1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre
Contact information: Address: 602 Gorge Rd. East Victoria, BC, V8T 2W6 | Phone: 250-385-1114 | Email: info@1-up.ca | https://www.singleparentvictoria.ca
Summary: 1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre is a registered charitable organization that has been committed to serving the varied and changing needs of single parent families in the Greater Victoria area since 1978. We provide practical support, opportunities for growth and a sense of hope to single parent families across Greater Victoria. Guided by skilled and committed staff and trained volunteers, at 1Up we offer important services to create foundations for personal and community growth in a welcoming and non-judgmental environment.
Vision: Our work transforms lives by creating stronger families and healthier children. It provides hope and the promise of a brighter future for parents and children, not just today, but well into tomorrow creating a stronger and more vibrant community in the process.
Mission: The Society’s purpose has always been to assist and support single parents in their task of raising a family alone; to assist in increasing single parents’ self-worth, self-confidence, and self-reliance by providing a central facility whether they can meet, develop friendships, and share experiences with other single parents and their families.
Size of Organization: 5 staff members, 6 board members, serving over 1800 member families.
9 – 10 Club Serving Soup To The Hungry Society
Contact information: Address: 740 View St, Victoria, BC V8W 1J8 | Phone: 778-440-7687 | Email: info@thesoupkitchen.ca | https://www.thesoupkitchen.ca
Summary: The Soup Kitchen is a program of the 9-10 Club Serving Soup to the Hungry Society. The Society is a registered non-profit, non-denominational charity. Meal services started on Friday, November 12, 1982. It is the oldest, completely volunteer-run food resource for the hungry in Victoria.
Mission: The 9-10 Club Soup Kitchen exists as a food security source to the Victoria community. Access to this food is provided to all those coming through our door with dignity, respect and without judgement or cost.
Size of Organization: The Soup Kitchen is the oldest, and completely volunteer-run food resource organization for the hungry in Victoria, has 8 members on the board of directors and 100+ volunteers.
Abbeyfield House St. Peters Society
Contact information: Address: 1133 Reynolds Road, Victoria, BC V8P 2K5 | Phone: 250 479-6140 | Email: abbeyfieldstpeter@shaw.ca | http://www.abbeyfieldstpeters.org
Summary: Abbeyfield Houses are retirement homes with a difference. They offer a warm, family-style residence that allows you to find companionship with privacy, security with independence. Abbeyfield’s core mandate is to provide affordable accommodation and companionship for lonely elders within their own local community.
Size of Organization: 20 Abbeyfield Houses in Canada, housing 215+ residents, 300+ Abbeyfield volunteers in Canada.
Action Committee of People with Disabilities (ACPD)
Contact information: Address: 948 View Street Victoria, BC V8V 3L5 | Phone: (250) 383-4105 | Email: actioncommittee@shaw.ca | https://actioncommittee.ca/
Summary: The ACPD is a cross-disability agency serving all people with disabilities. We provide advocacy to people with disabilities, support and assistance to ensure full participation in community and society in general, and information enabling people to access services to which they are entitled.
Mission: Our mission is to put into action through advocacy the empowerment, social inclusion, and economic equity for all People with Disabilities.
Vision: We know people with disabilities well. We know the value they offer society, the barriers they face, and we serve them as well as ourselves, filling in the gaps in services and expertise until society, government and industry can acknowledge and pursue the benefits of an inclusive community and workforce. We aim to promote the awareness and understanding of the issues and barriers faced by people with disabilities living in the community.
Size of Organization: The entire organization is staffed by people with disabilities and volunteers.
Amica Jubilee House
Contact information: 1900 Richmond Rd. Victoria BC V8R 4R2 | Phone: 250-592-1200 | Email: a.pearse@amica.ca | https://www.amica.ca/jubilee-house
Summary: Amica is Canada’s leading provider of retirement residences for seniors who want more out of life. Since 1996, we’ve been empowering seniors to live with optimism and peace of mind by combining excellent service and amenities with the best senior care. You’ll find more than 30 Amica senior living locations in the finest neighbourhoods in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, and we continue to expand in select markets. We don’t aspire to be the largest retirement living owner-operator in Canada — we aspire to be the best.
Mission: We create an exceptional lifestyle experience for seniors who wish to live with confidence, connection, opportunity, hope and purpose.
Vision: We’re revolutionizing aging so that every person can age with a sense of optimism.
Anawim Companions Society
Contact information: Address: 973 Caledonia Ave Victoria, BC V8T 1E7 | Phone: (250) 382-0283 | Email: info@anwimhouse.com | https://www.anawimhouse.com/
Summary: The Anawim Companions Society provides for the charitable needs of people living in physical, emotional, spiritual and social poverty since 1991. Through our drop-in and residential programs they provide help, care and counsel to such persons in a way that invites self-determination, mutual participation and the enrichment of love, dignity and purpose in their lives. They offer a safe and sober home where people can find hope and get their needs met via various self-enriching programs, meals, showers, laundry facilities and support networks.
Mission: Anawim mission is to provide for the charitable needs of people living in physical, emotional, spiritual and social poverty; to provide help, care and counsel to such persons in a way that invites self-determination, mutual participation and the enrichment of love, dignity and purpose in their lives; to provide for the advancement of education, understanding and companionship to such persons, to promote and achieve in whole or in part the purposes of the Society; and to promote and achieve in whole or in part the purposes of the Society in a Christian way.
Size of Organization: Anawim Companions Society employs 4 staff members and has 7 full-time residents.
Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Contact information: Address: 1040 Moss Street Victoria, BC V8V 4P1 | Phone: (250) 384-4171 | Email: volunteer@aggv.ca
Summary: The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria enlivens and enriches the human spirit through the visual arts by providing opportunities for critical thought and meaningful dialogue. We encourage the kind of learning that comes from activating spaces and people by providing opportunities for critical thought and meaningful dialogue.
Size of Organization: 20+ staff members, 350 volunteers
AVI Health and Community Services
Contact information: Address: 713 Johnson Street Victoria, BC V8W 1M8 | Phone: (250) 384-2366 | Email: info@avi.org
Summary: AVI Health and Community Services (AVI) is a community-based AIDS Service Organization (ASO). At AVI Health and Community Services we provide education, advocacy and support to clients. AVI provides education and prevention information to schools, the broader community and target populations.
Mission: AVI’s mission is to promote health, dignity, and well-being for all people affected by HIV, HCV, and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction based education, prevention, and support services. AVI Health and Community Services’ effectiveness is derived from our role in the community and our connections with the populations most infected by, and at risk of, contracting HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and other communicable diseases. Throughout our large volunteer base and the community partnerships we have forged, we effectively target and educate difficult-to-reach populations.
Vision: AVI envisions a community where all people affected by HIV, HCV, or substance use have equitable access to the support and services necessary to experience optimal health and well-being.
Size of Organization: 28 staff members
The Alzheimer Society Of B.C.
Contact Information: Phone: 778-746-2026 | Email: info.victoria@alzheimerbc.org | Website: alzbc.org/volunteer
Summary: Families across British Columbia are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias. The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s vision is a world without dementia; and that vision begins with a world where people living with the disease are welcomed, acknowledged and included. Working in communities throughout the province, the Society supports, educates and advocates for people with dementia, as well as enabling research into the disease. As part of a national federation, the Society is a leading authority on the disease in Canada.
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Ballet Victoria
Contact information: Address: 643 Broughton St Victoria, BC V8W 2C1 | Phone: 250-380-6063
Summary: Founded in 2002, Ballet Victoria is a boutique professional ballet company with 12 dancers and four yearly productions. Our productions are accessible and relevant to a wide range of multicultural audiences. The shows are entertaining, hold great artistic depth and satisfy both those who discover ballet and the expert aficionado.
Mission: Our mission is to promote diverse, emerging, and established Canadian dance talent in an inclusive and accessible environment, to educate the public on the value of dance in all communities, and to provide seasons of professional performances.
Size of Organization: 15+ staff, 12 dancers
Bc Cancer-Victoria
Contact Information: Address 2410 Lee Ave Victoria BC V8R 6V5 Phone: 250-519-5669 Email is viccvolunteers@bccancer.bc.ca
BC Cancer’s mandate covers the full spectrum of cancer care from prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, to research and education, to supportive and palliative care.
Vision
A world free from cancer
Mission
To reduce the burden of cancer in British Columbia
Values
• We provide person-centred care and support
• We collaborate to deliver high-quality integrated care
• We treat all those we serve with compassion and kindness
• We serve with purpose and passion
• We inspire creativity and excellence through innovation
Cancer care for B.C.
BC Cancer operates six regional cancer centres, providing assessment and diagnostic services, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care.
We work in partnership with communities to provide a network of chemotherapy clinics so patients can receive care closer to home.
BC SPCA Wild ARC
Contact information: Address: 1020 Malloch Road, Victoria BC, V9C 4G9 | Phone: 250-478-9453
Mission: BC SPCA Wild ARC is open 365 days a year to help sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals. Wild ARC is the only wildlife rehabilitation centre on southern Vancouver Island. We treated 2,816 animals last year from all over the region, helping them recover and return to the wild.
Mission: The mission of the BC SPCA Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC) is to provide humane care to injured, sick, orphaned and distressed wildlife based on rehabilitation standards and the animal’s natural history. The goal of rehabilitation is to release recovered animals back into the wild. Human activity affects over 80 percent of the animals treated at Wild ARC. We aim to reduce this impact, and educate the public about wildlife, animal welfare and co-existing with nature. Volunteer roles include: Animal Care, Fundraising & Outreach, Maintenance, Wildlife transport.
Vision: The BC SPCA wild ARC’s vision is to inspire and mobilize society to create a world in which all animals enjoy as a minimum, five essential freedoms: freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from pain, injury, and disease, freedom from distress, freedom from discomfort, and freedom to express behaviours that promote well-being.
Size of Organization: 15+ staff, treated over 2800 sick, injured and orphaned wild animals last year and 42,000 in the past two decades.
