Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society
250-763-4613, info.efry@coefs.ca, www.coefs.ca
The Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society is a feminist organization whose mission is to support and empower all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. As the Central Okanagan’s only Sexual Assault Centre, we are focused on bringing about an end to violence, seeking justice for survivors, and offering support through intervention services, counselling, safety planning, youth prevention programs and more.
250-762-3536, resource@childhoodconnections.ca, www.childhoodconnections.ca
Childhood Connections has supported children, families and childcare providers in our community for over 43 years. Our programs and services have grown and changed to adapt to the different needs of our community. Nourish Families Initiative delivers free meals and child development supports/resources to our families-in-need. Made possible by our local partners Relvas Catering and Dunnenzies who offer a buy-one-give-one meal! Volunteer program facilitators and delivery drivers WANTED!
250-469-8759, recreation@kelowna.ca, www.kelowna.ca/volunteer
Volunteers assist adults with DiverseAbilities participating in recreational programs, summer camps or special events or one-on-one with individuals in our aquatic and fitness centre. Positions are primarily located at Parkinson Recreation Centre, but other locations may be available. Training and ongoing support are provided.
250-979-3941, general@adaptiveadventures.ca, www.adaptiveadventures.ca
“The most incredible thing I’ve ever done”, “it opened my eyes to how much I can actually help” “I smile every time I think about the trips I’ve been on” Have fun, be challenged, and contribute to your community helping people who face barriers to outdoor recreation. Training is provided. Join our Adaptive Adventures – cycling, hiking, paddling, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and nordic skiing. We are CRIS. Let the adventure begin!
250.860-3181, connectcounselling@shaw.ca, www.connectcounsellingsociety.ca
Connect Counselling & Therapy Society (formerly known as the Kelowna Family Centre) is a charitable nonprofit society that has been providing “Counselling for the Community” since 1986. Our highly skilled counsellors provide free/affordable leading-edge counselling supporting mental wellbeing. Connect Counselling offers individual and group counselling for men, women, children/youth, couples, seniors and families, alongside trauma counselling for women who have experienced intimate partner violence, or childhood abuse.
250-899-6381, info@coolarts.ca, www.coolarts.ca
Cool Arts Society provides fine arts opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the Central Okanagan. Everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves through the arts and that disabilities shouldn’t interfere with this choice. Cool Arts offers weekly art programs in our studio at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Our website has info about our community art nights open to the public & our Patron Program.
250-215-0868, kelowna@dressforsuccess.org, www.dfskelowna.org
Dress for Success Kelowna is part of a Canadian national organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence. As the only national organization that works exclusively with women on pre-employment and workplace retention, we have free of charge programs for our clients, that include one on one advice, practical, technical and soft skills development as well as providing interview & work clothing. We are a strong, coordinated, and powerful team focused on our gender response to unemployment. Join our team and help change some one’s life today!
250-870-9094, info@elevationoutdoors.ca, www.elevationoutdoors.ca
Elevation Outdoors improves the lives of socially and financially disadvantaged youth through exciting outdoor programs! With the help of passionate volunteers, we run programs that teach youth to snowboard, mountain bike, rock climb and hike. Join our team and share your passion to help us make a difference in the lives of Kelowna youth.
gecco@bccic.ca, bccic.ca/gecco, globalcitizenevents.com
GECCO is a Chapter of the BC Council for International Cooperation. We partner with Global Citizen Events to offer volunteer opportunities in a variety of activities. We welcome volunteers who wish to connect, educate, and motivate transformative change in the Okanagan community to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Look for GECCO activities on our website, sign up for our mailing list, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (@GECCOBC).
778-755-4346, volunteer@hfhokanan.ca, hfhokanagan.ca
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Okanagan and the ReStore is a rich and meaningful experience. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with others who share similar values and to give back to the community in a way that directly impacts local families. Volunteers are the life of our organization. Together they have contributed their time, talents and enthusiasm for approximately 30,000 hours every year. For more information head to hfhokanagan.ca/volunteer.
