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.
The Inpatient Unit volunteer program is at capacity for new applications, but may reopen in the latter part of 2024. We are currently accepting expressions of interest for administrative and event volunteers.
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.
Questions? Please use our contact form and select “volunteering”.
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. 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. The Inpatient Unit volunteer program is currently at capacity for new applications, but may reopen in the latter part of 2024.
- Community Support Volunteers
Caring and compassionate individuals visit patients’ homes to give support to patients and their families. We are not currently recruiting for this role..
- 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. We are not currently recruiting for this role.
- 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. We are not currently recruiting for this role.
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. We are not currently recruiting for this role.
- Music on the Unit
Musicians (guitar, harp, violin) play gentle ‘background’ music, late afternoon, in our family lounge.