Beacon Community Services
Contact information: Address: 2723 Quadra St, Victoria BC V8T 4E5 | Phone: 250-658-6407
Summary: Beacon Community Services’ programs and services span every phase of life. We dedicate ourselves to:
• Helping keep children, youth and families healthy, strong and connected
• Sheltering seniors and people with disabilities in safe, affordable housing
• Supporting seniors to stay social, active, healthy and energized
• Equipping people to develop skills and find opportunities in the world of work
• Supporting the bereaved and mentally ill
• Connecting volunteers with our community
• Caring for those in need
• Enabling reuse of donated items through our 7 thrift stores
• And more!
Mission: We deliver compassionate, innovative community services that foster self-sufficiency, volunteerism, and well-being.
Vision: Helping people. Empowering communities. Improving lives.
Values: These values guide our work with clients, families, volunteers and staff.
CARE = Compassion. Accountability. Responsiveness. Excellence.
BeaYOUtiful Foundation
Contact information: Address: 16047 110th Ave, Surrey V3T0R1 | Phone: 778-918-3059 | Email: programs@thebeayoutifulfoundation.com
Summary: As a Canadian Charitable Organization, the purpose of the BeaYOUtiful Foundation is to advance health and youth education by providing self-esteem and confidence-building classes. The organization looks to instil the value of self-worth and to support girls in their confidence journey by facilitating supportive mentorship relationships between young girls and empowering women from their own community.
Mission: Our mission is to instil the value of self-worth and self-love in female and non-binary identifying youth, inspiring them to build confidence through acts of passion, kindness, community and connection.
Vision: To build and uplift the next generation of confident young women.
Size of Organization: BeaYOUtiful is 100% female led with 400+ volunteers and to date have impacted over 3,000 youth.
Big Brothers and Big Sister of Victoria
Contact information: 230 Bay Street Victoria BC Canada V9A 3K5 |Phone: 250-475-1117 | Email: main.victoria@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Summary: Big Brothers and Big Sister is a Federation comprised of 108 member agencies servicing more than 1,100 communities across the country.
Mission: Enable life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people. Many children and youth in Canada struggle with societal barriers and face adversities. With the guidance and support of a mentor, these risks can be reduced or even avoided, and youth are reminded they can be anything they dream of being.
Vision: For all young people realize their full potential
Size of Organization: 21,300 volunteers who in turn mentor 41,700+ children and young people
Boys and Girls Club of Victoria
Contact information: Address: 301-1195 Esquimalt Road Victoria, British Columbia, V9A 3N6 | Phone: (250) 384-9133 | Email: info@bgcvic.org
Summary: Since December 1960, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Victoria has been helping children and youth discover, develop and achieve their best potential as adults, leaders and citizens in our community. We create innovative programs that address and meet the ever-changing needs of our local children and youth. We offer a safe, supportive place to belong where children and youth can have fun, experience new opportunities, build positive relationships, learn valuable skills and develop confidence and capability along the way. Our programs build on each child and youth’s unique strengths and engage them in activities that challenge and enrich their minds, bodies and spirits encouraging healthy living, personal growth, learning, skills development and community involvement.
Vision: Thriving children, youth, and families engaged in the community.
Bridges for Women Society
Contact information: Address: #219 645 Fort Street, Victoria | Phone: 250-385-7410 | Email: info@bridgesforwomen.ca
Summary: Bridges is a feminist, strength-based, gutsy, trauma-informed community agency. Our healing, education and employment programs inspire a diversity of women, non-binary people, and two-spirit people who identify with the women’s community impacted by trauma, violence, abuse or neglect to reclaim their lives and build economic security. By drawing on our extensive knowledge of the impacts of trauma on employability, Bridges provides expertise and resources to a diverse range of individuals, organizations and allies in order to break the cycles of violence, poverty and isolation faced by the people we serve.
Vision: Women affected by trauma, violence, abuse or neglect have the choice and opportunity to break free from the cycles of violence, poverty and isolation, and to achieve safety, health and personal control in their lives.
Size of Organization: 21 staff, 375+ clients
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Contact Information: Address: 1910 Norseman Road, Sidney BC V8L 5V5 | | Phone: (250) 655-3300 | Website:www.bcam.net. | Email: volunteers@bcam.net
Summary: Welcome to the British Columbia Aviation Museum – where history takes flight! If you would like to learn about aircraft and aviation history, then you will love to visit our Museum. We have aircraft on display that once flew in Canadian skies but mostly over British Columbia. Some of these aircraft date from 1910 and some are from modern times. We have experimental aircraft, a commercial airliner and military aircraft along with helicopters and seaplanes. All these aircraft were once quite familiar over BC communities but are now very rare. For younger visitors and their families, we have hands-on activities that will help them learn more about aviation. Also, please know that there are several opportunities to become involved with the museum as a volunteer, supporting one of the many activities that are available. You can bring your skills to the museum, or receive training in a new environment.
Broadmead Care Society
Contact information: Address: 4579 Chatterton Way, Victoria BC, V8X 4Y7 | Phone: 250-658-3205
Summary: Broadmead Care Society is a non-profit organization that provides housing, social and health services for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities in Greater Victoria.
Mission: Our mission is to create a homelike environment for people and their families, with experiences and activities that honour their life history, support their abilities, and maintain their dignity. Life isn’t always simple, and it’s not always easy, but it is always intentional: we are committed to innovate and reinvent what is possible when it comes to helping your loved ones feel a sense of belonging, respect, and acceptance. Through Adult Day Programs and long-term care, we’re engaging as fully as possible, encouraging participation not only in life, but also in living it as completely as we can.
Vision: Broadmead Care’s envisioned future includes helping to transform Long Term Care in Canada, being nationally recognized as a model that inspires wellbeing and happiness, and being an inspiring place to work.
Size of Organization: 6 staff, 200+ volunteers
Burnside Gorge Community Association (BGCA)
Contact information: Address: 471 Cecelia Road Victoria BC V8T 4T4 | Phone: 250.388.5251 | Email: info@burnsidegorge.ca
Mission: The purpose of the Burnside Gorge Community Association is to lead, promote and support initiatives which encourage healthy, inclusive, and socially just living. This is accomplished through:
• Engaging with our communities concerning issues and developments important to community members and businesses
• Providing a continuum of high-quality programs and supports that strengthen the lives of children, youth and families in Greater Victoria
• Establishing, promoting and operating facilities that provide public amenities to benefit the community
• Cultivating community connections and a sense of pride through neighbourhood celebrations and initiatives
• Advocating in the best interest of community members and businesses
• Fostering workplace practices that support employees and strengthen our efforts to be a model employer
• Supporting the provision of housing for low and moderate-income households
Vision: To be a recognized leader in bringing innovation and sustainability to our diverse communities through responsive and unique programs and services.
Size of Organization: 50 staff
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Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division
Contact information: Address: #101-612 View Street, Victoria, B.C., V8X 1J5 | (250)-216-4228 | victoria.office@cmha.bc.ca
Summary: We strive to bring mental health services and programs as well as advocacy and resources to help support and prevent mental illness, support recovery and resilience, and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive. Volunteering with CMHA provides the opportunity to build skills, learn more about mental health and meet new people, while helping build a more caring community. Because of the benefits of volunteering, we especially encourage those personally affected by mental illness to volunteer.
Vision: A Canada where mental health is a universal human right.
Mission: Through our local, provincial, and national locations across Canada, our goal is provide a wide range of innovative services tailored to and in partnership with our communities.
Camosun College Co-op Education and Career Services
Contact information: Phone: 250-370-4181 | Email: EducationThatWorks@camosun.ca
Summary: Applied Learning, Co-operative Education and Career Services department, also known as the Career Lab, helps students and organizations engage in meaningful ways through a variety of work-integrated learning and career opportunities.
Canadian Blood Services
Contact information: 3449 Saanich Road, Victoria BC V8X 1W6 volunteer.bc@blood.ca www.blood.ca
Summary: We are Canada’s Biological Lifeline.
We are the connection between donors and patients, healthcare professionals and medical researchers. We are nationally responsible for a secure system of life essentials for transfusion and transplantation that’s reliable, accessible and sustainable. Every day we work diligently to help save lives, restore health and earn the nation’s trust.
Vision: To help every patient. To match every need. To serve every Canadian.
Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAfghan)
Contact information: Phone: +1 (403) 244-5625
Summary: Since 1998, CW4WAfghan in partnership with Afghan women has trained more than 10,000 teachers, provided literacy classes for nearly 5,000 students and much more. Our programs have improved training for Afghan teachers, helped girls to go to school, created an online library of open-source teaching materials in Afghan languages and delivered literacy training for adults. In Canada we work to educate Canadians about the ongoing situation in Afghanistan. The Victoria Chapter supports our national organization by raising money for the programs, making presentations and having speakers.
Mission: Canadians taking action, in partnership with Afghan women, towards improving conditions of human rights, ending women’s oppression, and providing opportunities for Afghan women to live their lives with dignity, certainty and purpose.
Vision: Our advocacy work promotes the centrality of Afghan women’s voices, views, and experiences to peace talks and wider peacebuilding in Afghanistan. We draw on the expertise of an Advisory Council of Afghan women from politics and civil society, as well as the perspectives and priorities of diverse activists in our coalition networks.
Cancer DriveLine Society
Contact information: Address: 550 – 2950 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4N4 | Phone: 778-265-0906 | Email: cancerdriveline@gmail.com
Summary: Cancer DriveLine provides safe and compassionate transportation to patients receiving any cancer assessment, treatment, surgery or remedial procedures,
Size of Organization: 100% volunteer run Organization
Capital Bike Society
Contact information: Address: 1034 Hillside Avenue, V8T 2A5 | Phone: (250) 920-5775 | Email: Admin@capitalbike.ca
Summary: Capital Bike is Greater Victoria’s leading full-service cycling organization. Capital Bike is a registered charity with over 29 years of experience delivering education and encouragement programs, as well as service delivery in the region.
