Voluntary Work Options in Canada
Option 1: Therapeutic Horse Riding Centre BC
Volunteers will work providing horseback riding lessons for people with disabilities. These riding lessons are highly sought after for their therapeutic value to each individual. You will assist adults and children to ride each week. Volunteer tasks would include: Assisting riders with balancing and interpreting instructor directions, Leading and exercising horses, Horse grooming, Administration of riding centre, teaching classes, etc.
Option 2: Therapeutic Sailing Programme
This sailing foundation assists in the rehabilitation of youth at risk or people with disabilities through the sport and recreation of sailing by providing social interaction, leadership and guidance in a controlled, supervised and safe manor. Volunteers help participants get ready for their sail and assist them with sailing. The program has three lessons a day, five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday), volunteers can help out with as many as possible.
Option 3: School or Summer Camp Volunteer
The vision of the school is to provide educational opportunities that empower children to create fundamental social change towards more fulfilling and ecologically sustainable communities. To this end, they have chosen a teaching approach that models bioregional philosophies and provides freedom of expression and choice to students. The only requirement is that they do go biking twice a week and ask that the volunteers be able to go too. During the summer months you can volunteer at summer camps. There will be a more in depth screening process for volunteers wishing to work with children with disabilities.
Option 4: Art and Culture Volunteer
Working within a gallery you'll be involved in greeting visitors, answering questions, helping with coat check, working in gift shops and possibly helping with tours for children. Working within local studios you'll work directly with people. You may have the opportunity to direct classes for people with physical and developmental disabilities or senior citizens. Placements are also available in other arts and culture centres and heritage sites.
Option 5: Nature and Wildlife Volunteer
For outdoors and nature lovers, get your hands dirty working on a nature conservation site or wildlife sanctuary. Nature volunteers will help with trail maintenance, work with native plants, gardening, contribute to public education initiatives, fundraising and much more. Wildlife volunteers will work with native species to Canada, helping feed animals and prepare food, cleaning cages, showing visitors around, taking care of injured animals, grounds maintenance, and administrative duties.
Option 6: Create your own volunteer project
We can find a project in the general fields below or based on your hobbies, previous skills or employment. This way we can ensure you the perfect volunteer placement for your gap year abroad.
- Environment and Nature Projects
- Social Service Programmes
- Health, Therapy & Recreation Programmes
- Education Programmes
- Fine Arts & Culture Programmes
If you have particular interests or skills that you think could be of value, please talk to us, as we may be able to organise the perfect volunteer placement for you.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Orientation on arrival
- Volunteer Project
- All Accommodation
- All Meals
- Airport Transfer upon arrival
- Full support and assistance from your co-ordinator throughout your time in Victoria and Vancouver
- Buddy list of other volunteers before you go
- 24 hour support number and contact for emergencies
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Transport to and from volunteer project (approx. £28/38€ per month)
- All items of a personal nature, such as souvenirs, gifts, clothing (work and other)
- E-mail or phone charges
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary in Canada
Prices and Durations
Canada Community and Wildlife Volunteers - 4 weeks Homestay £1,199
Canada Community and Wildlife Volunteers - 5 weeks Homestay £1,399
Canada Community and Wildlife Volunteers - 6 weeks Homestay £1,599
Canada Community and Wildlife Volunteers - 7 weeks Homestay £1,799
Canada Community and Wildlife Volunteers - 8 weeks Homestay £1,999
Canada Community and Wildlife Volunteers - 12 weeks Homestay £2,499
