Volunteers are Our Foundation
At Beacon, we embrace the transformative power of giving back. Explore diverse volunteer opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community, whether supporting vulnerable populations, contributing to local events or sharing your unique skills.
Get Started
Our volunteer opportunities are not limited to those listed below. If you have a great idea or a skill you would like to share, please contact us!
Become a Volunteer
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1. Apply
You can apply online or pick up an application at the SHOAL Centre at 10030 Resthaven Dr. in Sidney. -
2. Interview
Next, you’ll have an interview with the Manager of Volunteer Engagement. -
3. Get a Criminal Record Check
We will send you a link with a code to complete this online. -
4. Orientation
As soon as you are able, general orientation happens with the volunteer manager, and role-based training happens with our staff member directly overseeing your involvement. -
5. Part of the Team
You’ll be scheduled for your first shift!
Youth Engagement Program
The Youth Engagement Program (YEP) provides youth ages 13–18 in School District 63 with volunteer and work experience opportunities. YEP partners with a number of diverse community groups to provide youth volunteers for community events and programs—many involving an intergenerational component, such as volunteering at SHOAL Centre events.
Program Benefits
- Opportunity for life experience and skill building
- Promotes accessibility and inclusiveness
- Available to youth of all abilities
- Receive mentorship and support
- Free to participate
Ways to Volunteer
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Advocacy Services
Calm, knowledgeable volunteers help members of our community research and navigate challenging situations. Assistance may include help with filling out forms to access government or community services, suggesting ways to reduce financial debt or linking people to other agencies or supports that are appropriate to their particular situation.
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Assisted Living & Dementia Care
Friendly, caring volunteers brighten up Beacon’s Assisted Living and Long-Term Care homes by sharing their musical talents, helping residents with crafts or other activities, playing games, assisting with pet therapy, taking a short walk and a variety of other activities.
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Family & Friends Caregiver Support Program
Lend a helping hand to those who care for a loved one—family caregivers are a vital part of the health care team and their health is just as important as that of the person they’re looking after! Over 60% of people who care for a family member or friend don’t recognize themselves as caregivers and miss out on valuable support and connection with others in similar circumstances. If you’re a friendly, caring person consider joining this program and making a world of difference.
We equip you with training and information to help prepare you for this important role and connect you with resources like Family Caregivers of BC. Events happen monthly and are approximately two hours.
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Computer Lab Support
Help seniors navigate the digital landscape and assist them with using their laptop, tablet or other computer devices.
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Medical Drives
Access to healthcare is a team effort. Support the “age in place” advantage by driving seniors to medical appointments. Meet your neighbours and get to know your community while fostering independence and improving quality of life. Trips are tailored to your schedule and mileage is reimbursed at the current government rate.
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Drive Desk Intake & Scheduling
Pairing a volunteer driver with a patient and enabling them to get to their medical appointment provides a crucial link in the chain of compassionate care. This scheduling role requires good organization skills, a pleasant phone personality and some basic computer skills.
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Gardeners & Handy People
Share outdoor maintenance skills to help complete light gardening tasks such as mowing and weeding or small home repairs for those who can’t afford professional services. Clients cover the cost of supplies, but the labour is free.
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Income Tax Preparation
Volunteers are trained through the Canada Revenue Agency’s volunteer tax program to prepare simple tax returns for those on a limited income, helping people access benefits and rebates. Among many other benefits, this service often results in people in need being able to access financial assistance they might otherwise miss out on. Tax intakes are completed from March to May each year.
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Reassurance Phone Calls
Volunteers offer a friendly voice at the end of the line. This service provides members of the community with regular contact and a valuable check-in on their safety.
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Reception/Information & Referral Services
Friendly, organized volunteers staff the SHOAL Centre reception desk and serve as an information hub to answer public queries over the phone and in person. SHOAL offers an extensive collection of written material, complementing the volunteers’ personal knowledge base. This ensures that community members have access to accurate information on a wide range of topics and community resources.
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Saanich Peninsula Restorative Justice
Train in restorative justice principles and practices to facilitate formal meetings between victims and offenders who could be charged with minor Criminal Code offences. The meetings aim to repair harm caused to the victim and/or community, provide restitution to the person harmed and restore relationships. The program operates under the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General. Visit their website for more information.
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Senior Peer 1 to 1 Support
This is an opportunity to help older adults with transitions and challenging situations, reducing isolation and vulnerability in the community. The Senior Peer 1 to 1 Support Program is a free, confidential service for seniors 55+ who are experiencing loneliness and isolation, housing transitions and relocation, a need to connect to community, health related challenges and aging concerns. A one-year commitment is required upon completion of a 12-week training program.
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SHOAL Centre Support Team
The SHOAL Centre is a lively, engaging place that greatly relies on friendly volunteers to help promote active living. Volunteers share their time and talents running the tuck shop, staffing the reception desk, supporting activities offered to Assisted Living residents, helping at events—and more! Give us a call to find out how we can put your helping hands to work at this special venue.
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Thrift Shops
If you love bargain hunting, are a garage sale connoisseur or just love to meet people in the community, you can help Beacon raise the funds that make our programs possible. Volunteer positions are dedicated to serving customers, sorting and pricing items, running cash registers, setting up displays and doing the many other tasks needed to keep a busy retail environment in tip-top shape.
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Volunteer Visitors
A friendly visitor can be life-changing for seniors who are isolated. Sharing a hobby, going for a walk, playing a board game, reading or enjoying conversation—your visits can make a world of difference. Volunteers regularly visit a senior in their home and may occasionally join on an outing.
