Community Connections Program
In this program, Columbia College will cover the employment costs for students to work on projects and provide support services to local community-based organizations.
Students will gain valuable paid Canadian work experience by collaborating with local organizations in British Columbia.
Current Off-Campus Work Opportunities
Below you can find current opportunities in several industries.
Sales and Marketing
Join the energetic team at Anytime Fitness Denman! This role is perfect for someone passionate about health, customer service, and sales. Responsibilities include gym tours, membership sales, and supporting members in a welcoming environment. Previous experience in sales or customer service is preferred.
Apply Here: Anytime Fitness Application Portal
Love chai, chatting with people, and creating content? Masala Factory is hiring an outgoing, food-loving sales representative to run their farmers market booth and boost their online presence. If you’re into storytelling, sales, and all things spicy, this summer role is for you!
Apply Here: Masala Factory on Indeed
Love content creation and fashion marketing? J76 Bamboo Wear is hiring a creative, social media-savvy Marketing Assistant to support online sales, design engaging posts, and update their Shopify website. A great opportunity for students interested in fitness, fashion, or eco-conscious branding!
Apply Here: J76 Bamboo Wear on Indeed
IT and Technology
Tech-savvy and love helping people? Staples Canada is hiring a Wireless Consultant to support customers with the latest phones, plans, and tech solutions. If you’re outgoing, curious, and have some sales experience, this is your chance to grow with a supportive and inclusive team.
Apply Here: Staples Canada
Are you passionate about technology and helping others? Join Best Buy as a Store Technical Service Representative and assist customers with computer setups, diagnostics, and repairs. If you’re enthusiastic about tech and enjoy problem-solving, this flexible part-time role is a great fit.
Apply Here: Best Buy
Food Industry
Are you passionate about hospitality and delivering exceptional service? Join Tap and Barrel as a Host/Food Runner! In this role, you’ll ensure guests have a great experience while helping deliver food and maintain a smooth dining environment. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and love working with a supportive team, this position is for you.
Apply Here: Tap and Barrel Careers on Indeed
Join the Nando’s Flame-Grilled Chicken team as a Fast Food Cook! If you’re passionate about food and customer service, this role is for you. You’ll be responsible for preparing and cooking delicious meals while maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards. Previous experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment is a plus, and a Food Safety Certification is preferred.
Apply Here: Nando’s Flame-Grilled Chicken Careers on Indeed
Join the Lee’s Donuts Brentwood team as a Donut Server! If you love delivering excellent customer service and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this is the role for you. As a Server, you’ll be responsible for greeting guests, taking orders, upselling menu items, and assisting with donut preparation. A Food Handler Certification and previous customer service experience are preferred.
Apply Here: Lee’s Donuts Brentwood Careers on Indeed
Health and Wellness Industry
Join the Shoppers Drug Mart team as a Pharmacy Assistant! In this role, you’ll assist with prescription dispensing, customer service, and pharmacy operations, ensuring superior service and accuracy. Key duties include gathering prescription info, assisting with medication preparation, maintaining prescription workflow, and handling customer inquiries. Prior pharmacy experience or a diploma in Pharmacy Assistant courses is preferred, along with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Apply Here: Shoppers Drug Mart Careers on Workday
ClearLight Eyecare is hiring an Optometric Assistant to join their boutique-style clinic in North Vancouver. No optical experience? No problem — full training is provided! You’ll help with pre-tests, appointment scheduling, eyewear sales, and supporting daily clinic operations. Ideal candidates are customer-focused, detail-oriented, and comfortable multitasking in a fast-paced, team-based setting.
Apply Here: ClearLight Eyecare on Indeed
Social Development
Join the Pacific Coast Community Resources team as a Community Support Worker! In this role, you’ll support individuals in community homes by assisting with daily living, medication administration, and personal care while fostering independence and inclusion. Responsibilities include implementing service plans, maintaining health records, supporting household tasks, and building positive relationships with families and community members.