250-712-2007, admin@hopeforthenations.com, www.hopeforthenations.com
Hope for The Nations was founded in Kelowna 25 years ago. We work in 21 countries, serving children at risk through nurturing, healthcare, education, feeding programs, shelter, and HOPE. Here in The Okanagan, we run a breakfast program, Food for Thought, which feeds 1500 children who are facing food insecurity every day in our schools. Join us and help make a difference in the lives of children at risk.
250-864-0399, info@hopeokanagan.com, www.hopeokanagan.com
A womens’ organization that operates 7 nights per week, serving women who are homeless, addicted and exploited. In the Kelowna and Vernon areas, Outreach supplies, Bad Date Reports, Harm Reduction, Naloxone and services are offered. Teams of two women. Narcan Teams have men and women volunteers. Monthly Orientations and full training provided.
250-862-4200, heather-anne.haney@interiorhealth.ca, www.interiorhealth.ca
The 4 long-term care homes in the Central Okanagan have volunteers who assist in many ways. Opportunities exist no matter your age. Whether you enjoy visiting, helping with a program, special event or an outing, volunteers help to brighten the day for the people who live at Brookhaven, Cottonwoods, David Lloyd-Jones and Three Links. Call us at 250.212.8418 for more information. Be a Friend, Be a Neighbour, Be a Volunteer!
250-980-1558, kristin.cleary@interiorhealth.ca, www.interiorhealth.ca
Volunteering within the community care program you will be directly impacting the lives of those you are assisting, their families and our communities. Interior Health has opportunities at the baby clinics and Adult Day Services to help organize equipment as well as greet and make clients feel welcome and at ease. Whether you enjoy visiting, special events or activities – volunteers help brighten the day for everyone!
250-763-8008, info@kcr.ca, www.kcr.ca
Volunteers are a vital part of many of KCR’s programs and services. Help newcomers feel welcome in our community. Provide support and resources to assist people in crisis. Become a mentor to a young mother and connect her with community resources. Share your knowledge and expertise as a workshop facilitator. Provide practical support and connection for newcomers seeking employment. All activities are conducted with the safety of our volunteers, participants and staff in mind.
Crisis Line
250-763-8117, sharesociety.kd@gmail.com, www.sharesocietykelowna.com
SHARE Society has remained true to its roots from its beginning in the 1970s, assisting Vietnamese refugees to settle in Canada. SHARE is a local, non-denominational, non-political, non-profit charity dedicated to creating opportunities for people in need in Kelowna. Our hard-working, and diverse volunteer group is vital to SHARE’s impact. SHARE is flexible, gives training, uses skills, and gives valuable work experience. Positions available include; Retail, Sorting, Administration, Social Media, Program Assistance, Repair and Maintenance, Seasonal, and more.
250-762-2226, info@kelownaartgallery.com, kelownaartgallery.com
Help to foster a community that appreciates visual art and its ability to bring us together. Be a part of the team that hosts over 6,000 students annually, and puts on exciting artistic events throughout the year.
JOIN US:
kg4africa@gmail.com, kelownagrandmothersforafrica.com
We support African grandmothers carrying overwhelming responsibility for raising children orphaned by AIDS. We strive to help them nurture and raise a healthy, self-sufficient next generation. Affiliated with the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, our activities help fund grassroots initiatives in African communities identified as having the greatest need.
Sherry 587-988-0093, Roberta 250-763-7542
The Kelowna Lioness club serves the community by helping Freedom’s Door, Now Canada, Camp Winfield, and numerous other venues. We fundraise through bake sales, flea markets and other events that occur. We make donations to Camp Winfield, our local cancer clinic, diabetes camp, Heart & Stroke, Now Canada, Project Literacy, KGH and many more. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month September to June.
250-769-3725, kdpcasociety@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/groups/371912526326613
We have advocated for Reproductive Choice for over 20 years. Our society supports access to all reproductive choices including reliable, safe contraception and abortion services. We provide a voice to ensure these services remain readily available. A strong membership is essential to our effectiveness in being heard. Support choice, check out our Facebook page. Become a member.
