Volunteering  Canada

Therapeutic and social programs for elderly people in Vancouver
       Vancouver, British Columbia          June 6 - June 26, 2010
       Vancouver, British Columbia          June 27 - July 17, 2010
       Vancouver, British Columbia          July 18 - August 7, 2010
       Vancouver, British Columbia          August 8 - August 28, 2010

Volunteer project: Haro Park Centre is the largest care facility in the West End of Vancouver. It provides independent housing, assisted living and complex care for elders. Haro Park supports the Eden philosophy and is committed to creating a human habitat where life revolves around close and continuing contact with plants, animals, children and youth. Haro Park Centre aims at establishing a homelike environment that emphasizes a quality of life supporting the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each person.

Volunteers will contribute to the quality of life of the elders by supporting them in a variety of therapeutic, social, and physical programs and special events. Activities include art, horticultural therapy, music therapy, exercise programs and seasonal/theme parties. Volunteers with musical interests are encouraged to bring their instrument. We also have several pianos on site.

Volunteers will work with residents in both one-to-one and group settings. There will be structured activities and a daily schedule of events but volunteers are also expected to be motivated, independent, and to make effective use of their unscheduled time. A typical day might include: making a collage, leading a discussion group, putting up party decorations, playing cards, and taking residents out for walks. Over the course of the summer there will also be various outings such as scenic drives, picnics, and visits to the aquarium and/or art gallery.

All volunteers are expected to be creative, flexible, respectful and responsive to the residents’ needs. The benefits to volunteering at Haro Park Centre are immeasurable. We are offering volunteers an amazing opportunity to develop relationships with interesting and loving seniors. The volunteers who have a person-centered approach to their volunteerism and who are looking for these personal connections are the ones that will benefit the most from this experience.

Accommodation: All volunteers will live at Haro Park Centre, sleeping quarters are co-ed dormitory-style and volunteers are asked to bring a sleeping bag.

Location: Haro Park Centre is located in downtown Vancouver, close to museums, theatres, art gallery, and numerous other attractions. Vancouver’s most popular shopping area, trendy Robson Street, is just a block away. The centerpiece and green heart of Vancouver is Stanley Park, the city's most famous landmark, and one of the largest parks in any urban centre in North America. There are wooded trails, open playing fields, secluded lakes, gorgeous gardens, and the Vancouver Aquarium, the largest in Canada. A seawall walkway meanders along the park's perimeter, with beautiful views of the city skyline, the harbour, beaches, and the spectacular North Shore Mountains. Vancouver's fame as one of the most beautiful cities in the world is tied to Stanley Park’s natural beauty.

You can see a short movie for Vancouver if you click here or on the banner below.

Nearest international airport: Vancouver, BC

Age range: 19-30 years
 

 

Summer day camp program for children with autism
       Comox Valley, British Columbia          July 10 - July 31, 2010

Volunteer project: The Comox Valley Child Development Association provides services for children with special needs and their families. With the help of international volunteers they would like to provide social and recreational summer day camp program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ages 10-15 years. The children are quite high functioning in certain areas, but often struggle with social skills and the mastery of appropriate communication and behaviour. The project will include one week intensive training of the volunteers followed by the 2-week day camp with the kids.

"I know for me it was an experience of a lifetime that I will always cherish
and hope it was the same for the kids."  James L., Cadip volunteer 2007

The volunteers will learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how to support these children in a social/recreational program. Under the direction of the campleader, the volunteers will support the children to participate in small group activities such as games, science and art activities and exploring the community on daily outings including local lakes, rivers, beaches and farms, etc. The group work is intended to provide children with specific tasks and encourage both appropriate social and communication skills. The volunteers involved in this project will gain valuable insight into the world of autism.

Requirements: Volunteers need to be fluent in English. They are required to provide a clear criminal record check.

Accommodation: In a youth hostel.

Location: Stretching along the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, the Comox Valley is a collection of rolling mountains, alpine meadows, rushing rivers, pristine lakes, lush forests, fertile farms, sandy beaches and green parks. The City of Courtenay (20,000 inhabitants) is the urban and cultural hub of the Comox Valley with its downtown considered to be one of the most vibrant and charming downtowns on Vancouver Island and an incredible cultural district that includes theatre, art gallery, museums and paleontology centre.

Nearest international airport: Victoria, BC

Age range: 19-30 years