Apply Here: Pacific Coast Community Resources on LinkedIn
Join the Spectrum Society for Community Living as a Community Support Worker! Support a gentleman in living an active and fulfilling life by assisting with daily activities, personal care, and community engagement such as swimming and sailing. The role requires physical strength for wheelchair support, effective verbal/written communication, and attentiveness to non-verbal cues. Ideal for individuals with patience, compassion, and the ability to support people with anxiety. Class 5 driver’s license required. On-the-job training is provided.
Apply Here: Spectrum Society
Union Gospel Mission (UGM) is hiring a Community Outreach Worker to engage with and support individuals in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. This role is ideal for someone with strong interpersonal skills, a heart for service, and a desire to work in a faith-based, diverse environment. You’ll assist clients in crisis, working alongside a supportive team. UGM offers a compassionate workplace, paid benefits, generous leave, RRSP matching, and development opportunities. Applicants must align with UGM’s Christian values, hold a valid driver’s license, and pass a vulnerable sector background check.
Apply Here: UGM
Others
Guardteck Security is seeking experienced Tactical Security Guards for shopping centre assignments in Surrey, BC. In this role, you’ll provide high-level customer service while managing security issues such as handling vagrants and intoxicated individuals, de-escalating conflicts, and completing detailed incident reports. Requirements include a valid BC Security License, OFA Level 1 certification, at least one year of relevant experience, and strong verbal and written communication skills. Advanced Security Training is preferred but not mandatory. Applicants must be physically fit, observant, professional, and confident in managing high-pressure situations.
Apply Here: Guardteck Security Application
Paladin Security is hiring a Mobile Driver to support healthcare sites across Vancouver during night shifts. In this role, you will conduct patrols, escorts, and lock/unlock duties, while responding promptly to emergent incidents with critical thinking and leadership. You’ll liaise regularly with the Operations Centre, client stakeholders, and emergency services, and provide detailed, accurate reporting. Strong communication, customer service, and decision-making skills are essential.
Apply Here: Paladin Security Application
Pristine Labour is a temp work agency in Vancouver, offering skilled labour to clients in the Lower Mainland for warehouse, construction and other related. Pristine Labour is always looking for temporary labourers of all experience levels (including ticketed carpenters) to work with our national clients. If you are handy with a broom, can swing a hammer or use a shovel, and want to work in the construction industry, contact us! We have work for you! We also have work for those interested in working in manufacturing or warehousing. What we offer is a friendly team to assist you to not only find work, but to keep you working. Moving from client to client, you get the opportunity to experience many different work sites, and to meet lots of travelers and friendly local Canadians.
Apply Here: Pristine Labour Job Portal
Purdys Chocolatier is delighted to have been voted by our employees as one of the Canada’s Best Employers. This esteemed award is a testament to the rich texture of our history and our more than 100 years of dedication to quality, trust, tradition, and innovation. The Purdys difference is that we truly recognize the value of our people. We reward you with competitive compensation, recognition for your achievements, opportunities for ongoing training to grow professionally and personally, delicious perks, and much, much more.
Apply Here: Purdys Job Portal
At T&T, we are proud to continue supporting our community as an essential service during this unprecedented time. Join T&T and move forward together with us. We take great pride in serving and giving back to our community where help is needed most.
Apply Here: T&T Job Portal
The Universal Group is an industry leader in traffic control services, traffic management planning, equipment supply, landscaping, construction temporary labour, and occupational health & safety training. We are a growing organization that is looking for the right individuals to join our team! Depending on the role we offer full time, part time, and work from home structures. Current openings include: traffic control people, general & skilled labourers, receptionist, accountant, recruiter, and account manager.
Apply Here: The Universal Group Job Portal
Explore your next opportunity at a Fortune Global 500 organization. Envision innovative possibilities, experience our rewarding culture, and work with talented teams that help you become better every day. We know what it takes to lead UPS into tomorrow—people with a unique combination of skill + passion. If you have the qualities and drive to lead yourself or teams, there are roles ready to cultivate your skills and take you to the next level.
Apply Here: UPS Job Portal
Current Off-Campus Volunteer Opportunities
The following organizations are currently looking for volunteers
Non-Profit
Food Recovery Program Volunteers Wanted!
