Volunteers are the Heart of Hospice

By Community, for Community

Join the team and make a compassionate and impactful difference in your community.

Volunteers have been an essential part of Nanaimo Community Hospice Society since our founding in 1981.

Today, we are proud to have over 200 active volunteers who contribute their time, and compassion in a variety of roles throughout our organization.

Hospice Volunteers

Palliative Care at NRGH

Volunteers provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones on the Palliative Care Unit. Alongside training through our VIHA partners, volunteers are orientated and supported by experienced Hospice volunteers.
One on One Support

Volunteers provide support for palliative and bereavement clients. As well as those anticipating the death of a loved one. They offer companionship, practical support and respite for the caregiver.
Adult Group Facilitation

Volunteers facilitate and support anticipatory and bereavement programs. These volunteers receive continuing education, mentoring, and support that allows them to be effective facilitators within a group setting.
Wellness Programs

Volunteers work across wellness programs including yoga, reiki, meditation, and sound bath. Volunteers must provide certification.
Child and Youth Program

Volunteers work alongside counsellors as they provide therapy to children and youth in our outreach vehicle during the school year.

All client facing Hospice volunteers complete an extensive training program before helping with client care. After completion, volunteers provide support on the Palliative Care Unit at NRGH, Hospice house, and in support and wellness programs.

Volunteers supporting Hike for Hospice 2025, a community fundraising event hosted by Nanaimo Community Hospice Society to raise awareness and support compassionate hospice care.

Participants attending Nanaimo Community Hospice Society volunteer training, preparing to provide compassionate support to individuals and families affected by advanced illness, end of life, and grief.

Volunteers assisting at Fashion for Compassion 2025, a Nanaimo Community Hospice Society fundraising event supporting hospice programs and services in the community.

Volunteers supporting Nanaimo Community Hospice Society through community programs, events, fundraising initiatives, and compassionate care services.

Nanaimo Community Hospice volunteers preparing holiday gifts and seasonal activities to support individuals and families during the Christmas season.

Dedicated volunteers helping at the Fashion for Compassion fundraising event 2026 hosted by Nanaimo Community Hospice Society.

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The Nanaimo Bar Team participating in the Cycle of Life Tour, raising funds and awareness for Nanaimo Community Hospice Society through community cycling events.

General Volunteers

Thrift Shoppe Volunteers

Volunteers working in our Thrift Shoppe sort and price donated goods, stock shelves and provide cashier duties. Visit our Thrift Shoppe Page for more details and to apply.
The Thrift Store is located at 1925 Bowen Road (Bowen Centre).
Comfort Shawl Program

Volunteers from Hospice and in the community create knitted or crocheted shawls. These shawls are used on the Palliative Care Unit, in comfort Care Kits, and throughout our community to offer warmth and support.
Special Events

Opportunities exist to help with a variety of special events and fundraisers such as Hike for Hospice, Celebrate a Life, Gathering to Remember and Fashion for Compassion.
Interested in Special Events? Visit our Events Page information on how you can help!
Garden

Volunteers help in our garden under the guidance of our lead volunteer horticulturalist.
Special Skills

Do you have a special skill or service that you would like to offer to Hospice?
Contact Erin Finnerty at erinf@nanimohospice.com or by calling 250-591-8811 to talk about how you or your organization are able to help out Nanaimo Community Hospice.