Volunteer With Us

We will work with you to find a role that fits your schedule, preferences, and goals. While some roles require a longer time commitment, we also need help with seasonal programs and one-time events. You can volunteer as much or as little as you like. We also welcome both individual and group or corporate volunteers.

In a 2018 survey, 94% of our volunteers said they were extremely or very likely to continue volunteering with Family Services of the North Shore. Our volunteers feel that their work is very impactful in the community, and we couldn’t agree more.

Would you like to join a committed group of people who ensure that our North Shore community takes care of its most vulnerable? Volunteer for the Christmas Bureau and help to ensure that everyone can celebrate the holiday season.

Volunteering with the Christmas Bureau is flexible and fun. No job is too big or too small – and you’ll have a direct impact on your community. You’ll also make new friends, feel the spirit of the holidays, and give back to the community you love. Program runs September through January.

We welcome volunteers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to:

Sort and organize toys
Help with office duties and answering the phones
Set up and dismantle the Toy Shop
Help parents with gift selection
Organize and distribute gift baskets
Reception and admin support
Toy Drive event set up
And more…

If you or your family would like to receive support from the Christmas Bureau, you can learn more here.

If you would like to donate to the Christmas Bureau, learn more here

We believe healthy families make communities thrive. If you would like to support local parents and caregivers of children aged 0-6 years, we would love to welcome you as a Thrive volunteer.

In 2018, over 2,800 children aged 0-6 years and their caregivers visited Thrive 26,000 times. That’s a lot of play sessions, snacks, and meaningful connections – for parents of all backgrounds and income levels.

We always need volunteers for our Thrive Family Centres at Maplewood, Lonsdale Quay Market, and the West Vancouver Community Centre. We also have Thrive programming in several community spaces, including the North Vancouver City Library and the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

Please contact us to learn more about volunteering with Thrive. Volunteer roles include food prep and support, toy washing, yard maintenance, program support and more. Program runs September through June.

If you’re seeking a meaningful volunteer role in your community, consider supporting older adults living with chronic health issues, cognitive decline, those experiencing isolation, and the family and friends who care for them. It’s an important opportunity to help caregivers and your North Shore neighbours who are experiencing serious life challenges.

As a volunteer, you’ll receive training in communication, personal boundaries, active listening, self-care, and other topics.

Volunteer roles include phone support, walking companionship and porch visits (when it is safe to do so), and more.

The Youth Leadership Advisory Board (YouthLAB) is a Family Services of the North Shore initiative created to address mental health challenges that young people face, from a youth-led perspective. YouthLAB is made up of a small group of North Shore High School students (grades 10-12) who meet throughout the year to learn, discuss and create outreach projects to address mental health topics affecting youth. These topics include anxiety, depression, trauma, gender and sexuality, healthy relationships, and social justice issues.

Please note that YouthLAB has been put on pause for the 2022/2023 year. We invite you to check back in Spring 2023 for details on the 2023/2024 year.

Eating disorders can be devastating for both individuals and families. Jessie’s Legacy, a province-wide program of Family Services of the North Shore, provides education, resources, and inspiration to prevent and address disordered eating.

As a volunteer with Jessie’s Legacy, you’ll join a movement dedicated to promoting a healthy body image and a resilient sense of self. You’ll work with local youth, educators, and like-minded people who are spreading a critical message of mental health and wholeness.

Volunteer roles include support with community outreach, presentations, and the annual PEDAW campaign. Program runs October through February.

Community events are a great way to facilitate strong, caring connections between people in our community. We are dedicated to promoting inclusion, understanding, and cooperation. Volunteers are ambassadors of Family Services of the North Shore and partners in caring – a unified force working to change lives in our community.

Events include:

Pride at the Pier – July
Vancouver Pride Festival – August
PROUD2BE conference – October
Christmas Bureau Kick off – October
Toy Drive at the Northshore Auto Mall – late November

Volunteer opportunities include: event ambassadors, event set-up, social media support, registration, and more.

Fundraising events do more than raise money to run our programs and services; they facilitate strong and caring connections across the community. Led by dedicated volunteer committees, these events support critical Agency work and enhance our ability to listen and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable people we serve.

Events include:

Christmas at Beach House – November
Beer by the Pier – June

Volunteer opportunities include: event set-up, registration, silent auction support, social media support, and more.

Our volunteer Board members are active participants at Family Services of the North Shore. Our Agency Board of Directors act in a position of trust for the community and are responsible for the effective governance of the Agency. If you’d like to learn more about our Foundation and Agency boards, please contact us directly.

The Agency Board consists of the following positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Directors.