Description
Focused on food security, A Better Life Foundation provides daily meals, training, education, and practice inclusive hiring and takes climate change action to make a direct, meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. We have been working to end food insecurity in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) and other forms of inequities in wellbeing and self-actualization including, barriers to employment, social isolation, stigmatization, or ostracisation, for the last ten years with a small team and a large amount of passion.
Our Volunteer Opportunity
As part of our commitment to sustainable practices, we developed a food recovery program, diverting literal tons of edible food from local grocery stores, yet headed to the landfill, and redistributing them through our meal programs and to other community groups. Since June 2020, we’ve saved over 71 metric tonnes of perfectly good food from being wasted and offset 76,000kg of Carbon!
We are looking for committed weekly volunteers to support our Food Recovery Chef in the prepping and cooking of 100+ meals and in the collection, sorting and redistribution of the recovered food intakes.
We have volunteer shifts available:
- From Monday to Friday
- 4 hours long
- From 10am to 2pm each day
What to expect?
If you’re passionate about cooking, food rescue, and alleviating food insecurity, then this opportunity might just be the right fit for you!
With multiple programs and over 1500 meals to prepare and distribute per day, you will be volunteering as part of an energetic and lively team, chopping and mixing to the rhythm of our chef’s music playlist!
Some lifting may be involved but we organise the tasks according to everyone’s abilities.
Skills & Knowledge Students will Gain
We thrive in being able to positively influence young allies’ career paths and hope that the hands-on skills developed during this placement impacts their professional and personal trajectory.
This position will offer you the opportunity to:
- Be part of the community of advocates on the importance of food security for people living in the DTES.
- Fostering empathy and giving opportunities for meaningful connection between communities of people.
- We run an incredibly successful Training and Employment Program, partnering with local employment groups to provide training and jobs to hundreds of people with traditional barriers to employment. You will thus see first hand and learn first hand the positive impact that respect, care and practices that comes for furthering an inclusive and accessible workplace.
- Learn foundational cooking, nutrition and sustainable practice skills.
What are we looking for?
- Enjoys team work and dynamic environment
- A fondness for cooking
- Attention to details
- Reliability and Punctuality
Where are we located?
We are located at the former Save On Meat Diner, at 43 West Hastings Street. Our entrance is accessible from the back alley and will give you the needed directions prior.
How to get in touch with us?
If you’re interested in assisting with this role, we have two ways for you to reach out to us:
Feel free to directly fill out our “VOLUNTEER SIGN UP FORM” which you can access through this link. This will give you the opportunity to give us more information about you, your expectations, and availability so we can evaluate what the best fit would be for you!
Better Environmentally Sound Transportation is a diverse and an all-inclusive Non-profit organization that has been a leader in prooting sustainable transportation since its inception. We are working to enable sustainable and active transportation choices for the community through initiatives such as offering innovative social enterprises, programs and services. Our initiatives led to dramatic improvements to transportation policy and planning in the Greater Vancouver region, and across Canada. We strive to push for better urban planning, cleaner air, and sustainable, equitable and efficient transportation systems.
Interested in applying? Please follow this link to the application portal: https://forms.monday.com/forms/effb91f5e366cd0d7d432178081d7c4b?r=use1
The mandate of the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House is to provide programming and educational, leadership, social and recreational opportunities to residents of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The secular, grassroots Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (DTES NH) embraces people of all ancestries, genders, ages and descriptions; annually welcoming almost 9,000 DTES residents in a community where 70% of our neighbours have low‐incomes, 700 are homeless and 5,000 are under-housed.
Our programming is community inspired and varied, a sampling of which has included a Chinese Elders Community Kitchen, Traditional Aboriginal Community Kitchen, Leadership Development, a Children’s Community Kitchen, Nutritional Outreach Activities (Mobile Smoothie Project and Banana Beat), The Healing Circle, Father’s for Thought, Table Talks project, Family Drop In: Families, Farming and Food, Community Drop-in and the production of a Right to Food Zine.
