Volunteer with Us

Volunteers are the heart of Oak Bay Volunteer Services. Our volunteers are dedicated members of the community who enjoy giving back in a variety of ways, making lasting impacts in the lives of our clients. We are always looking for talented, compassionate individuals to join our team and pride ourselves in creating an enriching experience for all who volunteer with us.

To learn more and apply to be a volunteer, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (250) 595-1034 or volunteer@oakbayvolunteers.org.

 

Driver

Drives

We offer transportation assistance for clients who require drives to medical appointments, recreational activities, to run errands and to shop for essentials. Drives are provided from a client's home to a location in the community and back to ensure each client makes it safely to and from their destination. Vehicles can often accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Requires: An insured vehicle with a minimum $3 million third-party liability insurance (recommended) and the submission of a BC Driver’s Abstract

Destination Walk Service

Destination Walks

Our clients can request a volunteer to walk with them to and from a nearby destination for a medical appointment, recreation class, shopping trip, or errand. This is a great opportunity to encourage active living and help our clients get out in the community.

Visits Services Oak Bay Volunteer Services

Visits

Volunteer visitors provide regular visits at a client’s home. Whether chatting over tea or playing a friendly game of cards, clients have the opportunity to connect with a caring volunteer for companionship. 

Care caller

Social Phone Calls

Social calls between a client and a volunteer offer the opportunity to connect from the comfort of a client's home. Clients are paired with a volunteer for weekly, ongoing connection.

Walk or Wheelchair Push

Walks in Community

A social walk, or wheelchair push, with a volunteer promotes active aging and a connection to community. Walks are a weekly, ongoing service to help build a rapport between client and volunteer.

Care caller

Reassurance Phone Calls

Phone volunteers provide scheduled check phone calls that ensure the health and safety of a client who lives alone. Phone calls follow an emergency protocol to ensure the well-being of a client is maintained and should an emergency arise, a plan is in place to help that individual get the care he or she needs.

Requires: Access to a telephone and service that will not incur overage charge

oak bay volunteer services help with reading and writing tasks

Document Assistance

Volunteers provide writing support by filling out forms and other documents.

Cultural Companion Service

Cultural Companion

Our clients can call in to be matched with a volunteer to enjoy a performance or visit a local gallery or museum. Volunteers are a roster and can accept assignments based on availability and interest in the event.

Requires: An insured vehicle with a minimum $3 million third-party liability insurance (recommended) and the submission of a BC Driver’s Abstract

office helpline

Office Helpline

Helpline volunteers are the first point of contact for the organization. Volunteers provide phone assistance to clients looking to access services, and provide information and referrals to the public. This role is hosted in our office where Helpline volunteers become an integral part of the operations of OBVS.

Income Tax Program

Income Tax Program

We participate in CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and process tax returns for clients who have a financial status within the lowest tax bracket. Volunteers prepare and file tax returns on behalf of clients, assisting to insure all slips and information are accurately submitted.

Requires: A computer with Windows OS, internet access and a printer

Minor Repair Services Oak Bay Volunteer Services

Minor Home Repairs

Volunteers provide minor home repairs to address simple household issues should a client not have the financial means for a paid handyperson. Repairs can include small carpentry, electrical, plumbing and painting jobs.

Requires: A basic knowledge of home repair and the necessary tools to complete a job

Technology Support

Technology Support

Computer support volunteers help clients learn how to use a device or assist with installing software. This service is for minor technology support for those who need assurance and guidance with using and maintaining technology.

Requires: General computer knowledge and competencies

More Than Meals

More Than Meals Program

Delivering fresh, healthy meals can make such a difference in the life of a senior. OBVS is proud to be the Oak Bay agency for the More Than Meals Program - a meal delivery program providing weekly meals to seniors throughout Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. Clients receive three fresh, nutritious meals delivered by one of our caring volunteers. Participation is on a sliding scale based on personal income, with low income participants receiving meals at no cost.

Requires: Access to a vehicle

Packing and Sorting Service

Packing and Sorting

Volunteers can assist clients with a minor organizing job, such as packing a box of donations to take to a thrift store or helping organize a closet.

Requires: Access to a vehicle

Gardening

Gardening

Volunteers with green thumbs provide one-time or short term jobs to help maintain a client’s garden and grass should the individual not have financial means for a paid gardener. Services include weeding, pruning and mowing.

Requires: A basic knowledge of gardening