Volunteer Resources & Engagement is proud to support volunteer programs at healthcare sites across our region.
We are thrilled to share our 2023/24 Impact Report. Celebrating the accomplishments of the year, this report outlines the incredible impact our volunteer programs have for patients, residents, clients, visitors and staff.
We hope you take a moment to look through it and reflect on what a difference it makes when members of our community donate over 45,000 hours of their time in an effort to help improve the experience of all people at Island Health. We are honoured to support such an incredible group of people.
By demonstrating Island Health’s C•A•R•E values:
Courage • Aspire • Respect • Empathy,
Our volunteers enrich the experience of patients, residents, clients, visitors, and staff, and together we make a difference each and every day.
In the Volunteer Resources and Engagement department our motto is: Trusted. Included. Valued.
Trusted: Our volunteers are screened and provided training so they can be trusted to make good choices.
Included: Our volunteers are integral to our service delivery.
Valued: Our volunteers are appreciated and recognized as part of the Island Health family.
Commonly asked questions:
- How much time do I need to commit?
-
As a general rule we ask for volunteers to commit 2-4 hours per week, usually on a regular day, for a minimum of 6 months. Vacations can be accommodated.
- How long does it take to apply?
-
The application process may take 4-8 weeks and includes a Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check initiated by Island Health, reference checks, a personal interview, and orientation and training (including 3 hours of e-Learning modules).
- What types of roles do volunteers have?
-
Please visit our page Opportunities to Volunteer for more information on typical volunteer roles, and visit our Volunteer Stories page to hear from volunteers who have shared their experiences and the impact their roles have had.
- How do I apply?
-
Please go to our Opportunities to Volunteer page and find the region, and then the specific site to which you wish to apply. Follow the link where you will find instructions on how to apply to that site.
- What vaccination policies apply to volunteers?
-
We strongly recommend the annual flu vaccine (any volunteer who has not had the flu vaccine must remain masked at all times while on site during flu season: December – April).
- Will I be able to request a letter of reference?
-
We provide confirmation of hours and letters of reference as follows:
- Confirmation of hours after completion of 20+ volunteer hours
- Letter of reference after completion of 50+ volunteer hours
- References for medical school, grad school, and other in-depth recommendations after completion of 70+ volunteer hours