I Can't Stop Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 Hey guys, I'm looking to start volunteering..But I dont know where to start. I work fulltime 5 days a week, and I want to start volunteering on weekends. I have thought about St Johns ambulance, or anything to do with helping sick/homeless people and children.. Does anyone have any tips/experience/ideas for getting started? Please share what you do and how it fits into your schedule! Thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefan Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 I used to volunteer with big brothers. Worked perfectly with my schedule as I was able to plan with the mom and usually volunteered on weekends. Can't really lend ya any advice other than it was a good experience and I'd highly recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 I used to volunteer with big brothers. Worked perfectly with my schedule as I was able to plan with the mom and usually volunteered on weekends. Can't really lend ya any advice other than it was a good experience and I'd highly recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stefan Posted April 21, 2012 Share Posted April 21, 2012 Ya. Beware crazy moms though. Me and my "little" as they are referred to had a great relationship. His mom was cool, but a little unstable. Ended our meetings early. So that's an obstacle. Psycho moms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Can't Stop Posted April 21, 2012 Author Share Posted April 21, 2012 Thanks for the Big Brothers suggestion..Something I have always thought about... Anymore feed back on BBers? How were the kids? Really appreciate it guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mau5trap Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 I volunteered for Big Brothers as well, they have an awesome program and are usually lenient and can fit your schedule well. It's a great place to start! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 Thanks for the Big Brothers suggestion..Something I have always thought about... Anymore feed back on BBers? How were the kids? Really appreciate it guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiCHC3 Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 I volunteer at a Crisis Line where the requirement is roughly 4 hours a week (16 hours a month) OR one 12 hour shift a month. Training is quite extensive, so expect a few lost weekends early on, but it's one of the best volunteer experiences you can have on a resume. In terms of helping people, you'll certainly get a wide array of callers from loneliness, child abuse, suicide, or just general mental health. Naturally, this is less of a "hands on" approach, so this may not be favourable to everyone. If anyone is interested, shoot me a message. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fanuck Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 I walk dogs for the SPCA on weekends. Very rewarding! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
41stEdition Posted April 22, 2012 Share Posted April 22, 2012 I'm also a crisis line worker. Now that I've passed 100 hours on the lines my required commitment has dropped to 8 hours a month. Prior it was also 4 hours a week. I received 60 hours of training before I was put on the lines and an additional 12 hours of training to become a coach for new volunteers. Shifts are relatively flexible. I also volunteer at a hospital as a volunteer visitor where I am interacting one on one with patients. This is not as flexible. I have a set shift every week whereas on the crisis line I can pick my shifts each month. Check out govolunteer.ca. You will be able to find volunteer positions in your area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddhas Hand Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 there are some good people on these forums . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgcanux Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Pacific Spirit Park! You can volunteer to take out invasive species in their "holly haulings" on Saturdays. The Pacific Spirit Park Society website has all the information and contact information. Plus it's drop-in meaning, you don't have to commit long-term. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That's What She Said Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 Been volunteering at an animal shelter for a few years... Started with weekends while I was in school, then daily for a while, now I just drop in when I can fit it into my schedule, which they're okay with because I've been with them for so long. You might have trouble finding weekend only positions at some places because weekends are usually when they get the most volunteers, so make sure you make your availibility clear right from the start so you don't end up wasting your time or theirs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mau5trap Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 My little was cool, we had a lot in common so when we hung out it we had quite a bit to talk about. Obviously he was going through some stuff (either at home or at school), so it was hard for him to open him at first but once you get to know them, they're really cool kids. My friends' littles were really awesome too, so if you don't mind being around kids, then it's a great program! The staff are all super cool too. You can visit their website here: http://www.bigbrothersvancouver.com/ You'll probably find all the contact information, as well as more details on the different programs they offer. Good luck guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Columbo Posted April 23, 2012 Share Posted April 23, 2012 You could always volunteer here, though it may be a bit far: http://www.facebook.com/nature.association.romania Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stark Posted April 24, 2012 Share Posted April 24, 2012 Is it a set time every week ? Or can time differ ?? Cause I can of course throw 2-4 hours a week, but having it a set 2-4 hours scares me.. Any info ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Can't Stop Posted April 25, 2012 Author Share Posted April 25, 2012 Thanks for all the responses, I am in the middle of applying for big brothers. Any general time frame of when you applied to when you guys heard back from them? Just trying to plan out the next few months here with work/school etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockeh Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 Whereabouts are you located? Volunteers are needed for several Volunteer Fire Departments in the Fraser Valley. Definitely a rewarding experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tricarboxylic Posted April 26, 2012 Share Posted April 26, 2012 volunteeering in retirement homes is also good......... quiet, peaceful place to greet the elders and serve them food...... peopel are generally nice in those kinds of places... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I Can't Stop Posted April 26, 2012 Author Share Posted April 26, 2012 Whereabouts are you located? Volunteers are needed for several Volunteer Fire Departments in the Fraser Valley. Definitely a rewarding experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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