Mission: Get more people riding, more places, more often.
Vision: Our vision is to create a community where active transportation is a safe, healthy, fun, and normal every day activity.
Size of Organization: 100+ volunteers
Capital Regional District (CRD) | Regional parks
Contact information: Address: 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 1R7 | Phone: 250.360.3329
Summary: Regional Parks establishes and protects a network of regional parks in perpetuity that represent and help maintain the diverse range of natural environments in the Capital Regional District. CRD Parks provides opportunities for outdoor experiences and activities that foster appreciation and enjoyment of, and respect for, the region’s natural environments. Regional Parks provides opportunities for you to be involved in the preservation and enjoyment of regional parks and trails with positions for naturalists, restoration volunteers, park stewards and trail ambassadors. There are also opportunities for groups to help with one-time, short-term projects such as park clean-ups, invasive species removal and plantings.
Size of Organization: 1000+ employees
Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CRFAIR)
Contact information: Address:1183 Fort Street, Victoria BC | Email: engagement@crfair.ca
Summary: CRFAIR envisions a region where local, sustainable and healthy food is celebrated, abundant and central to the cultures, health and well-being of residents. We mobilize and connect efforts to develop healthy, equitable and sustainable food systems in the Capital Region.
Vision: A region where local, sustainable and healthy food is celebrated, abundant and central to the cultures, health and well-being of residents.
Size of Organization: 7 staff
Capital Region Food Share Network Society
Contact information: Address: 2031 Store St, Victoria, BC, V8T 5L9 | Phone: 236-464-7551| Email: director@foodsharenetwork.ca
Summary: The Food Share Network works together to contribute to the enhanced health of people and local communities in the Capital Region. We believe that no one should go without access to fresh, local, nutritious food. To us, food security is not only about access to food, but it is about having the resources to access the food you want, when you want it, without compromising nutrition or other essential needs. Our focus is on enhancing food security by supporting the foundations that reduce the number of people that do not have reliable and consistent access to nutritious, culturally relevant food. We are working towards this goal by strengthening community links and supporting access to resources that support self-sufficiency. We do this through working with our members to increase access to healthful food, food education and knowledge transfer, and advocacy.
Vision: All residents of the Capital Regional District enjoy food security.
Mission: To enhance food security in the Capital Region through collaboration and cooperation among an innovative umbrella of organizations including food banks, community centers, donors, and other participating organizations.
Size of Organization: 1-3 staff members, 6-12 board members, serving over 75 organizations who in turn serve over 40,000 people a month
Centre for Earth & Spirit Society
Contact information: Address: 1152 Chapman Street · Victoria, BC V8V 2T6 | Email: info@centreforearthandspirit.ca
Summary: The Centre for Earth and Spirit Society is a charitable organization based on W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən territory, on lands known as Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Experienced facilitators host regular weekly and monthly programs (online and in-person), contributing to expanding intergenerational and cross-cultural communities of care. Free weekly programs include: support circles bringing generations together (Turning to One Another); an accessible drop-in meditative space (Being Together). Monthly themed programs include: conversational circles with rotating guest speakers (Earth & Spirit Cafe); somatic experiencing in the second half of life (Art of Embodying Elderhood); forest therapy (Art of Wholeness); flagship six-week course (Living Well, Dying Well) on approaching end-of-life mindfully, for Caregivers and Seniors. We host an annual event (Coming to Our Senses) celebrating Elders & Seniors in our communities.
Mission: Through life affirming action, we co-create opportunities to deepen relationships and reciprocity with the Earth and all beings. We offer sacred spaces for cultivating meaningful conversation, contemplation, and community.
Vision: We seek to provide a compassionate balm to the issues many in our society are facing, exacerbated by the pandemic — loneliness, ageism, isolation — providing safe spaces for deep and lasting connection. We are looking for energetic, caring, and thoughtful volunteers to help us expand our circles of care. Our volunteer opportunities include joining our Board, stewarding online mindfulness circles, joining a weekly intergenerational support group, supporting our flagship end-of-life program, or offering specific skill sets such as accounting, fundraising, and social media.
Size of Organization: 5 volunteer board members, 3+ lead facilitators, 1 part-time project manager, 20+ volunteers
City of Victoria
Contact information: Address: 1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC V8W 1P6 | Phone: 250.385.5711
Summary: The city is home to a dynamic, thriving economy and vibrant arts and culture scene, with an unparalleled natural environment enjoyed by residents and visitors. It’s a place where sustainability, health and well-being are the cornerstones of creating a prosperous and inclusive future.
Vision: Embrace the Future. Build on the Past.
Coast Capital Savings
Contact information: Phone: 250.483.7000
Summary: At Coast Capital, we’re not dreaming about a better future, we’re building one. We’re a member-owned financial cooperative with an 80-year legacy of unlocking financial opportunities that positively impact people and communities. It’s our belief that every Canadian deserves a financial partner who actually cares how things turn out. Driven by our social purpose, we look at everything we do through the lens of how we can help our 600,000 members, our employees and communities. A proud Certified B Corporation®, we’re part of a global movement building a more inclusive, equitable and regenerative economic system.
Each year, we invest 10% of our bottom line into our communities— totaling more than $95 million since 2000. We’re deeply committed to making our financial cooperative a great place to work as demonstrated by some of our accolades. Coast Capital is a platinum member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, and a B.C. Top Employer and Canada’s largest federal financial cooperative by membership; we have been recognized for our work in the Social Purpose space in the first-ever Social Purpose Ranking by Canadian media and research firm, Corporate Knights. To learn more, visit us online at coastcapitalsavings.com.
Mission: Purpose: Building Better Futures Together
Vision: To unlock financial opportunities that positively impact people and communities
Size of Organization:600,000 members
Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) University of Victoria
Contact Information: Cornett Building B132, 3800 Finnerty Road, UVic. Victoria, BC | Phone (250) 472-5667 | Email: celc1@uvic.ca
Summary: UVic facilitates partnerships between students, instructors and community partners to collaborate towards a common good and for mutual benefit. CEL is a form of experiential learning and community-engaged scholarship whereby students actively engage with course content through collaborations with community and facilitated reflection. The CEL office works with community, instructors and students to develop relationships and projects that meet both community goals and students’ learning outcomes. Community here is defined broadly and can involve non-profit organizations, social enterprises, First Nations, and other types of community groups.
Community Living Victoria
Contact information: Address: 3861 Cedar Hill Cross Rd, Victoria BC, V8P 2M7 | Phone: 250.477.7231
Summary: The Victoria Community Living Foundation was established in 1995 to raise funds and awareness that benefit the children, youth and adults and their families supported by Community Living Victoria. Through fundraising and public awareness, the Foundation promotes Community Living Victoria. Together, they support people with intellectual disabilities.
Community Options for Children and Families
Contact information: Address: 1595 Bay Street, Victoria, BC, Canada V8R 2B5 | Phone: 250-380-6363 | Email: info@cocf.ca
Summary: Community Options was formed by a group of committed parents and supportive professionals in 1988.
Mission: Provide quality support service and information to people with disabilities and their families, within our community.
Vision: We believe in building healthy, accessible and whole communities. We believe in providing creative and innovative service options. We believe in the importance of families and the inclusion and integration of all people. We believe in working collaboratively with community partners towards enhancing the lives of the people we support.
Size of Organization: 8 staff
Community Social Planning Council
Contact information: Address: 852 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 | Phone: 250-383-6166 | Email: admin@communitycouncil.ca
Summary: The Community Social Planning Council provides reliable information and engagement processes that inform decision making across all sectors in order to support broad based social well-being. This is done by bringing people together to address community issues, conducting community-based research, and supporting community and regional planning processes.
Vision: Ongoing and emergent social issues are well understood and communities have the tools they need to develop solutions to these issues.
Size of Organization: 9 staff, 9 volunteers
Compost Education Centre
Contact information: Address: 1216 North Park Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 1C9 | Phone: 250.386.9676
Summary: The Victoria Compost Education Centre is a non-profit and charitable organization with a mission to cultivate resilient communities, which enable the land and all living beings to thrive. The CEC carries out this mission by providing information, skill-building workshops and resources on composting and waste reduction strategies, soil stewardship, local food production, and various ecological conservation practices. With a schools program; adult education workshop series; Healing City Soils soil contaminant testing & bioremediation program; free factsheets; and an information hotline, the CEC is committed to ensuring residents of the CRD are equipped with practical, approachable knowledge of waste diversion, sustainability, composting, and soil health.
Size of Organization: 5 staff
Cook Street Village Activity Centre
Contact information: Address: 380 Cook Street, Victoria, B.C. V8V 3X7 | Phone: (250) 384-6542 | Email: executivedir@csvac.ca
Summary: The Cook Street Village Activity Centre is a non-profit organization offering social, educational, wellness and recreational activities. We are a non-profit, membership based organization that was established in 1977. Since our incorporation we have become a successful centre by continually listening to our community and looking for ways to help people remain fully active and engaged in a wide variety of programming options from movies to speakers to food programs to fitness and wellness services.
Size of Organization: 5+ staff, 200+ volunteers
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Destination Greater Victoria Visitor Center
Contact information: 812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3 | 1-800-663-3883 | Email: info@tourismvictoria.com
Summary: Make the most of your visit to Victoria. Let our friendly Visitor Centre team help with your trip planning needs. Please contact or visit us to:
Purchase tickets
Make reservations
Arrange transportation
Book accommodation
Get local advice and information
As Victoria’s official visitor resource, our friendly, knowledgeable staff will answer your questions and more. Drop in for free brochures and maps, to book hotels and tickets locally and to make reservations for tours and transportation. We’ll also share great insider tips to make your stay even more enjoyable.
VISITOR CENTRE HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (starting on July 1st)
CLOSED MONDAY AND TUESDAY
E
Early Music Society of the Island
Contact information: Phone: 250-882-5058 | Email: info@EarlyMusicSocietyoftheIslands.ca
Summary: Based in Victoria, BC, the Early Music Society of the Islands (EMSI) is one of North America’s most active and successful early music specialists. It was founded in 1985 to promote interest in historically-informed performances of music composed before 1800.
