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 1979.
Over the years, our dedicated volunteers have supported more than 1,750 children, youth, adults, and families navigating end-of-life experiences and grief.
Today, we are proud to have nearly 200 active volunteers who contribute their time, compassion, and skills in a variety of roles throughout our organization.
Hospice Volunteers
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Palliative Care Unit at NRGH
Volunteers provide practical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and their loved ones on the Palliative Care Unit. Orientation to the hospital and mentoring by experienced volunteers supports is provided to new volunteers.
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One on One Support
Volunteers visit palliative clients or their caregivers in the community while offering companionship, practical support and respite for the caregiver.
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Adult Group Facilitation
This program requires volunteers to facilitate group bereavement programs. These volunteers receive continuing education, mentoring, and support that allows them to be effective facilitators within a group setting.
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Wellness Programs
Volunteers working in the Wellness Programs must have skills and certification as required. Examples have included Yoga Instructors, Meditation Instructors, Musical Therapists and Reiki Providers.
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Child and Youth Program
Volunteers in our Child and Youth Program may assist a counselor while visiting schools in our Out Reach Vehicle.
Do you have specialized skills that may be beneficial for our Child and Youth Programing? Contact Erin Finnerty at erinf@nanimohospice.com or by calling 250-591-8811 to talk about how you may be able to volunteer in our Child and Youth Programs.
All Hospice Volunteers complete a 42 hour training program over the course of six weeks before helping with client care. After training, they are mentored by an experienced volunteer and can assist at Hospice, in hospitals, or with support groups and wellness programs.
General Volunteers
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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 #35-1925 Bowen Road (Bowen Centre).
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Comfort Cushions and Shawl Program
Community members and Hospice volunteers assist in the production of cushions and wraps provided for warmth and support.
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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!
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New List Item
Volunteers help in our garden under the guidance of our lead volunteer horticulturalist.
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Special Skills
Do you have a special skill or service that you would like to offer to Hospice? We are always looking to fill our contacts with volunteers who are able to provide specialized services to help 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.
General Volunteers, or Volunteers who do not directly interact with clients, are not required to complete the training program. From shifts at the Thrift Shoppe to knitting a comfort shawl, there is something for everyone who wants to help out!