Volunteers are the Heart of Hospice

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

Hospice Volunteers

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.

  • 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.

  • Volunteers visit palliative clients or their caregivers in the community while offering companionship, practical support and respite for the caregiver.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

General Volunteers

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!

  • 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).

  • Community members and Hospice volunteers assist in the production of cushions and wraps provided for warmth and support.

  • 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 for more information on how you can help!

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

  • 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.

By Community, for Community

Volunteers have been a key part of Nanaimo Community Hospice since it started in 1979. Over the years, our committed teams of Volunteers have helped more than 1,750 people and families facing end-of-life issues. Today, we are proud to have nearly 200 active volunteers who support our work in many different ways across the organization.

To read more about our Hospice Volunteer training, click here.

Ready to make a difference?

Nanaimo Community Hospice Society is looking for gifted, caring and compassionate individuals who would like to join our team of volunteers.

All volunteers who work with clients, families and bereaved individuals are required to complete the Client-Based Volunteer training program, which is a uniquely intensive and interactive experience.

2024 Volunteer Training Session:

Fall Training:

Mondays, September 16, 23, and October 7

Sunday, September 29

Wednesday, October 16 (9:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Monday, October 21

All days (except Wednesday) 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

You must be available to attend all sessions.

2025 Volunteer Training Sessions:

Spring Training:

Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and April 7

Wednesday, April 2 (9:30 am to 4:30 pm)

All days (except Wednesday) 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

You must be available to attend all sessions.

Fall Training:

Stay tuned for more information….

Contact: Erin at erinf@nanaimohospice.com
Main Office Phone: (250) 591-8811

1080 St. George Cres.
Nanaimo, BC V9S 1X1

Volunteer Application Form

Registration fees may be paid via cash, cheque or credit card. A deposit of $65 must be received prior to commencing training.