Elderdog Victoria
Contact information: Phone: 1-855-336-4226 | Email: elderdogvictoria@gmail.com
Summary: ElderDog Canada Inc. is a national, community-based, non-profit organization. Our work is dedicated to the well-being of older people and older dogs.
Mission: Our mission at ElderDog is to honour and preserve the human-animal bond through care, companionship, education, and research. We do this through programs that involve:
– Assisting and supporting older adults in the care and well-being of their canine companions
– Providing care and companionship for older dogs whose lives have been disrupted due to illness or death of a human companion
– Educating health and animal care professionals and the general public of all ages about the human-animal bond in general and the significant role of companion animals in the health and well-being of seniors in particular
– Supporting and conducting research into the human-animal bond with a focus on seniors and canine companionship
Esquimalt Farmers Market
Contact information: Address: 1124-242 Mary Street Victoria. BC V9A 3V9 Email:manager@esquimaltmarket.com
Summary: The Esquimalt Farmers Market exists to provide a marketplace that serves as a community gathering point for relationship-building, access to healthy local food, and equity-based sustainability in Esquimalt.
Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre
Contact information: Phone: 250-363-3050 | E-mail: emfrc@shaw.ca
Summary: In 1991, the Department of National Defence officially recognized the important contributions military families make to the Canadian Forces. It established the Military Family Support Program, and authorized the creation of Military Family Resource Centres at each Canadian Forces installation. Today, the Esquimalt MFRC is one of 32 MFRCs located in Canada and abroad. Like all MFRCs, we are a community-based organization with the sole responsibility of addressing the needs of the military family.
Mission: Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre’s mission is to enhance resilience in military families through provision of programs and services that serve, involve and advocate for the military community and their families and address the unique challenges of the military family lifestyle and will result in enhanced quality of life and enable military operations.
Vision: A proud, resilient military family thriving in a dynamic and supportive community.
Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society
Contact information: Address: 511 Constance Avenue, Esquimalt, BC V9A 6N5 | Phone: (250) 385-2635 | Email: info@enh.bc.ca
Summary: Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society is a registered charity serving the community since 1974. Services include early years and family resource programs with a focus on children’s learning and development, pre and post-natal services, mental health and supportive counselling, youth and family support, as well as help for seniors to remain living independently in their home. In addition, the Society plays an active role in the community by participating in various community events and committees such as Esquimalt’s Early Years Coalition, Buccaneer Days and Children’s Annual Storytelling Festival.
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Fairfield Gonzales Community Association
Contact information: Address: 1330 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8S 5J1 | Phone: 250-382-4604 | Email: place@fairfieldcommunity.ca
Summary: Fairfield Gonzales Community Association strives to create a connected, collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable community. We offer a wide range of programs including childcare, recreation, events, and volunteer opportunities in the Fairfield Gonzales area. Whether you want to volunteer just once or are looking for a regular activity, you want to develop your resume or are looking to share your experience, we thrive to provide you a fulfilling role. Our high-quality standards for volunteer management make us a place where volunteers are valued and recognized. Also, we also encourage kids and youth to volunteer for us, on their own or with their parents.
Size of Organization: 200+ volunteers
Family Caregivers of British Columbia
Contact information: Address: 3318 Oak Street Victoria, BC V8X 1R1 | Phone: (250) 384-0408
Summary: Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC) is a provincial, not-for-profit that proudly and compassionately supports over 1 million people in British Columbia that provide physical and/or emotional care to a family member, friend, or neighbour. FCBC supports caregivers by providing access to information, education and support that enable caregivers to feel more confident and successful in their important role. Activities include workshops, support to family caregivers through monthly meetings, bi-monthly newsletter, a resource centre, referral information and advocacy.
Size of Organization: 12 staff
Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group
Contact information: Address: 1240 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria, BC V8T 1G6 | Phone: 250-381-1552 | Email: info@fernwoodnrg.ca
Summary: The Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group Society (Fernwood NRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Fernwood.
Size of Organization: 90+ members
Foster Parent Support Services Society
Contact information: Address: 145-735 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC V9B 2X4 | Phone: 778-430-5459 | Email: admin@fpsss.com
Summary: The FPSS Society is a GrassRoots organization committed to providing meaningful and accessible support, education and networking services which will continually enhance the skills and abilities of foster parents to deliver the best care possible to the children in their homes. Working cooperatively with the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development and the foster parents of Vancouver Island, the FPSS Society shares the responsibility for providing meaningful Education, Support and Networking opportunities to caregivers in our fostering community.
Mission: Establish a nurturing environment for caregivers that empowers the foster parents of the region to become involved, enriches their understanding of Ministry expectations, and increases their caregiver competency, awareness, and accountability.
Friends of Government House Gardens Society
Contact information: Address: 1401 Rockland Avenue, Victoria BC, V8S 1V9 | Phone: 778-974-5550 | Email: Friends.GH@gov.bc.ca
Summary: The Friends of Government House Gardens Society was formed in 1992 with the mission of undertaking the restoration and maintenance of the grounds of Government House. In cooperation with the House and the Garden Contractor, the Friends continue to restore and protect the Garry Oak Woodlands and maintain the gardens as they evolve in response to changing circumstances such as the presence of urban deer. The Friends design the garden plantings, maintain them and raise the funds to cover the cost of plants, fertilizer and tools as well as some tree, path and irrigation costs. Originally a small group of garden volunteers, today the Society has a membership of almost five hundred, the majority of whom are volunteers working not only year round in the gardens, woodlands and associated non-gardening activities but also with the seasonal tearoom, costume museum and greeters.
Size of Organization: 500+ members/volunteers
Friends of Music Society
Contact information: Address: Eric Martin Theatre- 2328 Trent Street, Victoria V8R 4Z3 | Phone: 250-592-5114
Summary: Established in 1989, Friends of Music Society is a non-profit organization that uses music as the basis for our partnership programs which offer rehabilitation, socialization, and creative employment strategies for people with a mental illness. Through our performing ensembles, programs and music lessons, we provide an accessible, safe, supportive and fun environment where musicians recovering from mental illness rehearse and perform in partnership with other musicians from the community.
Mission: Our goal is to focus on people’s talents, thereby promoting a sense of purpose, confidence and self-esteem.
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Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society
Contact information: Email: volunteer.gomps@gmail.com
Summary: The Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society (GOMPS) was formed in 1992 because local citizens were concerned that woodlands and meadows were rapidly disappearing as a result of expanding human habitation in the Capital Regional District. Our society is dedicated to the preservation, protection and restoration of Garry oak stands and their natural habitats.
Mission: We engage in educational activities, work with all levels of government through letter writing and attending council meetings and public hearings, raise awareness on the importance of Garry oaks and their ecosystems, and work on habitat restoration. We also grow and nurture Garry oak seedlings at our nursery, with the long term goal of planting them in the community.
Size of Organization: 100% volunteer run organization
Global Village Store – Victoria Global Village Society
Contact information: Address: Hillside Shopping Centre, Victoria, BC | Phone: (250) 380-1530 | Email: victoriaglobalvillage@shaw.ca
Summary: The Global Village Store is a non-profit, volunteer-operated gift shop selling beautiful hand-made crafts, teas and chocolate bars from fair trade cooperatives around the world. The store is run by volunteers and profit is dispersed in grants, mostly to help producer groups get the training and equipment they need to improve their production. On a local level, we donate products to be used in silent auctions or as door prizes to support local non-profit groups.
Goodlife Fitness Victoria Marathon
Contact information: Address: 185-911 Yates St, Victoria BC, V8V 4Y9 | Phone: (250) 818-1981
Summary: The Victoria Marathon Society is a non-profit organization that was incorporated in 1982 with the purpose of hosting first class international running events and helping to raise funds for local charities.
Size of Organization: Race Committee of over 50 members and 1600+ volunteers
Gorge View Society
Contact information: Address: #11 Chown Place, Victoria, BC, V9A 1H5 | Phone: 250 360-1977 | Email: gorgeview@shaw.ca
Summary: The Gorge View Society oversees the property with a small paid staff supported by dedicated volunteers. They remain committed to providing basic comfortable housing for seniors 55+ living on low and fixed incomes. The volunteer board is based in the United Church. Gorge View needs volunteers in many different roles, including: archivists/historians; researchers (demographics, housing policy, municipal planning and development, board best practices); communications and Public Relations (photographers, writers, editors, graphic design and layout, social media applications); program leaders for seniors activities; and more!
Mission: Our goal is sustainable housing in a community setting that co-exists with nature and our mission is to provide a safe home that enables people to live with dignity, hope and independence.
Vision: We will continue to strengthen our community by providing comfortable and affordable homes for people in need – now and in the future.
Size of Organization: 100+ residents
Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness
Contact information: Address: 211 – 611 Discovery St., Victoria, BC, V8T 5G4 | Phone: (250) 370-1512
Mission: The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness’ mission is to engage community organizations, governments and non-governmental agencies to work in partnership with each other and the broader community to lead and drive the commitment to end homelessness in the Capital Regional District of British Columbia.
Vision: A region without homelessness. We work with organizations and individuals throughout the region to make this vision reality.
Greater Victoria Down Syndrome Society
Contact information: Mail: PO Box 35082, Victoria, BC, V8T 5G2 | Email: info@gvdss.org
Summary: The GVDSS provides information and understanding about Down syndrome, acts as resources and supports for one another, and creates a better understanding of diversity. Inclusion and community integration have always been a focus for our membership, we are proud of the ongoing success of our Code of Conduct and the strong advocacy demonstrated from within our membership.
Mission: Provide educational, vocational, and life enhancement assistance to people with Down syndrome as well as to enhance public awareness and understanding of Down syndrome.