250-763-3737 ext 204,sonja@kelownagospelmission.ca, www.kelownagospelmission.ca
For over 40 years we have cared for the most vulnerable in our community. You can make an impact by joining our dedicated team of volunteers, creating an environment of forward momentum for people we serve. There are many diverse volunteer opportunities, whether you like to work directly with people or behind the scenes, helping with a meal, helping our guests access services, or in our Thrift Store.
250-317-9877, infomaddokanagan@gmail.com, www.maddchapters.ca/centralokanagan
Our mission is to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime. MADD Canada volunteers include not only mothers but fathers, friends, business professionals, experts in the anti-impaired driving field and concerned citizens who want to make a difference in the fight against impaired driving. Committed volunteers with a passion for stopping impaired driving in our community are always welcome at our Chapter.
250-306-6307, kelowna@missionthriftstore.com, missionthriftstore.com/store/kelowna
Mission Thrift Store Kelowna is a friendly non-profit, volunteer-driven local thrift store that is a that has been serving Kelowna since 1992. We offer high quality gently used clothing, furniture, home decor, books, toys, and housewares at affordable prices. The store supports the community and is involved in reaching into the rest of the world by supporting the Joint Ministry of BFM Foundation (Canada) and Bible League Canada.
250-870-8991, coksupport@okfosterparents.ca, www.fosteringokanagan.com
Are you passionate about helping others? You might not think you have what it takes to be a foster parent, but you probably do. All you need is the desire to make a difference in the life of a child/youth. Consider opening your heart and your home – become a foster parent and make a difference in your community! For more information, give us a call today at 250.870.8991.
888-575-3930, contact@teenchallengebc.com, www.teenchallengebc.com/okanagan
The Okanagan Men’s Centre is affiliated with Adult & Teen Challenge, one of the most successful recovery programs in the world with 60+ years of experience and 1400+ centres around the globe. Our proven success is not because of the “program” itself, but because we see God dramatically changes lives. Men who graduate from our year-long residential program secure increased opportunities to restore their families with long-lasting freedom from addiction.
250-767-0141, wellnesscentre@shaw.ca, www.peachlandwellnesscentre.ca
The Peachland Wellness Centre (PWC) provides programs and services that connect people through support, education, information, referral and outreach. PWC values volunteers and collaborates with other community members and organizations. PWC would not be able to operate without the support of volunteers. If you are interested in being part of this wonderful organization the possibilities are endless! Check our website for the many opportunities available.
250-763-0456, info@thebridgeservices.ca, www.thebridgeservices.ca
The Bridge: we transform lives and build community. We have a number of volunteer opportunities available from baby hugging to special events and fundraising. We look forward to helping you find the right volunteer opportunity with our organization.
1-866-902-3767, selfmgmt@uvic.ca, www.selfmanagementbc.ca/home
UVIC Self-Management BC Health Coach Program is a telephone-based coaching program designed to support people living with chronic conditions to become better self-managers. Coaches attend a two-day webinar training and then connect with participants by telephone, once a week for 30 minutes, for a period of three months. Coaches are volunteers from all walks of life who share a passion for giving back to the community.
250-491-9622, www.ymcaokanagan.ca
The YMCA of Okanagan was established over 35 years ago as a cause-driven charity with a mission dedicated to building healthy individuals and communities. We provide a wide range of programs and services with a focus on inclusiveness and accessibility, serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.
250-763-4613, info.efry@coefs.ca, www.coefs.ca
The Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society is a feminist organization whose mission is to support and empower all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. As the Central Okanagan’s only Sexual Assault Centre, we are focused on bringing about an end to violence, seeking justice for survivors, and offering support through intervention services, counselling, safety planning, youth prevention programs and more.
Childhood Connections – Okanagan Family & Childcare Society
250-762-3536, resource@childhoodconnections.ca, www.childhoodconnections.ca
Childhood Connections has supported children, families and childcare providers in our community for over 43 years. Our programs and services have grown and changed to adapt to the different needs of our community. Nourish Families Initiative delivers free meals and child development supports/resources to our families-in-need. Made possible by our local partners Relvas Catering and Dunnenzies who offer a buy-one-give-one meal! Volunteer program facilitators and delivery drivers WANTED!
