External Opportunities

Year-round

ABC provides guided physical activities, educational workshops, social connections, community outreach and multiple choice-based entry points for fit and not-so-fit young to older adults, new or returning to recreational physical activity. As a volunteer, you help to engage, impact, and empower the community to physical activity while building new skills and gaining valuable face-to-face interactive experience with a diverse and multigenerational community. ABC provides a range of volunteer opportunities for students to connect with Vancouver's communities. You will be able to practice your skills in a community recreation environment by supporting people who want to become more active.

Year-round

Volentia Healthcare Translation is a registered non-profit providing free healthcare interpretation and translation services to immigrants, newcomers, and those with low English-language proficiency. By providing free language services, their goal is to increase the accessibility and improve the quality of culturally safe healthcare, as well as enhance the therapeutic relationship between patients and physicians. As a volunteer, you will attend healthcare appointments to facilitate patient-physician communication. You will also have the opportunity to take on research-related tasks such as written translation and transcription. Volunteers must be proficient in English and a secondary language.

Email ubcvolentia@gmail.com if interested

Year-round

SportAbility is a non-profit, volunteer-driven association whose goal is to create a fun and safe social environment for athletes with a disability, who are either being introduced to an activity for the first time, or competing at an international level. SportAbility offers programs in four sports including Sledge Hockey, Boccia, Power Soccer, and CP/Para Soccer at both recreational and competitive levels.

Year-round

Kids Physio is the first clinic in BC to provide physio just for kids. They provide services to kids ranging from newborns to teens in a fun and engaging way. They do work with concussions, rehabilitation, prehabilitation and more. If you enjoy working with kids and are interested in a career in physio they have the perfect volunteering opportunity for you! They have several locations and recommend directly reaching out to any location you are interested in volunteering at.

Year-round

Wheelchair sports aims to help people with physical disabilities across the province live active and healthy lives through Wheelchair sports. They are strong advocates for athletes with disabilities and work to reduce participation barriers. BC Wheelchair sports has 3 core sports: Wheelchair Athletics (Track and Field), Wheelchair Tennis and Wheelchair Rugby. Through a volunteer position you get to gain experience with people with disabilities, give back the community and have fun while doing it!

Send an email to Danier at programs@bcwheelchairsports.com to learn more!

Year-round

Interested in a career in healthcare? BC Children’s Hospital offers valuable volunteer opportunities to help you gain experience in a hospital setting. Positions range from retail and thrift shop roles (16+) in the gift shop and “Still Fabulous” thrift store to wayfinding roles (18+) assisting patients, families, and visitors across the hospital campus. There are also direct patient and family support opportunities at BC Children’s, BC Women’s, and Sunny Hill Health Centre (see website for specifics). Additional roles include campus services (18+) in areas like the Family Support and Resource Centre, Pet Visitation (certification required), and Volunteer Office Support. Volunteers can also join auxiliary boards supporting BC Children’s, BC Women’s, and Sunny Hill. Start building your healthcare experience today—apply now!

Year-round

Interested to work with kids? Active Kids is a UBC recreational sports program for kids and they are running every term all year round. Volunteers would assist coaches with running activities in classes, help children with their skills, and learn to teach children physical awareness and skills.

Year-round Application

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) offers various volunteer roles that enhance patient and visitor experiences. Opportunities include wayfinding, patient companionship, support in clinics, and assisting with special events. Roles may involve patient interaction, therapeutic activities like music and pet therapy, and support for mental health programs. Volunteers usually commit two to three hours weekly for at least six months. The application process involves an interview, orientation, and a background check. VCH welcomes volunteers in multiple areas, including Vancouver, North Shore, Richmond, and the Sunshine Coast.

Applications open November for the January-April Term

At Neuromotion, we offer a range of volunteer opportunities for enthusiastic individuals, including students aiming to gain hands-on experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Our clinic frequently seeks volunteers to support our work both in the clinic and out in the community, whether by helping to carry out safe home exercise programs or simply offering companionship to clients. Volunteers at Neuromotion play an integral role in keeping the clinic running smoothly. They assist with setup, maintain tidiness, and often provide valuable support during treatments, always working under the supervision of a Neuromotion team member.