Greater Victoria Festival Society
Contact information: Phone: 250.382.3111 | Email: gvfsvic@gmail.com
Mission: Our mission is to provide a creative range of free family-friendly festivals, and a variety of events that enhance our community’s quality of life by strengthening connections; building awareness of diverse cultures; creating safe and inclusive opportunities for everyone and actively encouraging a sense of community pride.
Vision: Our vision is to present world class events that showcase our region across all demographics to both domestic and international audiences. To provide a platform for outstanding entertainment, contribute to year-round sustainable economic development, encourage positive mental health and well-being, and support local businesses and charities. Bringing people together is our passion!
Size of Organization: 1 staff
Greater Victoria Green Team
Contact information: Phone: 778-677-9078 | Email: kaitlin@greenteamscanada.ca
Summary: The Greater Victoria Green Team is the largest environmental volunteer group in the region! We come together to help nature through hands-on, educational activities such as removing invasive plants, planting native trees and shrubs, cleaning up shorelines, building trails, helping on educational farms, and much more.
Mission: Connect, build and empower diverse communities through hands-on activities that promote health, well-being and environmental stewardship.
Vision: Healthy communities engaged in environmental stewardship.
Greater Victoria Housing Society
Contact information: Address: 2326 Government Street, Victoria, BC V8T 5G5 | Phone: 250-384-3434 | Email: info@greatervichousing.org
Summary: Founded in 1956, the Greater Victoria Housing Society is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing affordable rental housing for low-to-moderate income families, seniors, working singles, and adults with disabilities who live independently. We believe that safe and affordable housing is essential to a person’s well-being and a foundation for success in life. We imagine a community where everyone feels at home, where everyone has a home.
Mission: Provide low to moderate income households with affordable, secure rental housing contributing to healthy, thriving and liveable communities.
Vision: Our goals are to provide high quality, safe, affordable rental housing, maintain our existing housing to the highest standard, and to respond to the need for affordable housing by improving, growing and expanding to meet the housing needs we see in our region.
Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival
Contact information: Address: 1538 Cedar Hill Cross Road, BC V8P 2P1 | Phone: 250-386-9223 | Email: festival@gvpaf.org
Summary: The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Association is a volunteer-based organization. We are dedicated to working with performing arts educators to develop artistic skills and a love of the performing arts for all ages and skill levels in music, dance, and speech arts. Our annual community festival provides reputable professionals who foster inclusion, education, and performance opportunities during adjudicated sessions. We celebrate participation, achievement, and excellence through a series of special concerts and an awards program.
Size of Organization: 300+ volunteers
Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame
Contact information: Address: 100-4636 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria BC V8Z 5M1 | Phone: (250) 213-2669
Summary: The Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the outstanding performances and contributions of athletes, teams, builders and officials from Victoria who have brought distinction to themselves, their sport, community and country.
Greater Victoria Women’s Shelter Society
Contact information: Email: info@gvwss.org | Phone: (250)-995-0058
Summary: The Greater Victoria Women’s Shelter Society is a small non-profit community group with a mandate to provide supportive housing for women and their children. Their current central program is Margaret Laurence House which provides second stage housing & support for women & their children leaving abusive relationships.
Mission: Our goal is to provide a safe place where women’s values are accepted and respected.
Size of Organization: 6-10 board members
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Habitat for Humanity Victoria
Contact information: Address: 849 Orono Avenue, Victoria, BC V9B 2T9 | Phone: (250) 480-7688 | Email: info@habitatvictoria.com
Summary: Habitat for Humanity Victoria is a registered charity that brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
Mission: Bring communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
Vision: A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.
Size of Organization: Habitat Victoria has built 34 homes locally and served 34 families
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Contact information: Phone: 778-372-8000
Summary: Heart & Stroke advocates for the conditions necessary for all Canadians to live healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. We are leading the push for changes that will protect you and the people you love.
Help Fill a Dream Foundation
Contact information: Address: 4085D Quadra Street, Victoria, BC, V8X 1K5, Canada |Phone: 250-382-3135 | Email: contact@helpfilladream.com
Summary: Since 1986 Help Fill a Dream Foundation has been supporting those families from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands whose lives have suddenly changed due to their child’s diagnosis with a medical condition or severe health challenge. When families are in survival mode the Family Assistance program provides a lifeline. We try to pick up the practical and financial worry, allowing parents to focus on the most important thing: the health of their child. We provide medical equipment such as insulin pumps, orthotics and wheelchairs as well as home and vehicle accessibility modifications, travel expenses and accommodation. In addition to practical support we strive to improve the child’s quality of life.
Size of Organization: 4 staff, supported 3,400+ families
Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Contact information: Address: 505 Quayle Rd Victoria, BC V9E 2J7 | Phone: (250) 479-6162.
Summary: The HCP provides an inspiring natural learning environment in which visitors and students can learn responsible horticulture and conservation practices and the importance of plants to a sustainable world. Our centre engages in research with partners in plant sciences to expand our knowledge of native plants and their importance for biodiversity and sources of food. As well as works in community outreach to deliver innovative education programs that connect people, especially children, with plants and nature and increase awareness of the importance and fragility of our natural environment.
Vision: We are an internationally recognized botanical garden and a respected centre of life-long learning, conservation and research.
Size of Organization: 8 staff, 250 volunteers annually
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Independent Living Housing Society Of Greater Victoria (ILHS)
Contact Information: 723A Vanalman Avenue, Victoria BC. Phone: 250-383-2525. E-Mail: info@ilhs.ca Web: www.ilhs.ca
Summary: The Independent Living Housing Society of Greater Victoria (ILHS) is a non-profit society that has been offering inclusive housing options in the community for over forty years. ILHS supports adults with diverse abilities to live independently in a variety of accessible settings throughout Greater Victoria, promoting a belief that “good living starts with home”. ILHS provides all required personal care and other supports as needed.
Vision: My home, our community, a world where everyone is welcome.
Mission: To provide safe and comfortable homes where people with diverse abilities are supported to achieve more independent lifestyles.
Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS)
Contact information: Address: 664 Granderson Road, Victoria BC Canada V9B 2R8 | Phone: 250.391.0007
Summary: Indigenous Perspectives Society (IPS) is a charitable and not-for-profit social enterprise that offers specialized training and consulting services to help foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives, cultural differences, and the need for self-determination. IPS has demonstrated knowledge and expertise in B.C.’s Indigenous child and family welfare legislation, practice, and policy for more than 25 years.
Mission: Provide culturally relevant training, research, and policy that advances and strengthens the lives of Indigenous peoples.
Size of Organization: 14+ staff
InnovativeCommunities.Org Foundation (ICO)
Contact information: Address: Suite 300 – 722 Cormorant Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8W 1P8 | Phone: +1.778.902.4501 | Email: Info@InnovativeCommunities.Org
Summary: Innovativecommunities.org Foundation is a Canadian registered charity with a focus on the alleviation of poverty and the promotion of education. But more than that – it is an ongoing exercise in working collaboratively, innovatively and transparently in everything that we do so that we can help provide the maximum benefit to everyone we touch.
Mission: The ICO Mission:
– 100% volunteer – 100% donations to the Community Initiative – 100% transparent
– Build relationships first, then task if required.
– Take risks to innovate.
– Do not let ideology affect our relationships.
– Share with the World our Research, Projects, and Initiatives whether successful or not.
And remember – above all, we are Friends working together.
Vision: In order to support and strengthen the people in the communities we serve, we relieve poverty and advance education. We connect communities with resources through processes, technologies, grassroots involvement, team building, and community-driven Initiatives.
Size of Organization: 100+ volunteer team members, over 1000 ICO Community Members globally, 24 Community Initiatives in 11 countries, and are located on four continents.
Inter-cultural Association
Contact information: Address: 808 Douglas St #102, Victoria, BC V8W 2B6 | Phone: 250-388-4728
Summary: The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) offers services for immigrant and refugee newcomers, including settlement and integration services, translation and interpretation, English classes, mentoring, job search assistance and guidance, volunteer matching, and peer support. We also provide outreach and education in the community through arts programming, as well as community development workshops on anti-racism, multiculturalism, diversity awareness, immigration, and human rights.
Size of Organization: 60+ staff
International Metaphysical Academy
Contact information: Address: 1516 Louise Place, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8P 2T9 | Phone: 1-250-472-0909 | Email: anneli@metaphysicalacademy.com
Summary: The International Metaphysical Academy is a fast-growing educational facility offering cutting-edge advanced metaphysical education and universal knowledge world-wide. Students of all religious denominations and spiritual orientations are welcome. The Academy offers metaphysical mentoring, counselling, consulting and coaching services for individuals and groups, customized workshops, keynote speakers and private study opportunities.
Intrepid Theatre Company Society
Contact information: Address: 2-1609 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2J5 | Phone: (250) 383-2663
Summary: Intrepid Theatre Company enhances awareness and appreciation of contemporary theatre, by encouraging, developing, and producing new and or experimental work for public performance, and the promotion of new artists and their work through theatre festival production.
Size of Organization: 300+ volunteers annually
Invasive Species Council of BC is a registered charity and non-profit society that is making a difference in the lives of all British Columbians. ISCBC is a dynamic action-oriented organization, helping concerned stakeholders work together to stop the spread of invasive species in BC. We spearhead behaviour change in communities, organizations, governments and industry to help protect our province from invasive species. To connect with our Victoria operation, please contact Kailli at facilitator@bcinvasives.ca
Vision:
Healthy landscapes and communities free of invasive species.
Mission:
To take action to build healthy landscapes, including habitats and communities, through education and responsible practices to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Island Community Mental Health
Contact information: Address: 125 Skinner Street, Victoria, BC V9A 6X4 | Phone: 250-389-1211 | Email: info@icmha.ca
Summary: Island Community Mental Health offers a variety of programs and opportunities for adults aged 19 and over who are experiencing a mental illness. Our services are designed to promote hope and recovery and offer people experiencing a mental illness the support needed to achieve success in their life. At ICMH each person is treated as an individual, and we listen to your choices and encourage you to take risks.