City of Kelowna
250-469-8759, recreation@kelowna.ca, www.kelowna.ca/volunteer
Volunteers assist adults with DiverseAbilities participating in recreational programs, summer camps or special events or one-on-one with individuals in our aquatic and fitness centre. Positions are primarily located at Parkinson Recreation Centre, but other locations may be available. Training and ongoing support are provided.
Community Recreational Initiatives Society (CRIS) Adaptive Adventures
250-979-3941, general@adaptiveadventures.ca, www.adaptiveadventures.ca
“The most incredible thing I’ve ever done”, “it opened my eyes to how much I can actually help” “I smile every time I think about the trips I’ve been on” Have fun, be challenged, and contribute to your community helping people who face barriers to outdoor recreation. Training is provided. Join our Adaptive Adventures – cycling, hiking, paddling, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and nordic skiing. We are CRIS. Let the adventure begin!
Connect Counselling & Therapy
250.860-3181, connectcounselling@shaw.ca, www.connectcounsellingsociety.ca
Connect Counselling & Therapy Society (formerly known as the Kelowna Family Centre) is a charitable nonprofit society that has been providing “Counselling for the Community” since 1986. Our highly skilled counsellors provide free/affordable leading-edge counselling supporting mental wellbeing. Connect Counselling offers individual and group counselling for men, women, children/youth, couples, seniors and families, alongside trauma counselling for women who have experienced intimate partner violence, or childhood abuse.
Cool Arts Society
250-899-6381, info@coolarts.ca, www.coolarts.ca
Cool Arts Society provides fine arts opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities in the Central Okanagan. Everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves through the arts and that disabilities shouldn’t interfere with this choice. Cool Arts offers weekly art programs in our studio at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Our website has info about our community art nights open to the public & our Patron Program.
Dress for Success Kelowna
250-215-0868, kelowna@dressforsuccess.org, www.dfskelowna.org
Dress for Success Kelowna is part of a Canadian national organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence. As the only national organization that works exclusively with women on pre-employment and workplace retention, we have free of charge programs for our clients, that include one on one advice, practical, technical and soft skills development as well as providing interview & work clothing. We are a strong, coordinated, and powerful team focused on our gender response to unemployment. Join our team and help change some one’s life today!
Elevation Outdoors
250-870-9094, info@elevationoutdoors.ca, www.elevationoutdoors.ca
Elevation Outdoors improves the lives of socially and financially disadvantaged youth through exciting outdoor programs! With the help of passionate volunteers, we run programs that teach youth to snowboard, mountain bike, rock climb and hike. Join our team and share your passion to help us make a difference in the lives of Kelowna youth.
Global Empowerment Coalition of the Central Okanagan
gecco@bccic.ca, bccic.ca/gecco, globalcitizenevents.com
GECCO is a Chapter of the BC Council for International Cooperation. We partner with Global Citizen Events to offer volunteer opportunities in a variety of activities. We welcome volunteers who wish to connect, educate, and motivate transformative change in the Okanagan community to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Look for GECCO activities on our website, sign up for our mailing list, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (@GECCOBC).
Habitat for Humanity Okanagan
778-755-4346, volunteer@hfhokanan.ca, hfhokanagan.ca
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Okanagan and the ReStore is a rich and meaningful experience. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with others who share similar values and to give back to the community in a way that directly impacts local families. Volunteers are the life of our organization. Together they have contributed their time, talents and enthusiasm for approximately 30,000 hours every year. For more information head to hfhokanagan.ca/volunteer.
Hope for the Nations – Food for Thought
250-712-2007, admin@hopeforthenations.com, www.hopeforthenations.com
Hope for The Nations was founded in Kelowna 25 years ago. We work in 21 countries, serving children at risk through nurturing, healthcare, education, feeding programs, shelter, and HOPE. Here in The Okanagan, we run a breakfast program, Food for Thought, which feeds 1500 children who are facing food insecurity every day in our schools. Join us and help make a difference in the lives of children at risk.
