our family lounge.