Volunteers needed:
- Arabic Speaking Volunteer for Drop-In
- Backup Driver
- Yoga Instructor
Please click here to view the volunteer opportunities and details to apply.
Frog Hollow empowers local residents in Hastings-Sunrise
Our volunteers play a key role in building a community together. Due to COVID-19, we have a reduced number of volunteer opportunities available, and many positions are virtual. Even though our programs have been limited, we are so grateful for those who have been side-by-side supporting Frog Hollow during these challenging times. We love and appreciate you all, our volunteers!
Volunteer with Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Come and join us at one of our 13 community food hubs, community events, or our head office and warehouse. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and we couldn’t serve our clients without you!
Volunteer opportunities:
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Food Preservation
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Community Engagement
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Distribution Interpreter (Mandarin/Cantonese)
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Food Distribution
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Agency Restocking
Click here to learn more and to sign up for these volunteering roles.
Contact Volunteer@foodbank.bc.ca or 604-880-7073 if you have any questions.
Community Clean-up with Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre
Volunteers are the nucleus of the Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre (HSCPC). They not only participate in programs and projects, but also play a significant role in the operation and leadership of the centre.
The Community Clean-up program is a year-round initiative that mobilizes volunteers and supports community members to remove litter and graffiti from Hastings Sunrise.We are looking for volunteers to participate in the clean-ups as well as to help organize events and support other participants.
How do I get involved?
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Attend the next volunteer information session to learn more about the Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre (HSCPC), our programs and volunteer opportunities.
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Submit our online volunteer application. The link will be provided to you after attending the info session.
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Meet with our volunteer coordinator to begin the application process and agree to a criminal record check.
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After your application and criminal record check have been successfully processed, we will contact you for follow-up
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Once you become a volunteer, after participating in our orientation and training, you will be able to choose from a variety of opportunities.
Learn more about the Hastings Sunrise Community Police Centre here: hastingssunrisecpc.com
Volunteer with Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House
Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House is a volunteer-driven organization, relying on participation and contributions to maintain and deliver programs. There are many volunteer opportunities within the House from helping in the kitchen to volunteering with house programs or assisting with administrative activities.
Volunteer opportunities are available during the day and the evening. If you want to have fun, meet new people, connect with other community members, build up your skills and give back to the community please join us!
Check out the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House volunteer page for more details on other positions.
Tutors needed for The Distance Computer Comfort at Neil Squire
Volunteer Tutors will teach basic computer and mobile device skills to adults with disabilities. Looking for volunteers who will be able to commit up to 2 hours per week, for about 12 weeks.
Instruction typically includes word processing, Internet, email, social media and mobile devices. Other topics include MS Office software and Assistive Technology. The program is based online and delivered through communication technology which means that the Distance Computer Tutor is able to work from home and on a flexible schedule (ie. mornings, afternoons, evenings, after work, etc). We are especially looking for tutors who are available weekday mornings and afternoons.
The Distance Computer Tutor strives to increase each participant’s level of comfort and independence with computer and mobile device technology. Participants may be located anywhere across Canada. Training can be provided to ensure the Distance Computer Tutor is completely comfortable with the technology and software used.
Please see here to apply and to read more about the volunteer requirements.
Shelter Movers looking for Movers/Drivers
Shelter Mover’s is a volunteer-powered, federally registered charitable organization that provides moving and storage services at no cost to survivors and their children experiencing abuse.
In collaboration with community partners such as YWCA and victim services, our Vancouver chapter completes 25 moves a month, helping women, families, and people transition to safety. Thank you for making the community a safer place!
Shelter Mover’s is looking for new volunteers, especially movers and drivers, as well as move coordinators, fundraisers, grant writers, and volunteer coordinators, to join our amazing team of hard-working, compassionate volunteers! This is a great opportunity for those hoping to affect change on an individual and community level, gain trauma-informed volunteer experience, and connect with other compassionate volunteers.
if interested, please apply here.