HOPE Outreach
250-864-0399, info@hopeokanagan.com, www.hopeokanagan.com
A womens’ organization that operates 7 nights per week, serving women who are homeless, addicted and exploited. In the Kelowna and Vernon areas, Outreach supplies, Bad Date Reports, Harm Reduction, Naloxone and services are offered. Teams of two women. Narcan Teams have men and women volunteers. Monthly Orientations and full training provided.
Interior Health Long Term Care
250-862-4200, heather-anne.haney@interiorhealth.ca, www.interiorhealth.ca
The 4 long-term care homes in the Central Okanagan have volunteers who assist in many ways. Opportunities exist no matter your age. Whether you enjoy visiting, helping with a program, special event or an outing, volunteers help to brighten the day for the people who live at Brookhaven, Cottonwoods, David Lloyd-Jones and Three Links. Call us at 250.212.8418 for more information. Be a Friend, Be a Neighbour, Be a Volunteer!
Interior Health Community Care
250-980-1558, kristin.cleary@interiorhealth.ca, www.interiorhealth.ca
Volunteering within the community care program you will be directly impacting the lives of those you are assisting, their families and our communities. Interior Health has opportunities at the baby clinics and Adult Day Services to help organize equipment as well as greet and make clients feel welcome and at ease. Whether you enjoy visiting, special events or activities – volunteers help brighten the day for everyone!
KCR Community Resources
250-763-8008, info@kcr.ca, www.kcr.ca
Volunteers are a vital part of many of KCR’s programs and services. Help newcomers feel welcome in our community. Provide support and resources to assist people in crisis. Become a mentor to a young mother and connect her with community resources. Share your knowledge and expertise as a workshop facilitator. Provide practical support and connection for newcomers seeking employment. All activities are conducted with the safety of our volunteers, participants and staff in mind.
Crisis Line
Family Friend Program
Immigrant Services Settlement & Employment Mentorship
Kelowna & District S.H.A.R.E. Society
250-763-8117, sharesociety.kd@gmail.com, www.sharesocietykelowna.com
SHARE Society has remained true to its roots from its beginning in the 1970s, assisting Vietnamese refugees to settle in Canada. SHARE is a local, non-denominational, non-political, non-profit charity dedicated to creating opportunities for people in need in Kelowna. Our hard-working, and diverse volunteer group is vital to SHARE’s impact. SHARE is flexible, gives training, uses skills, and gives valuable work experience. Positions available include; Retail, Sorting, Administration, Social Media, Program Assistance, Repair and Maintenance, Seasonal, and more.
Kelowna Art Gallery
250-762-2226, info@kelownaartgallery.com, kelownaartgallery.com
Help to foster a community that appreciates visual art and its ability to bring us together. Be a part of the team that hosts over 6,000 students annually, and puts on exciting artistic events throughout the year.
JOIN US:
- Docents – assist with school tours for children in grades K-12 (weekly commitment)
- Special Events – assist with opening receptions, artist’s talks, and fundraisers (casual; event-to-event basis)
Kelowna Grandmothers for Africa
kg4africa@gmail.com, kelownagrandmothersforafrica.com
We support African grandmothers carrying overwhelming responsibility for raising children orphaned by AIDS. We strive to help them nurture and raise a healthy, self-sufficient next generation. Affiliated with the Stephen Lewis Foundation Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, our activities help fund grassroots initiatives in African communities identified as having the greatest need.
Kelowna Lioness Club
Sherry 587-988-0093, Roberta 250-763-7542
The Kelowna Lioness club serves the community by helping Freedom’s Door, Now Canada, Camp Winfield, and numerous other venues. We fundraise through bake sales, flea markets and other events that occur. We make donations to Camp Winfield, our local cancer clinic, diabetes camp, Heart & Stroke, Now Canada, Project Literacy, KGH and many more. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month September to June.