Mission: Our mission is to help individuals experiencing mental health challenges by promoting individual recovery through evidence-based programs, housing, community partnerships, client and family involvement.
Vision: To be a leader in the delivery of psycho-social rehabilitation services, helping individuals experiencing mental health and substance use issues achieve personal recovery in an inclusive society.
Size of Organization: 88 staff, serving over 1000 clients annually
Island Health
Mission: To provide superior health care through innovation, teaching and research and a commitment to quality and safety—creating healthier, stronger communities and a better quality of life for those we touch.
Vision: Excellent health and care for everyone, everywhere, every time.
Size of organization: Island health has more than 23,000 staff, over 2,500 physician partners, 4,000 volunteers, 12 Executive Team members, and 10 Board of Directors members.
Aberdeen Hospital – Island Health
Contact information: Address: 1450 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2B7 Email: VolunteerNow@viha.ca
Summary: Aberdeen Hospital is an extended care hospital that provides care as well as rehabilitation services to over 100 elderly residents and 25 young adults with complex neurological challenges. Volunteers are greatly appreciated by both residents and staff, and typically provide support to residents through programs such as Therapy Support, Social Engagement, and Activities like art groups, games groups, and special events.
Glengarry Hospital | Island health
Contact information: Address: 1780 Fairfield Rd, Victoria, B.C V8S 1G7 Phone: 250-370-8699
Summary: Glengarry Hospital is an extended care hospital that provides care as well as rehabilitation services. At Glengarry we provide a wide range of activities, plus music and pet therapy. There is a regular schedule of monthly unit programs available to all residents. These are designed to meet different social, creative, physical, spiritual, and cognitive needs and interests of the residents.
Gorge Road Hospital | Island Health
Contact information: Address: 63 Gorge Rd East, Victoria, B.C. V9A 1L2 | Phone: 250-519-3500
Summary: Gorge Road Hospital is an extended care hospital that provides care as well as rehabilitation services to elderly residents. Volunteers are greatly appreciated by both residents and staff, and typically provide support to residents through programs such as Therapy Support, Social Engagement, and Activities like art groups, games groups, and special events.
Mental Health and Substance Use, Residential Services, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 602-620 View Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1J6 | Phone: 250-386-2269 | Email: volvic@volunteervictoria.bc.ca
Summary: Volunteer Victoria’s Mental Health Visiting and Activity Program matches community volunteers with individuals living within Island Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use residential services.
Mission: Help volunteers develop an understanding of mental illness and to support someone to achieve their recovery goals.
Size of organization: 2 Staff
Priory Hospital, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 567 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 2W4 | Phone: (250) 370-5626 | Email: VolunteerHere@viha.ca
Summary: The Priory has 3 buildings on site: Hiscock and Heritage Woods provide residential care for seniors. West Shore Adult Day Program provides adult day services to seniors still residing in their own home.
Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 2400 Arbutus Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 1V7 | Phone: (250) 519-5390 | Email: VolunteerHere@viha.ca
Summary: The Queen Alexandra Centre for Children’s Health (QACCH) provides specialized health care services to children and youth with physical, developmental and or emotional/behavioural challenges. Queen Alexandra assists families in meeting identified needs in the areas of physical, developmental, emotional and behavioural challenges of their child.
Royal Jubilee Hospital Site, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 1952 Bay St, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8 | Phone: (250) 370-8000 | Email: VolunteerHere@viha.ca
Summary: Hospital providing acute care for adults. RJH is an acute care hospital which also offers rehabilitation services and specialized programs in cardiac, kidney and burn care, and psychiatry. It is a referral centre for hospitals all over Vancouver Island.
Saanich Peninsula Hospital Site, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 2166 Mt Newton X Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 2B2 | Phone: 250-544-7676 | Email: VolunteerHere@viha.ca
Summary: Acute and extended care hospital.
Selkirk Place, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 385 Waterfront Crescent, Victoria, BC V8T 5K7 | Phone: 250-940-1028 ext 1111 | Email: VolunteerHere@viha.ca
Summary: Provides individualized care and support for adults with complex and assisted living health needs, within a comfortable residential setting.
Sunset Lodge Long-Term Care, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 952 Arm St, Victoria, BC V9A 4G7 | Phone: (250) 385-3422 | Email: VolunteerHere@viha.ca
Summary: A 108 bed long term care facility that provides a high standard of holistic care in a friendly, supportive environment for its residents and their loved ones. It is the uniqueness of each resident and the caring dynamic of the staff that comprise the culture of Sunset Lodge. We take pride in providing excellent care to the residents that have been entrusted to us. Located on the beautiful Gorge waterway, our park like grounds and lovely therapeutic garden views of the waterway are enjoyed year round by our residents and their guests. At Sunset Lodge We believe that for everything there is a season – and this season is one worth embracing and celebrating!
Victoria General Hospital Site, Island Health
Contact information: Address: 1 Hospital Way Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5 | Phone: (250) 727-4134 | Email: VolunteerHere@viha.ca
Summary: Public hospital, including acute care. It is the pediatric and obstetric care centre for lower Vancouver Island.
Island Kids Cancer Association
Contact information: Address: #106-4480 West Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 3E9 | Email: islandkidscancer@gmail.com
Summary: The Island Kids Cancer Associations CARE 4 Kids program strives to strengthen family connections and let kids be kids. By providing personal connection, individual support and linkages to community programs we aim to transform each child’s experience from anxiety and isolation to one of support and hope. Our mission is to provide practical support for children with cancer, and their families on Vancouver Island, through all stages of their cancer journey.
Size of Organization: 9 staff
Island Prostate Centre
Contact information: Address: 203-1121 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3N1 | Phone: (250) 388-0214 | Email: hello@islandprostatecentre.com
Summary: Island Prostate Centre (IPC) is the only non-profit that guides and empowers Vancouver Island men and their families as they navigate the uncertainty of a prostate cancer diagnosis. We uniquely offer the time and space you need to explore your options and human supports so you never walk alone.
Size of Organization: 3 staff
Island Sexual Health – Community Health Centre
Contact information: Address: #101-3960 Quadra Street Victoria V8X 4A3 | Phone: (250) 592-3479
Summary: Island Sexual Health Community Health Centre is a non-profit agency that has served the Greater Victoria, Vancouver Island, and Gulf Islands communities since 1969. We are privileged to provide clinical and education services to more than 40,000 people in Greater Victoria yearly. We lead in delivering exemplary sexual health services to South Vancouver Island.
Mission: Through the provision of clinical care and education, we: empower individuals to make choices that enhance their sexual wellbeing; Provide all inclusive services and resources that support sexual health; Celebrate diversity of sexual expression.
Vision: We envision a diverse community that celebrates healthy sexuality throughout life.
Size of Organization: 80 volunteers
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James Bay Community Project
Contact information: Address: 547 Michigan Street, Victoria BC, V8V 1S5 Canada | Phone: 250 388 7844 | Email: klaver@jbcp.bc.ca.
Summary: The James Bay Community Project is a community centre which provides Family, Community and Volunteer Services. Our programs and services seek to enable connections and build resilience through a variety of programs and services for all ages. JBCP provides opportunities for volunteerism and participation in community life, and works in partnership with many other agencies and organizations.
Mission: Our mission is to build resilience through connections.
Vision: A community of connected, resilient people.
Size of Organization: 300 volunteers
James Bay Community School Centre
Contact information: Address: 140 Oswego Street, Victoria BC V8V 2B1 | Phone: 250-389-1470
Sumamry: The James Bay Community School Centre focuses on providing the community of James Bay with affordable programs and services designed to meet the diverse needs of our entire community. Programs and services delivered at the James Bay Community School Centre have the following elements: Community use of facilities, supporting and enhancing student learning, community connections and engagements, community and Continuing Education, integrated Services with Agencies and organizations, family Support Services, early learning initiatives, youth connections and, afterschool and summer programs.
Mission: We strive to provide programs to all community members, from preschool-age to seniors, focusing on health, fitness, continued education, creative arts and community connection. Our recreation and leisure programs, childcare programs, fitness and health courses, sport drop-ins, the community café, seniors’ dinners, community dinners, youth leadership, community meetings and general interest programs all enhance life in the James Bay neighbourhood.
Size of Organization: 6 staff
James Bay Market Society
Contact information: Address: 547 Michigan Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 1S5 | Phone: 250-381-5323 | Email: info@jamesbaymarket.com
Summary: The James Bay Market Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1995 that encourages and develops an awareness of the importance of local agriculture, art and craft. They strive to create an atmosphere that encourages community interaction and participation of the neighbourhood through local commerce and entertainment.
The James Bay Community Market is an open air, rain or shine market operating on the corner of Menzies and Superior in James Bay every Saturday, May 7th to Sept. 24th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Every week local residents and international travelers ( with the lifting of restrictions) shop at the market for fresh farm products and unique artisan creations. The market also has live local music all day along with and a picnic area to relax while you grab a bite to eat from one of our many hot food vendors.
Mission: In the spirit of community living in James Bay we want to promote the benefits of a local market with the intent to foster the uniqueness of this neighbourhood.
James Bay New Horizons Centre
Contact information: Address: 234 Menzies Street, Victoria BC | Phone: 250-386-3035
Summary: James Bay New Horizons is a not-for-profit society that was established in 1974, operating as an activity centre in the neighbourhood community of James Bay. We provide accessible programs, services and volunteer opportunities to our members and to local residents in general.
Mission: It is our goal to help people maintain, improve and develop new skills, interests and social opportunities, and to enhance the quality of life of our members and visitors.
Size of Organization: Around 2750 people use the centre every month, 3 staff
John Howard Society of Victoria
Contact information: Address: 2675 Bridge Street, Victoria, BC V8T4Y4 | Phone: 250.386.3428 | Email: jhs@jhsvic.ca
Summary: The John Howard Society promotes a safe and peaceful community through effective and humane life-skills, health resources and social justice programs. We are dedicated to assisting individuals, families, youth and adults with programs and services focused on employment, housing, mentorship, restorative justice.