Strathcona Community Policing Centre Volunteer Opportunities
The Strathcona Community Policing Centre (SCPC) is looking for students who are ready to get hands on experience while giving back to the community! The SCPC is one of 11 Community Policing Centres, working with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Working in partnership, the SCPC provides various programs and services to the community. We are the bridge between the community and the VPD.
Volunteering with the SCPC will provide students with a number of unique opportunities and invaluable experience that will help their application in the future. Working closely with the staff and Neighbourhood Police Officer (NPO), volunteers will be trained and engage in the following programs/activities:
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Information & Referral Services;
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Community Outreach;
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Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED);
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Diversity & Inclusion;
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Patrol Programs;
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Special Projects including participation in VPD training exercises;
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Road Safety Program; and
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Volunteer Appreciation
If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer (must be 18+ years old), please complete the application form here and email it to the email listed below. You can also apply in person at 872 East Hastings Street. Once the application form is approved, we will make an appointment for an interview. We only require our volunteers to provide a minimum commitment of 4 hours per month. If you have any question, please don’t hesitate to contact me at volunteercoordinator@strathconacpc.ca.
We highly value our volunteers and will provide you with ongoing training, support and encouragement so that you can work efficiently and make positive change in our community.
Community Safety Volunteers with Surrey Crime Prevention Society
Surrey Crime Prevention Society is a not for profit organization an supports communities throughout the City of Surrey. We work in partnership with the City of Surrey, RCMP, Delta Police, ICBC, By-Laws, Business, Social Agencies and other not for profits. Our programs are measured and provide valuable input towards the enhancement of safety in Surrey.
Please see here for the volunteer description of the Community Safety Volunteers
Volunteer Applications can be submitted online at www.preventcrime.ca.
Gain Leadership Experience with YWCA’s Youth Education Programs
Guide to High School program is an all-gender after-school program that aims to support students in the transition to high school by discussing topics such as social media, holistic health, peer pressure, stress management, power dynamics and identity.
- As a Facilitator, you will be supporting Grade 7s in their transition into high school by leading pre-written activities and discussions with a team of other volunteers.
- In this role, you would benefit by: Gaining leadership and facilitation experience along with Inclusive Leadership and Facilitation Certificate
Engaging with your community and connecting with like-minded people
Developing and enhancing interpersonal skills including public speaking, teamwork, conflict resolution, and group management - The program runs from 3-5:30pm, once a week for 8 weeks from April to May. No prior experience needed and we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds! Training will be provided prior to the program as wel
- For more information or to apply, please click here (Fall 2024) or visit https://ywcavan.org/programs/youth-education.
The YWCA Guide to Highschool Program is looking for dedicated Student Volunteer Leaders to support Grade 7 students in their transition to high school. This is a great opportunity to gain leadership experience, develop facilitation skills, and make a meaningful impact in your community.
About the Program
The Guide to Highschool Program is an 8-week after-school initiative designed to help Grade 7 students navigate their transition to secondary education. Volunteers will facilitate sessions that provide guidance, mentorship, and peer support. Programs take place in Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond between 3:00–5:30 PM from March to May.
Responsibilities
- Lead interactive after-school sessions for Grade 7 students
- Facilitate discussions on high school preparation and personal development
- Support youth in building confidence and essential skills for their transition
- Engage with students through mentorship and group activities
Benefits
- Earn 30-35 work experience hours in education, non-profit, and social justice
- Receive an Inclusive Leadership & Facilitation Certification
- Gain valuable skills in public speaking, teamwork, and group management
- Network with like-minded volunteers and youth leaders
- Make a direct impact on the lives of young students
Position Overview
- Role: YWCA Guide to Highschool Volunteer
- Commitment: 2-4 hours per week for 8 weeks (March–May)
- Location: Participating schools in Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond
- Burnaby: Moscrop Secondary, Burnaby Mountain
- Richmond: Steveston London
- Surrey: Grandview Heights, Johnston Heights, Enver Creek, Salish Secondary
No prior experience is required—training will be provided!
Apply Now
Applications are open now! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain leadership experience while making a difference in your community.
Click here to apply!
