Change a child’s life
Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do. They bring life experience, time, and ideas to roles that shape our work and make a difference in the lives of Island kids.
Volunteering with Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is more than lending a hand — it’s being part of a community that shows up with care and compassion for children and their families.
Whether you’re tending the gardens at our Homes Away From Home, helping behind the scenes, or supporting at events, your contribution helps Island families when they need it most.
Ways to volunteer
Individual opportunities
Check the opportunities below and apply. If you’re interested in joining our volunteer community and would like to be contacted about future opportunities, please submit a general application and join our volunteer pool.
Groups
If you are a corporate group, school group, local business, or friend group and are interested in volunteering with the Foundation, please contact volunteer@islandkidsfirst.com to learn more.
If your group is ready to apply, the leader can complete the group’s online application form.
Volunteers under the age of 19
If you are interested in volunteering and are under 19, please complete the online application form and have a parent or guardian complete the consent form.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a group of committed volunteers who provide governance and guidance to the Foundation. The Board meets every two months, and each Director is accountable for serving on one or two committees.
The Board seeks to represent our ethnic and Indigenous communities and ensure we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We are looking for individuals who can represent children with complex health care needs. Additionally, we are looking for individuals across Vancouver Island who have experience, relationships, and networks to support our work in projects and fundraising, as well as health care experience, legal expertise, or institutional investment expertise.
Please submit your resume or letter of interest outlining your background to Holly Cade at holly.cade@islandkidsfirst.com.
Current opportunities
Smile Cookie week ‘Voluncheers’
Greet customers at Tim Horton’s drive-thru with a warm smile and positive energy. Wave Smile Cookie signs to promote the campaign. Engage in conversations with customers about the Tim Horton’s Foundation and the Smile Cookie campaign. Educate customers on how their purchase supports the Foundation.
Location: Restaurants in Greater Victoria
Dates: April 27 – May 1
Shifts:
| Date | Time | Tim Horton’s Location |
| Monday April 27 | 11 am – 1 pm | 845 Goldstream Ave. |
| Monday April 27 | 2 pm – 5 pm | 2945 Jacklin Rd. |
| Tuesday April 28 | 11 am – 1 pm | 3501 Ravine Way |
| Tuesday April 28 | 2 pm – 4 pm | 150-31 Helmcken Rd. |
| Weds April 29 | 11 am – 1 pm | 3990 Shelbourne St. |
| Weds April 29 | 2 pm – 4 pm | TBC |
| Thurs April 30 | 11 am – 4 pm | 2950 Douglas St. |
| Friday May 1 | 11 am – 1 pm | 1644 Hillside Ave. |
Outdoor spring upkeep at Jeneece Place
Help with outdoor work: light gardening and maintenance, watering plants, tidying outdoor patio areas, and general upkeep.
Location: Jeneece Place – 201 Hospital Way, Victoria
Dates: Fridays: May 22 | June 19
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
Outdoor spring upkeep at Q̓ʷalayu House
Help with outdoor work: light gardening and maintenance, watering plants, tidying outdoor patio areas, and general upkeep.
Location: Q̓ʷalayu House – 565 2 Ave, Campbell River
Dates: Sundays: May 17 | June 14 | July 12 | August 9
Time: 2 pm – 4 pm
Event support at Q̓ʷalayu House open house
We are looking for volunteers to help with tent setup and take-down, greet and welcome guests, chat with them before or after their tour, direct traffic, and provide parking directions.
Location: Q̓ʷalayu House – 565 2 Ave, Campbell River
Dates: Wednesday, May 13
Time: 2 pm – 5:30 pm or 5:30 pm – 8 pm (or full day shift available as well)
Event support at Spring Garden Legacy Luncheon
Help with setting up tables, chairs, utensils, event teardown, and supporting during the event with guest needs.
Location: Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, 2400 Arbutus Rd, Victoria
Date: Thursday, June 11
Time: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
How to get started
Once your application is approved, you can sign up for volunteer opportunities in your region.
You’ll also receive notifications when new opportunities become available.
Review the volunteer manual and the resources in your account.
If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@islandkidsfirst.com.
If you’re applying as a group or are under 19, please use the appropriate application links listed here.
What our volunteers say
I enjoyed working independently in the garden and seeing the results of my effort. It was peaceful and meaningful, and I felt happy to support Q̓ʷalayu House.
The most rewarding part of the day was seeing that our efforts made a difference.
FAQ
What types of volunteer roles do you offer?
Most of our volunteer opportunities involve supporting community events across Vancouver Island, assisting in our office in Colwood, or helping at our Homes Away From Home in Victoria and Campbell River — such as gardening or light cleaning. While our work supports children and families, most volunteer roles do not involve direct interaction with children.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Complete our application form to get started. Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to log in to your volunteer account to view and sign up for available opportunities. If you’re already an approved volunteer, you can sign up directly through your Better Impact account or email volunteer@islandkidsfirst.com.
Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
Yes. Some roles require volunteers to be 19 or older, while others are open to youth ages 16–18. Volunteers under 19 must have a parent or guardian complete a consent form.
In which cities do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Most of our volunteer opportunities take place in Greater Victoria, Campbell River, and Nanaimo. Opportunities may vary throughout the year depending on events and community needs.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
No. You can sign up for a single event or choose to volunteer on a more regular basis — whatever works best for your schedule. There is no minimum commitment required.
Contact us
To learn more or to inquire about volunteer positions, please email volunteer@islandkidsfirst.com.
250 940 4950
345 Wale Road, Victoria, BC V9B 6X2
With gratitude we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu cha nulth, Kwakwaka’wakw first peoples of Vancouver Island and surrounding islands.
“It takes a community to raise a child”: why Nancy volunteers
Rooted in community: Rhonda’s ongoing dedication to Jeneece Place
From grids to gardens: How one BC Hydro employee inspired his community to give back