How You Can Help

Volunteer

Join our network of YWCA volunteers to advance gender equality and support local women and families.

With more than 60 programs and services across Metro Vancouver, we’ll be sure to find a fit for your skills and interests.

Individual Volunteering

Whether you’re teaching yoga, mentoring youth or helping us fundraise, there are many ways to make an impact.

Please note: Due to the pandemic, we have limited volunteer opportunities at this time. We look forward to welcoming our volunteers back soon!

Corporate and Group Volunteering

From tending to our Rooftop Garden to preparing meals for families, corporate volunteers strengthen their teams while giving back to the community.

Please note: Due to the pandemic, we have limited volunteer opportunities at this time. Please contact Vanessa Wellington-Clark at vwellington@ywcavan.org if you haven't found an opportunity that is suitable for your company.

Volunteer Opportunities

Backpacks for children from low-income families

We are in need of 150 new backpacks and school supplies for school-aged children from low-income single mother-led families in Coquitlam, Surrey, North Vancouver, Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. Any quantity of backpacks would be much appreciated!

For a list of school supplies click here.

Learn more

Multiple

Role of Volunteers

Put together and distribute backpacks and school supplies for children

Number of Volunteers

Unlimited

Date

Ongoing

Time

Flexible

Gardening at the YWCA Rooftop Garden

Our Rooftop Garden is one of the YWCA’s most beloved hidden gems. It is a healthy, diverse ecosystem in the middle of downtown Vancouver, and it yields more than 1,500lbs of food each year.

Every morsel goes directly into homemade meals served at YWCA Crabtree Corner Community Centre in the Downtown Eastside and to YWCA child care centres.

Please bring: gardening gloves, water, hat and sunscreen

Learn more

YWCA Program Centre, 535 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Role of Volunteers

Garden cleanup: Clearing out garden beds, weeding, planting.

Number of Volunteers

3-6

Date

Tuesdays beginning April 13th

Time

1pm - 4:30pm (minimum 2 hours, maximum 4 hours)

Gardening/Yard Maintenance at YWCA Cause We Care House

YWCA Cause We Care House provides affordable housing for single mothers and their children in the Downtown Eastside.

Role of Volunteers: Turn over the soil, plant some seeds and flowers, beautify the space.

Learn more

720 E. Hastings St. Vancouver

Number of Volunteers

4-6

Date

Tuesdays or Thursdays

Time

Anytime between 9:00am and 5:00pm

Gardening /Yard Maintenance at YWCA Alder Gardens

YWCA Alder Gardens provides affordable housing for single mothers and their children in Surrey.

Role of Volunteers: Trim hedges, weeding and help beautify the property.

Learn more

13788 71st Ave Surrey, BC 

Number of Volunteers

4-10

Date

Thursdays

Time

Anytime between 8am – 4pm

Didn't see a position that interests you?

We may be able to fit you somewhere else!

Contact your program of interest directly. Depending on the program's needs, we may tailor a position exclusively for you!

What Our Volunteers Say about their experiences

High School Mentorship Mentor

Being a high school mentor stretched me to look at things from a different perspective and become more empathetic.

Dina Lu

Tech Connect Mentor

A great opportunity to support women and their careers. I thoroughly enjoyed and learned through the experience.

Meena Das

Youth Programs Volunteer

I really enjoy volunteering with the YWCA Youth programs. I love the enthusiasm the kids show up with each week, I wish I had this opportunity when I was in Grade 7.