Kelowna Prochoice Action Society
250-769-3725, kdpcasociety@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/groups/371912526326613
We have advocated for Reproductive Choice for over 20 years. Our society supports access to all reproductive choices including reliable, safe contraception and abortion services. We provide a voice to ensure these services remain readily available. A strong membership is essential to our effectiveness in being heard. Support choice, check out our Facebook page. Become a member.
Kelowna’s Gospel Mission
250-763-3737 ext 204,sonja@kelownagospelmission.ca, www.kelownagospelmission.ca
For over 40 years we have cared for the most vulnerable in our community. You can make an impact by joining our dedicated team of volunteers, creating an environment of forward momentum for people we serve. There are many diverse volunteer opportunities, whether you like to work directly with people or behind the scenes, helping with a meal, helping our guests access services, or in our Thrift Store.
MADD Central Okanagan
250-317-9877, infomaddokanagan@gmail.com, www.maddchapters.ca/centralokanagan
Our mission is to stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime. MADD Canada volunteers include not only mothers but fathers, friends, business professionals, experts in the anti-impaired driving field and concerned citizens who want to make a difference in the fight against impaired driving. Committed volunteers with a passion for stopping impaired driving in our community are always welcome at our Chapter.
Mission Thrift Store Kelowna
250-306-6307, kelowna@missionthriftstore.com, missionthriftstore.com/store/kelowna
Mission Thrift Store Kelowna is a friendly non-profit, volunteer-driven local thrift store that is a that has been serving Kelowna since 1992. We offer high quality gently used clothing, furniture, home decor, books, toys, and housewares at affordable prices. The store supports the community and is involved in reaching into the rest of the world by supporting the Joint Ministry of BFM Foundation (Canada) and Bible League Canada.
Okanagan Foster Parent Association
250-870-8991, coksupport@okfosterparents.ca, www.fosteringokanagan.com
Are you passionate about helping others? You might not think you have what it takes to be a foster parent, but you probably do. All you need is the desire to make a difference in the life of a child/youth. Consider opening your heart and your home – become a foster parent and make a difference in your community! For more information, give us a call today at 250.870.8991.
Okanagan Men’s Centre
888-575-3930, contact@teenchallengebc.com, www.teenchallengebc.com/okanagan
The Okanagan Men’s Centre is affiliated with Adult & Teen Challenge, one of the most successful recovery programs in the world with 60+ years of experience and 1400+ centres around the globe. Our proven success is not because of the “program” itself, but because we see God dramatically changes lives. Men who graduate from our year-long residential program secure increased opportunities to restore their families with long-lasting freedom from addiction.
Peachland Wellness Centre
250-767-0141, wellnesscentre@shaw.ca, www.peachlandwellnesscentre.ca
The Peachland Wellness Centre (PWC) provides programs and services that connect people through support, education, information, referral and outreach. PWC values volunteers and collaborates with other community members and organizations. PWC would not be able to operate without the support of volunteers. If you are interested in being part of this wonderful organization the possibilities are endless! Check our website for the many opportunities available.
The Bridge Youth & Family Services Society
250-763-0456, info@thebridgeservices.ca, www.thebridgeservices.ca
The Bridge: we transform lives and build community. We have a number of volunteer opportunities available from baby hugging to special events and fundraising. We look forward to helping you find the right volunteer opportunity with our organization.
UVIC Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health, Self-Management BC
1-866-902-3767, selfmgmt@uvic.ca, www.selfmanagementbc.ca/home
UVIC Self-Management BC Health Coach Program is a telephone-based coaching program designed to support people living with chronic conditions to become better self-managers. Coaches attend a two-day webinar training and then connect with participants by telephone, once a week for 30 minutes, for a period of three months. Coaches are volunteers from all walks of life who share a passion for giving back to the community.
YMCA of Okanagan
250-491-9622, www.ymcaokanagan.ca
The YMCA of Okanagan was established over 35 years ago as a cause-driven charity with a mission dedicated to building healthy individuals and communities. We provide a wide range of programs and services with a focus on inclusiveness and accessibility, serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.