Health Care
BC 211: New Safe Seniors, Strong Communities Program
A program that matches seniors who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help. Volunteers required for grocery shopping and delivery, meal preparation, prescription pick up and drop off, and phone or virtual visits.
Please fill up an application form here.
Volunteer with Canadian Cancer Society
Volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society is a great opportunity for you to make a positive impact in your community, be part of a team, share your experience, learn new skills and develop lasting friendships. Volunteers are critical to our accomplishments and we wouldn’t be able to support, inform and empower those touched by cancer without you.
When you join our nationwide team, you have the combined strength of volunteers from across the country standing behind you to help you make a difference in someone’s life.
At the Canadian Cancer Society, we strive to create a culture of volunteer engagement where volunteers find meaningful ways to support Canadians living with cancer.
Volunteer opportunities are available across BC and the Yukon. To learn about current openings, please view our volunteer position listings here.
Positions Open:
Volunteer with CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind)
CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast.
If you are looking to make that one-on-one connection and help someone within your community, this might be the opportunity for you. CNIB look for volunteers who are friendly, positive, empathetic, responsible, and comfortable working with individuals with vision loss, especially with seniors. Our volunteers meet specific needs of people who are blind or partially sighted and are matched according to specific participant’s needs. Matches take place based on compatibility, location and availability. Our volunteers are screened and trained in sighted guide techniques to properly assist those living with vision loss.
Responsibilities & Tasks:
•Regularly visit a client in their home or other suitable environments at a mutually convenient time
•Activities are determined by participant need and mutually agreed upon
•Some approved activities are: reading, organizing, walking, assisting with errands or outings, and friendly visiting
Please follow this link to apply!
Canadian Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities
The Red Cross is there when Canadians need us most. Across Canada, we help build safer communities by providing local health services, water safety and first aid programs, education on the prevention of violence, bullying and abuse, and much more.
Whenever disasters strike – such as floods, wild fires, hurricanes, storms or house fires – the Canadian Red Cross is ready to help vulnerable communities. From building disaster resiliency to providing vital assistance to meet people’s basic needs, we’re there to give support thanks to our dedicated volunteers.
If you are looking for opportunities to give back to your community, meet new people, have new experiences, volunteering with the Red Cross could be the right place for you. The Canadian Red Cross in British Columbia and Yukon offers an extensive network of programs and services that actively reach out and serve local communities throughout the regions.
Please have a look at the following volunteer opportunities at Canadian Red Cross:
Mental Health
At Coast Mental Health, we support individuals recovering from mental illness by creating meaningful volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are essential in helping clients engage in their recovery through one-on-one support, group interactions, and event assistance.
Volunteer Role:
- Support clients with daily tasks, appointments, and outings.
- Assist with events or in governance roles.
- Provide one-on-one or group support.
What We’re Looking For:
- Compassionate, flexible, and patient individuals.
- Comfortable supporting individuals with mental health challenges.
- Ability to respect confidentiality and maintain healthy boundaries.
Requirements:
- Must be 19+ years old.
- Commit for six months.
- Clear Criminal Records Check for Vulnerable Persons.
- Annual flu shot.
Click here for more info
For questions, email: volunteer@coastmentalhealth.com
Others
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is looking for passionate, community-minded, and fun-seeking volunteers to join a dynamic group of arts & film lovers. Volunteer to bring alive year-round programs and events leading up to the longest running film festival of its kind in Canada every November. In return, volunteers will get access to free movies, special events and a new family.
Looking for volunteers to support in:
- Co-Volunteer Manager
- Event Operation Coordinator
- Festival Programmer
- Graphic Designer
- Social Media Specialist
- Content And Copywriter
- Media Relations Specialist
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Manager
- Community Outreach Manager
- Sponsorship Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Website Admin
To apply for these volunteer positions, please fill up an application form.
Please email volunteer@vaff.org if you have any questions.
Interested in posting your organization’s job and volunteer openings?
Contact Columbia College’s Student Career Advisor, Ana Albuquerque, at studentcareers@columbiacollege.ca for more information.
