Volunteering at Kits House:

At Kitsilano Neighbourhood House we value our volunteers and their commitment to share their skills, ideas, time and enthusiasm. We encourage  volunteers to be active at all levels,  from the Board of Management, to administration and from direct service delivery to program planning. Approximately 200 volunteers donate hundreds of hours each year to support Kits House.

If you are interested in volunteering at Kits House, please contact Emily Palmer, Volunteer Coordinator: (604) 736-3588 ex. 27

• Volunteer Application Form
• Volunteering Guide
• Volunteering Opportunities
  

Volunteering Guide:

What do we do?

The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House is a place for people who live in Kitsilano, Downtown and Vancouver neighbourhoods. Our overall mission is to celebrate diversity of people, values ideas and activities.

How we do this?

ALL OF US who work or play or socialize at Kits House are active participants dedicated to building family and community capacity.

Kits House exists to serve the needs of and respond to social, multicultural, economic, cultural and recreational needs of a wide mix of diverse people.

What does this mean to you?

YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY to be involved in a variety of programs and services to children, families, and seniors, special events, gardening, cooking, administration, planning, facilitating, outreach, committees, etc.

How can you get involved?

THERE ARE MANY WAYS to participate: drop by and visit, register for a program, come to a special event, and attend a parent and child drop-in and many other activities.

Why Volunteer?

With over  3,000  hours of service and contribution each year, Kits House Volunteer Program is an essential part of Kits House operations, events and activities.

You can contribute by offering your skills and interests towards meaningful community based initiatives.

As an evolving project, the Volunteer Program can be a useful way to develop special skills, experience, or community service that you might want for your life or careers.

Kits House can be a good place to hang out, have fun and make a genuine personal connection with other people in your neighbourhood.

Kits House volunteers receive great benefits including free membership, discounted access to most of our classes and programs, complimentary snacks, as well as free tickets to special events.

No experience necessary!

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Working on various Board Committees (Programming, community Development, Outreach, Member Services, Finance)
• Fundraising
• Special events  – including planning,  set-up, decorating, and coordinating
• Assisting facilitators and teachers with programs
• Marketing and Promotion
• Gardening
• Cooking
• Handyman & Maintenance
• Driving

You may also bring your own ideas with you.

Volunteering Opportunities:

Become a Kits House Volunteer

Volunteers are Kits House are an essential part of our thriving community. They contribute over 3,000 hours a year in service to their community. These 3,000 hours consist of contributions to our various programs, special events, board and committees, building maintenance, and many other activities. The service that they give to Kits House is integral to ensure that Kits House is able to offer financially accessible quality programs and services. The work of all the volunteers helps the community to grow making Kits House a place for support, artistic expression and recreation.

Volunteers Wanted

If you want to have fun, meet new people and get involved in your community come and check us out. Some of the benefits of volunteering at Kits House include free membership, discounted access to programs and services, exercise classes, workshops and special events. For details on these following volunteer opportunities or any other inquiries, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 604-736-3588.

• Child minding:
  Volunteers who are good with small children to assist the teachers with circle time, reading, play, arts and crafts, etc.
  
  
• Parent & Tot Drop-In:
  Volunteers who are good with small children to assist with circle time, reading, play, arts and crafts, etc.
  
  
• Out-of-School Care:
  Energetic volunteers who enjoy working with kids’ ages 5 – 12 yrs are needed to help with a variety of arts and crafts, games, snack preparation, field trips, etc.
  
  
• Pre-teen Group:
  Enthusiastic and energetic volunteers needed for our pre-teen group to assist the Facilitator with planning, recreational activities, outings, etc.
  
  
• Seniors Program:
  Volunteers interested and enjoy working with seniors to provide assistance in a variety of ways such as: cooking, playing games, serving tea and coffee, out-trips, etc.
  
  
• Driving:
  Volunteers with a Class 4 license are needed for driving seniors in the community to and from the lunch program and shopping
  
  
• Gardening:
  Volunteers who enjoy being outdoors gardening to do a variety of gardening tasks such as: mowing the grass, planting, pruning and general maintenance.
  
  
• Special Events:
  Volunteers are needed for special events to help with planning, set-up, decorating, food preparation, clean-up, etc.
  
  
• Marketing and promoting:
  Volunteers who enjoy walking around the neighbourhood putting up flyers, posters distributing brochures and other promotional materials.
  
  
• Youth Volunteers:
  Youth volunteers (12-18) who are interested in building their leadership skills and sharing their voice to create youth events/ programs.
  

Contact:

Emily Palmer
Volunteer Coordinator
Email Emily
(604) 736-3588.

Volunteers Say:

"It's a lot of fun volunteering at Kits House.  The staff are very friendly, and volunteering has provided me with the opportunity to reconnect to the community."
--- Franc Boltezar

"I've been volunteering with the seniors program for about two years now and enjoy the seniors very much.  They're a fun group that appreciates the volunteers' efforts making it a rewarding experience"
--- Beverley Day

Links and Resources:

Here is a list of other resources for volunteers in and around Vancouver.

Volunteer Vancouver
Suite 301 – 3102 Main Street
Tel: 604-875-9144

GoVolunteer.ca
An online database that allows volunteers to search for volunteer opportunities in and around Vancouver.

Volunteer.ca
Canada’s site for information on volunteering.