Mission: We aim to restore dignity and self-worth to all who have lost hope.
Vision: Improving Lives, One Person at a Time.
Size of Organization: Serves over 700 individuals
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KidSport Greater Victoria
Contact information: Mailing Address: Box 345, 185-911 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, V8V 4Y9 | Phone: 250.380.1518 | Email: admin@kidsportvictoria.ca
Summary: KidSport exists to ensure that local children in financial need have opportunity to participate in and benefit from organized sport of their choice. As one of the largest KidSport chapters in the country, KidSport Greater Victoria relies on a team of excellent volunteers to support special events, and to help with administrative functions in order to reach up to 1200 local kids in need every year.
Kiwanis Pavilion
Contact information: Address: 3034 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, BC Canada V8T 3J3 | Phone: (250) 598-2022 | Email: volunteercoordinator@obkp.org
Summary: The Kiwanis Pavilion Foundation serves people living and dying with frailty and dementia. We strive to provide compassionate comfort care, create a safe and friendly homelike environment and build collaborative partnerships with each resident and their family.
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Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia
Contact information: Address: 201 – 569 Johnson Street, Victoria BC V8W 1M2 | Email: info@ltabc.ca | Phone: 250-590-1921
Summary: The Land Trust Alliance of British Columbia (LTABC) represents 40 land trust members across the province. Since 1997 when LTABC was established, we have developed educational, research and resource programs that have helped conservation groups steward, protect and restore BC’s natural and cultural diversity. BC land trusts, with the help of generous donors and willing land owners, have now protected well over one million acres of significant land.
Mission: The Land Trust Alliance fosters the land trust community, protects and stewards British Columbia’s natural and cultural heritage.
Vision: British Columbia – a global model of communities living in harmony with their natural and cultural heritage.
Size of Organization: LTABC has two employees.
Learning through Loss
Contact information: Address: 132-328 Wale Rd. Victoria, BC V9B 0J8 | Phone: 250-413-3114 | Email: info@learningthroughloss.org
Summary: Learning Through Loss is the community expert at helping youth through grief and loss and bereavement while teaching others about the impact of grief on youth and how to better help them through. Through our programs, workshops and counselling services, we reach thousands of youth each year. Our programs are built on the strength of youth peer support, belonging, and the often difficult terrain of navigating grief and loss guided by an experienced registered clinical counsellor.
Mission: Learning Through Loss designs and delivers grief and loss education and support programs to youth and provides professional development and training to other youth-serving organizations to increase capacity and well-being through grief, loss and bereavement.
Vision: We envision a community where all youth, and those that support them, have access to education, support, and resources relating to grief, loss and healthy strategies for well-being.
Size of Organization: 7 staff
Lifetime Networks
Contact information: Address: 2553 Quadra Street, Victoria BC V8T 4E1 | Phone: 250-477-4112 | Email: info@Lnv.ca
Summary: At Lifetime Networks we understand the importance of friendship as being one of the cornerstones to a fulfilling life. We create opportunities for people with diversabilities to develop and maintain lasting friendships with a Personal Support Network. Lifetime Networks also offers informal networks and further supports through continuing education, employment support, community inclusion, fine arts, social cooking, evening socials and Best Buddies.
Mission: Through the many services of Lifetime Networks, the goal remains the same: to increase the number of relationships in the lives of people with disabilities. We foster networks of friendship and support for people with diversabilities to enhance community.
Vision: We see a future where all people enjoy safe, happy, fulfilling lives.
Size of Organization: 25+ staff, large volunteer family
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MADD Canada
Contact information: Phone: 1 877 676 6233 | Email: tcrawford@madd.ca
Summary: Each and every year, thousands of Canadians are killed or injured in impaired driving crashes. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a terrible crime that touches all our lives. MADD Canada strives to offer support services to victims/survivors and their families and friends, heighten awareness about the dangers of alcohol and/or drug-impaired driving, and to save lives and prevent injuries on our roads. At the heart of MADD Canada are our volunteers; they 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.
Mission: To stop impaired driving and to support victims of this violent crime.
Maritime Museum of British Columbia
Contact information: Address: 744 Douglas Street Victoria, B.C., V8W 3M6 | Phone: 250-385-4222 | Email: info@mmbc.bc.ca
Summary: The Maritime Museum of British Columbia is dedicated to promoting and preserving BC’s maritime experience and heritage and to engage people with this ongoing story. The Museum cares for more than 35,000 unique artifacts, in excess of 40,000 historical photographs and an internationally recognized chart collection. The Museum also delivers popular educational outreach programs geared to children and seniors featuring topics such as immigration, pirates and privateers, women at sea, and the fur trade.
Mission: To engage communities in witnessing and preserving maritime heritages.
Vision: Maritime experiences are boldly embraced, shared, and lived from a cultural centre on the waterfront.
Size of Organization: 5+ staff
The Mental Health Society of Greater Victoria
Contact Information: Address: PO Box 23112, Victoria, BC. V8V 3X0 | Email: admin@mhsvictoria.org
Summary: We are a 100% volunteer-run organization that aims to decrease barriers in the local mental health system. We offer service navigation assistance to people who are searching for mental health services in Victoria. We recommend appropriate resources that will meet our clients’ needs, and we offer support throughout the process. We also develop and deliver mental health workshops and online campaigns to educate the public about various mental health topics.
Mercy Ships Canada
Contact information: Address: Unit 5-3318 Oak St. Victoria, BC Canada V8X 1R1 | Phone: 250-381-2160 | Email: msca@mercyships.ca
Summary: Mercy Ships is an international humanitarian organization that uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services and medical capacity building in the world’s poorest nations. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in over 70 countries, providing $1.53 billion in services to more than 2.71 million direct beneficiaries. Every year over 1000 volunteers from up to 40 nations volunteer onboard the Africa Mercy, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship.
Mission: Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to transform individuals and serve nations, one at a time.
Size of Organization: 1000+ volunteers
Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts
Contact information: Address: 650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria BC V9C 4H7 Canada | Email: missa@missa.ca
Summary: The Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts has been providing high calibre specialized workshops for artists, teachers and serious adult students since 1984. MISSA has a reputation for hosting local, national and international instructors who engage with students in an intense multi-disciplinary environment. MISSA welcomes students from around the world to participate in an artistic immersion for two weeks every summer.
Mission: Our mission is to inspire serious students and professional artists – in a stimulating natural environment – through workshops, hands-on demonstrations, mentoring, and studio practice.
Vision: Expression and connection through the arts.
Monterey Recreation Centre
Contact information: Address: 1442 Monterey Avenue, Victoria BC, V8S 4W1 | Phone: 250-370-7300
Summary: The Monterey Recreation Centre offers a myriad of clubs, courses, adventures, events and volunteering opportunities for adults 50+ on weekdays and for adults 19+ evenings and weekends.
Mount Douglas Seniors Housing Society
Address: 100 – 1552 Arrow Road, Victoria BC, V8N 0B8 | Phone: 250-721-1818 | Email: info@mdshs.net
Summary: MDSHS provides a safe, caring community and comfortable homes for independent seniors aged 55 and better. In 1970 construction began on our first building with the support of the Anglican Church. We now have two buildings, and approximately 170 residents. We are a registered charity, owned and operated by MDSHS and fully independent of the church.
Mission: Our mission is to provide a safe, caring community and comfortable homes to seniors on lower incomes.
Size of Organization: 6 staff
Mount St. Mary Hospital
Contact information: Address: 861 Fairfield Road | Phone: 250-480-3100
Mission: Founded by the Sisters of St. Ann, we are a Catholic health organization dedicated to continuing the healing ministry of Jesus by providing compassionate, loving care to adults of all faiths who require long-term support. We are committed to meeting the physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, and emotional needs of all those we serve in partnership with their families, friends and other health care providers.
Vision: We will be a community of caring for adults who require complex care services to live life fully. We will provide a safe environment that fosters mutual respect, ethical reflection and personal growth and development within systems that are responsive to evolving needs.
Size of Organization: 10+ volunteers
Mustard Seed Street Church,
Contact information: 625 Queens Avenue Victoria BC V8T 1L9 | Phone: (250) 953-1575 | Email: volunteer@mustardseed.ca
Summary: Mustard Seed has been essential in fighting hunger and restoring faith to people living in Greater Victoria since 1975.
We do this with the generous support of the community and with hundreds of dedicated volunteers! Our operations are nearly 100 percent community funded; these include Victoria’s largest Food Bank, Family Supports, Hospitality programs, a Food Security Distribution Centre and programs at Hope Farm Healing Centre as well as traditional church services.
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NEED2 Suicide Prevention Education & Support
Contact information: Address: 2390 Arbutus Rd, Victoria BC, V8N 1V7 | Phone: (250) 386-6328 | Email: admin@need2.ca
Summary: Offers suicide awareness and prevention through programs such as: Youthspace.ca (an online crisis and emotional support service for youth); Suicide Education and Awareness (classroom presentation that delivers mental health literacy and suicide prevention tools to Grade 8 & 10 classes); Mindfulness for Middle Schools (workshop series where Grade 6 & 7 classes learn about mindfulness as a coping tool); and the Suicide Loss Peer Support Group (peer support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide, meets monthly).
Mission: We work every day to prevent deaths by suicide through our community programs and our online presence. We provide accessible emotional and crisis support by engaging the community and advancing the dialogue.
Vision: Caring communities without suicide.
Size of Organization: 20 employees
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Oak and Orca School/Bioregional Education Association
Contact information: Address: 2738 Higgins St, Victoria, BC V8T 3N1 | Phone: (250) 383-6609 | Email: info@oakandorca.ca
Summary: Oak and Orca is a secular and values-based school offering affordable, inclusive, and accessible support with the BC Ministry of Education curriculum for students in Victoria and around BC. The teaching approach models bioregional philosophies and provides freedom of expression and choice to students and educators are passionate about offering opportunities to learn in an outdoor-rich, inquiry-based, and compassionate environment.
