Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart of the work we do at Strathcona Place Society. Volunteers contribute to and support our recreational activities, programs, events, and Departments. 

Our volunteers are engaged in meaningful activities and roles, and they come from diverse backgrounds but have one thing in common - a strong desire to help others.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Regular Volunteer 

Do you like to work in a team, need to build administrative experience, or consider yourself to be a people person? We provide daily shifts to support the work of our various Departments. Schedules are flexible enough to fit your busy lifestyle. 

• Receptionist
• Tax Clinic 
• Outreach
• General/Miscellaneous 

Special Events Volunteer 

Our special events are the talk of the town! There is (usually) an event for almost every celebratory event on the calendar: Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, Mother’s Day, the list goes on. We also have our flagship fundraising events to add to this list. If you are detailed oriented, enjoy the company of others, are an exceptional multitasker, then this role is for you. 

• Bazaar
• Casino
• Book Sale
• Spring Fling
• Seminars/Workshops
• Tours
• Community Events
• Barbecues

Phone Pal Volunteer (Remote)

The Phone Pal program was launched in April 2020 to provide ongoing telephone support to isolated seniors. 

Phone Pal volunteers:

• Connect with isolated seniors;
• Reinforce positive coping skills;
• Support the independence of seniors;
• Resolve issues being faced by seniors through the case referral system; and
• Ensure the safety of seniors.

To learn more, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.

Volunteer Columnist (Remote)

Visit our Seniors Connection Blog to submit blog articles of general interest to the community. No volunteer application required. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  What are the benefits of volunteering?

• Give back to your local community.
• Gain valuable, practical experience.
• Develop new skills while retaining and sharpening old skills.
• Develop leadership potential.
• Experience networking opportunities.

2.  What is the typical length of a volunteer shift?

A volunteer shift typically lasts for four hours, except for the Phone Pal volunteer, whose hours will vary.

3.  Can I drop in to volunteer?

We do not allow drop-in volunteers. Every volunteer at Strathcona Place Society has to pass a security clearance and undergo training in the area of interest.

4.  Do I need a criminal record check?

Criminal record checks and interviews are required as you will be interacting with a vulnerable population and will, in some instances, be privy to confidential information. 

5.  Is there a cost for volunteering?

There is no financial obligation to our volunteers. 

6.  Do you take volunteers who need to complete practicum hours in the social work field?

Yes. However, approval is based on interest and available spots. 

Who are Phone Pal volunteers?

Phone Pal volunteers are members of the community who enjoy interacting with seniors and who have undergone training to identify issues that may be negatively affecting seniors. This training is a crucial component of the established referral pathways for additional social support.

How does the Phone Pal program work?

Volunteers are screened (police criminal record check), trained, and surveyed to identify interests. Seniors in the program are also surveyed to determine their interests. 

Volunteers and seniors are matched based on shared interests, cultural background, and language. Matches have also been accommodated based on other preferences, such as age. Strathcona Place Society tries its best to accommodate the unique needs of each senior client. We have found that commonalities improve the flow, depth, and frequency of conversations. 

What is it like to talk to be a Phone Pal volunteer?
The first conversation is scripted. The volunteers tell the seniors who they are and their affiliation with Strathcona Place Society. The volunteer will then proceed to ask the senior about their recreational pursuits; commonalities will be established at this time, thereby forming the basis for ongoing contact. 

As the relationship progresses, seniors become more open to sharing issues negatively affecting them such as the inability to cope with the loss of a loved one, food insecurity, housing needs, family disagreements, injuries sustained, etc. If something stands out in a conversation with a senior, the volunteer notes this in their weekly report, and the case is then referred to the Strathcona Place Outreach Team (SPOT) for follow-up.