How to apply as a volunteer

What is a Volunteer?

A volunteer is defined as: One who enters into or offers her/himself for a service of her/his own free will, usually without regard for compensation. A voluntary act is when people take responsibility for shaping their communities and their country. Volunteers work without compensation or expectation of compensation beyond reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses (where possible.)

A volunteer is a person who unselfishly gives his or her time and talent to help other people help themselves. A volunteer is someone who believes that people can make a difference and is willing to demonstrate it.

Why are Volunteers Needed in Hospice?

90% of Canadians wish to remain in their own homes during the final stages of life

75% of deaths today still take place in hospitals and long-term care facilities

5%-15% of Canadians have access to hospice palliative care services

6% of informal caregivers feel they can adequately care for their loved ones without hospice palliative care support

70% of informal caregivers acknowledge that providing care is stressful and indicate they need a break from this responsibility

Each week, your gift of time will help nourish and sustain the quality of life for someone living with a terminal illness.

Who are Hospice Volunteers?

What kind of person volunteers for an agency that supports people who are dying? The hospice volunteers, like our clients, vary in age, ethnicity, faith, gender, sexual orientation, and professional backgrounds. A large number of the people who want to journey with the dying do this work because they too have experienced the death of a loved one and it has changed their lives. Many volunteers often state their life is rich and fulfilled and they feel the desire to “give back” to the community.

Benefits of Volunteering

In addition to contributing to our cause, the hospice recognizes that volunteers want their experience to be rewarding. Some examples of the benefits of volunteering include:

• Making a difference in people's lives
• Networking
• Developing skills and experience
• Ongoing education and development
• Bringing about social/organizational change

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi

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