National Volunteer Week: Volunteers Make Waves
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2025 is ‘Volunteers Make Waves,’ which emphasizes the ripple effect of doing good work in support of our communities. Our volunteers come from all walks of life bringing their unique skills and strengths to their role to generate waves of positive change that uplift others.
Last year, over 600 individual volunteers, 125 YWCA employees and 33 corporate groups volunteered with us contributing a total of 20,000+ hours of their time to the programs and people we serve. The YWCA was also able to hire 11 volunteers as employees. Volunteers support our housing and food programs, provide mentorship through our youth and employment programs, assist with special events and more.
Aquatic Fitness Instructor Volunteers - Cathie, Jean, Nicole, Dale, Alexa, Meaghan, Keiko
A love of the water unites the women who volunteer to teach Aquatic Fitness classes at the YWCA Health + Fitness Centre. All ages and fitness levels can benefit from Aquatic Fitness, which offers low-impact exercises and much comradery in the classes. Cathie McGuire had always enjoyed taking classes and found her perfect fit with aquafit.
“Instructing aquatics at the YWCA for me started while I was still working full-time. I had been taking land classes for many years and had injuries as I aged into my mid-fifties. A friend who was a member at the Y invited me to join her at her aquatic class — which led me to taking the instructors course — which was a great thing to have started before I retired as it led to having that one scheduled day teaching in my week as I adjusted to retirement life. The Y has been a great place to volunteer and I would encourage anyone to think about it.” - Cathie McGuire
Participants often become lifelong friends who notice when someone has missed a class and have created a strong sense of community. These outstanding women have inspired others to volunteer or work harder, which improves the health and happiness of everyone in the class. The instructors love what they do and return year after year, decade after decade.
“I’ve been volunteering with the YWCA since 2006 and it’s always been fun, interesting and a rewarding experience for me! The YWCA has always been totally supportive with me on a daily basis, on providing professional development and when I’ve had some medical issues - so incredibly kind and supportive. The staff are amazing, as are the other volunteers and members - overall, a tremendous and wonderful experience!” - Jean Chose
Water has always been a constant presence in the life of one of our longest-serving volunteer instructors. Nicole L. has been an aquatics instructor with the YWCA for almost 40 years.
"After receiving my accreditation from the YWCA in November 1986, I taught land aerobics for a few months. The then Aquafit director, Becky, asked me if I would consider teaching aquafit as she was in need of instructors. As she knew that I had my scuba diver's certificate and was an avid sailor, she thought the water would interest me. She was right. I have been teaching aquafit since, and over the years, I trained and taught in pre and post-natal classes, deep water classes and classes for people with arthritis. I enjoyed every minute of my years with the YWCA and still do." - Nicole
Crabtree Corner Special Breakfast Volunteers - UBC students
Volunteers don’t just make waves — they make pancakes, wash and prepare fruit for families living in the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood. Corporate groups, including UBC students preparing for careers in pediatric surgery, volunteer to host a special breakfast at the YWCA Crabtree Corner Community kitchen.
We asked them about their experience and here’s what they said:
What do you find most rewarding about your experience volunteering to host the Special Breakfasts?
“Growing up, food has always been important to me. Because eating food means eating with the people I care about and bonding with them in the process. When I am volunteering, it is rewarding to see people having delicious and nutritious meals that I helped make, and enjoying their time chatting with each other.” - Asha Hui
How does this experience prepare you for working with children and families in your career?
“Volunteering for the YWCA has given me the opportunity to meet so many different people, to make meaningful connections, and to understand the lush diversity of people living in the city I grew up in, which I may not have known otherwise. I am grateful to be able to share the sense of community at YWCA and contribute to a cause I support.” - Christina Kim
“It helps me build empathy, patience, and communication skills, especially when connecting with families from different backgrounds.” - Hooria Bilal
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering for the YWCA?
“I’d say go for it! It’s a meaningful way to give back, meet people, and feel more connected to your community.” - Hooria Bilal
Crabtree Corner Donation Room Volunteer - Sarah
Sarah previously lived in supportive housing at Crabtree Corner and continues to participate in the YWCA’s programs. She volunteers in the donation room at Crabtree Corner to give back to the community — ensuring the items are sorted, organized and in good condition. Sarah also assists the women in finding certain items or sizes including warm clothes, socks, shoes or bedding.
Sarah shares more about her experience with us below:
What do you find most rewarding about your experience volunteering with the YWCA?
“I love helping people find the clothes and items that they need. Sometimes people come by the donation room needing something particular that we might not have at the moment, I always keep my eyes open for those items and put them aside for when they return. They come back and know that someone is thinking about them and their families. I also enjoy making the donation room feel inviting and accessible. I like to make sure the items are in good condition and well organized because the women deserve to walk into the "shop" and feel like the space is designed for them and what they need.”
Why is it important to give back to the community?
“YWCA Crabtree Corner has been an integral part of our lives for the last 13 years. They have been a great support to myself and my children. I lived in the supportive housing when I was pregnant with my now 12-year-old daughter, My children attended Crabtree Corner Daycare and I continue to participate in programs such as Singles Mom group, Sacred Circle and the Crabtree Housing Mentorship Program. Being able to give back to the community that has supported me gives me a sense of purpose and belonging.”
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering for the YWCA?
“Volunteering is a great way to be a part of the community. It has helped me meet people and build new skills. It brings me such joy to give back to an organization that supports and empowers women, children and families.”
Guide to High School Program Volunteer - Jas
Jasjit (Jas) Mann volunteered as a Facilitator in the Guide to High School program and found that the most rewarding part of the experience was not only teaching the students but learning from them too.
“The Grade 7 participants, with their curiosity and enthusiasm, have taught me as much as I’ve taught them. Their questions, answers, and stories have filled me with joy and fulfillment. We truly never stop learning!"
Jas shares more about her volunteer experience in her responses to our questions:
Why is it important to give back to the community?
“Giving back to the community is so important for its people. Putting in the time and effort to connect, build, and engage with the community strengthens it. Whether it be donating warm clothes, helping in the community kitchen, or mentoring youth—it all helps build a stronger foundation for those who reside in it. A strong community is a healthy community.”
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering for the YWCA?
“Do it! For me, volunteering with the YWCA was a transformative experience. The YWCA provides detailed training and any necessary guidance or support you may need. With the help of the YWCA staff’s feedback and encouragement I was able to move up a step and am now a Program Leader for the Guide to High School Program.”
Guide to High School Program Volunteer - Puneet
Puneet Kaur also volunteers with Guide to Highschool providing mentorship to support Grade 7 students in their transition to high school.
“Being a Volunteer High School Ambassador has been one of my most cherished experiences. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to lead activities, engage in meaningful conversations, and build genuine connections with the participants.”
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering for the YWCA?
“One of the most rewarding parts has been becoming someone the youth feel comfortable talking to. Many of the participants start the program unsure and hesitant about high school, but by the end, they’ve gained so much confidence. Being part of that transformation is incredibly special, and I am truly grateful to have been able to create a space where they felt safe, supported, and encouraged to ask questions.”
Interested in volunteering with us? Learn more about our volunteer opportunities here.
