Become a Volunteer
There are many ways volunteers can contribute to our community and support our mission and vision.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Central Okanagan Hospice Association we require you to attend an information session before committing to a volunteer role. To become a volunteer you must also participate in our Hospice Palliative Care Volunteer Training Program offered annually.
Volunteers are supported in their practice with enrichment sessions, wellness workshops, volunteer support meetings and appreciation events. The experience, learning and growth opportunities that volunteers experience is like no other.
Current volunteer opportunities:
Supportive Care Volunteers – companion clients through their life-limiting illness and end of life journeys and create an emotionally safe and supportive space. Through genuine and trusting relationships, volunteers provide social, emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and families. Volunteers participate in a variety of activities based on the interest and needs of those they accompany and their own skills and abilities, including but not limited to, conversation, participation in hobbies, playing games, going on walks, arts and crafts, legacy discussions, and the sharing of life stories. Services can also extend to caregivers in the form of one-to-one support and respite care, as they adapt to the stressors and losses associated with a life-limiting diagnosis. Supportive Care Volunteers also sit vigil during the last days and hours of life for individuals facing death alone or to provide family with reprieve and peace of mind.
Bereavement Support Volunteers – provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients who are struggling with the death of a loved one. Volunteers provide a healing presence for individuals and families as they go through the process of creating life without their loved one and discovering how to continue their relational bond with the deceased. Effective listening, compassion and empathy are essential skills. Areas for volunteerism may include adult grief group facilitation, leading a bereavement walking group and 1-1 companioning. COHA’s grief and bereavement program also includes services for children and youth. Areas for volunteerism may include assisting with children’s grief groups, youth expressive arts nights and our horse whisperer grief and water camps.
Program Support Volunteers – provide support to COHA staff and volunteers with administrative functions related to the operation of COHA, its programs and services, and supporting Kelowna Hospice House. Positions in this area may include administrative assistance and front desk reception and library at the COHA August Centre, and garden and grounds maintenance, food services, and seasonal activities at Kelowna Hospice House, as well as other areas identified as needs arise.
Wellness Program Volunteers – provide emotional and practical health support to clients, friends, and family as they journey from illness through to bereavement. Through the delivery of specialized service and healing practices, volunteers create psychosocial and spiritual healing environments for both clients and volunteers. These complementary services may include: Reiki, Meditation, and Yoga.
Special Events Volunteers – provide exceptional customer service, support, and raise awareness of COHA’s Mission and Vision at all special events. Volunteers offer their expertise and muscle to set up events, guest services, registration, and event clean-up Volunteers may assist sitting on an event committee, event logistics, advertising and promotions, or guest assistance. Volunteers may not wish to volunteer at all events, however, most choose one or two events that they feel drawn to or in which they have special skills, interests or expertise.
Become a Board Member
If you are interested in learning more about the Board of Directors or joining a Board committee, please click here to download the application form and email to Board@hospicecoha.org.
Please submit your application by May 1, 2024.