Mission: Our mission is to empower children to create fundamental social change towards more fulfilling and ecologically sustainable communities.
Oak Bay Emergency Program (OBEP)
Contact information: Address: 1703 Monterey Avenue Victoria BC, V8R 5V6 | Phone: (250) 592-9121 | Email: obep@oakbay.ca
Summary: OBEP volunteers help their neighbours prepare to recover from a local emergency such as fire, flooding, and weather related emergencies or large scale disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. There is something for everyone who wants to become involved in building a disaster resilient community through community education, Emergency Support Services and Amateur Radio.
Mission: Our mission is to recruit and train volunteers who encourage self-reliance through emergency preparedness and respond to those affected by an emergency.
Vision: Oak Bay is a resilient municipality supported by an outstanding team of staff and volunteers.
Size of Organization: The district of Oak Bay has 7 council members.
Oak Bay Volunteer Services (OBVS)
Contact information: Address: 1442 Monterey Avenue Victoria, BC V8S 4W1 | Phone: (250) 595-1034 | Email: info@oakbayvolunteers.org
Summary: Oak Bay Volunteer Services (OBVS) provides non-medical support services to Oak Bay residents on a one-to-one basis. Clients can be of any age, and are individuals in need of volunteer help because of health, financial or other needs.
Mission: To enable Oak Bay residents to maintain or improve their independence and connection to the community through the provision of support services that also engender strong relationships and lasting human connections.
Vision: To ensure Oak Bay residents are supported, valued and connected.
Size of Organization: OBVS employs 3 staff members, 1 dog member and 8 board of directors.
Oaklands Community Association & Centre
Contact information: Address: 1-2827 Belmont Ave, Victoria, BC V8R 4B2 | Phone: (250) 370-9101 | Email: facilities@oaklandsca.com
Summary: Promotes and provides quality programs and projects that facilitate community interaction and contribute to the health and physical improvement of the Oaklands neighbourhood.
Mission: Strengthening the Oaklands community by providing programs, services and resources for its residents, businesses and visitors.
Size of Organization: Oaklands Community Association has approximately 14 full time employees, 57 part-time employees, over 100 volunteers, 8 board of directors and numerous contract instructors.
Open Space Arts Society
Contact information: 510 Fort Street, 2nd floor, Victoria, BC V8W 1E6 Phone: 250.383.8833 Email: openspace@openspace.ca
Summary: Open Space is a non-profit artist-run centre situated on unceded Lekwungen territory in Victoria, British Columbia. Since its founding in 1972, Open Space has worked to present contemporary visual arts, music, writing, media arts and more.
Vision: Open Space (OS) supports experimental artistic practices in all contemporary arts disciplines, engaging art, artists and communities. Objectives are to: advance new areas of art production and criticism; provide artists with opportunities to develop, present, and disseminate work; engage diverse audiences in the contemporary arts; expand the roles and the status of artists; adhere to professional codes of ethics; pay professional artists’ fees; operate in a fiscally responsible manner.
As a social space for emerging art practices, OS encourages participation in the arts by artists and community members. We are always working to strengthen our engagement with Indigenous ways of knowing, programs and art projects. Our strategies include: intergenerational programming & mentorships; facilitating conversation among disparate groups defined by discipline and culture; and presenting thoughtful, surprising art.
OS is a vibrant home for installations, exhibitions, concerts, screenings, workshops, readings, performances, off-site projects, public art, seminars, conversations, curatorial and artists’ residencies, local curators, student internships, volunteer opportunities and public education projects.
Our Place Society
Contact information: Address: 919 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8V 3P4 | Phone: (250) 388-7112 | Email: info@ourplacesociety.com
Summary: OPS has evolved from an inner-city community centre founded on the principles of hope and belonging to an integrated organization serving Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable, including people struggling with homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use issues, the working poor and impoverished elderly. These members of our community are fondly referred to as the OPS Family. With strong financial stewardship and an equally strong leadership team, we have a renewed optimism for the future. Broad-based and committed community support allows OPS to provide over 1,000 meals every day plus snacks, 450 units of housing plus transitional shelter spaces, hot showers, education, job skills training, health care, addiction recovery services, clothing, counselling, outreach services and a downtown storage facility. Most importantly, OPS provides a continuum of care and a sense of hope and community to those who need it most.
Mission: Our Place offers Greater Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens a place to call their own, where we live, share and grow together.
Vision: Nourishment, hope and belonging for all
Size of Organization: 14 staff members, 21 board of directors, 10 people on the advisory cabinet.
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Pacific Animal Therapy Society (PATS)
Contact information: Address: 550-2950 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8T 4N4 | Phone: (250) 590-9082 | Email: info@patspets.ca
Summary: PATS pets enhance the mental, physical and social well-being of care facility residents, school and university students, literacy programs participants, medical facility clients and others throughout Greater Victoria. Pet therapy transforms lives.
Mission: The Pacific Animal Therapy Society (PATS) mission is to enhance the quality of care given to our clients by our visits with pets.
Pacific Centre Family Services
Contact information: Address: 324 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC V9B 2W3 | Phone: (250) 478-8357 | Email: pacificcentre@pcfsa.org
Summary: To enhance and promote the quality and dignity of life of individuals, families and groups within the community.
Mission: By encouraging healthy patterns of living, Pacific Centre Family Services enhances and promotes the quality and dignity of life of individuals and families within our diverse community.
Size of Organization: Employees: 20, Board of directors: 9
Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence Society (PISE)
Contact information: Address: 4371 Interurban Rd, Victoria BC, V9E 2C5 | Phone: (250) 220-2510 | Email: info@pise.ca
Summary: PISE is a charitable non-profit organization that provides programs and services for South Vancouver Island while managing the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence facility, the first summer sport institute in Canada. The organization helps build a healthy, active community while focusing on inclusion, physical literacy, active living and supporting the development of performance sport. PISE’s driving purpose is to transform lives through healthy activity and sport by providing physical activity and health education programming and services for children, youth and adults.
Mission: Transforming lives through healthy activity & sport.
Vision: We positively impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities in the South Vancouver Island, around British Columbia, and across Canada.
Size of Organization: Employees: 26, Board of Directors: 9
Pacific Training Centre for the Blind (PTCB)
Contact information: Address: 817A Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 | Phone: (250) 580-4910 | Email: info@pacifictrainingcentre.ca
Summary: the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind (PTCB) is a grassroots, charitable organization, based in Victoria, BC. The centre offers training in blindness skills such as Braille, cane travel, adaptive technology, life skills and a positive approach to blindness. All of our instructors are blind, and the centre uses a positive, experiential style of teaching that empowers blind people to problem-solve and take charge of their own lives.
Mission: PTCB is committed to empowering its students to achieve independence, employment, equality and first-class citizenship. It is about teachers who are blind working with students who are blind to increase everyday skills and confidence.
Size of Organization: Employees: 2, Board of Directors: 6
Pacifica Housing Advisory Association
Contact information: Address: 827 Fisgard St, Victoria, BC V8W 1R9 | Phone: (250) 385-2131
Summary: To provide innovative, affordable housing opportunities and support to people in need of such services.
Mission: To advance independence of individuals and families through equitable housing and supportive services.
Vision: Equitable housing in pursuit of thriving communities.
Size of Organization: 64 employees, 4 management employees, and 8 board of Directors.
Pandora Arts Collective
Contact information: Address: 1923 Fernwood Rd, Victoria, BC V8T 2Y6 | Phone: (250) 920-7227 | Email: office@pandoraarts.ca
Summary: Facilitates and supports health through the social and educational benefits of a welcoming creative arts space. Run two main programs, the Open Studio and an online Zoom studio.
Mission: The Pandora Arts Collective Society is a caring and open community of people whose mission is to join together around the creative arts as a healing process.
Vision: The organization facilitates and supports health through the social and educational benefits of a welcoming creative arts space.
Parent Support Services Society of BC (PSS)
Contact information: Address: 5623 Imperial St #204, Burnaby, BC V5J 1G1 | Phone: (604) 669-1616 | Email: office@parentsupportbc.ca
Summary: The Parent Support Services of BC envisions a world where all children and their families are nurtured, valued and safe. PSS operates Parenting Support Circles across BC for all people in a parenting role (parenting children and youth) including grandparents raising their grandchildren and other kinship care providers. Parenting Support Circles are led by trained volunteers, follow a self-help, peer support model and discuss a variety of topics including parental stress, discipline, and building parental support systems. Initial Facilitator Training is provided to volunteers. PSS actively seeks to partner with local community agencies to offer Parenting Support Circles and parenting workshops as needed.
Mission: To protect the safety and wellbeing of children and promote the health of all families by partnering with those in a parenting role and their communities to build support, advocacy, education, research, and resources.
Vision: To realize our vision and mission we create opportunities for parents and grandparents that foster independence and personal responsibility, and by creating cost-effective and comprehensive community based services in cooperation with public and private partners. Our staff is dedicated to providing these services with respect, compassion, and accountability, and to championing the Canadian Charter of Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Size of Organization: Employees: 11, Board of Directors: 8
Power To Be
Contact information: Address: 4633 Prospect Lake Road, Victoria BC V9E 1J5 | Phone: 250-385-2363 | Email: info@powertobe.ca
Summary: Power To Be began over 25 years ago with an idea: help people living with a disability or barrier access nature. The idea grew into a community, connecting participants to adventures and supporters to opportunities, collectively redefining our definition of ability. From hiking and kayaking, to camping and snowshoeing, we create access to nature for youth, families and adults living with cognitive, physical, financial, and social barriers.
Mission: We build community by removing barriers and inviting people to explore what’s possible in nature.
Size of Organization: Over 40 staff and 100 volunteers help us realize our mission
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Quadra Village Community Centre
Contact information: Address: 901 Kings Rd, Victoria BC | Phone: (250) 388-7696 | Email: info@quadravillagecc.com
Summary: The Quadra Village Community Centre (Downtown Blanshard Advisory Committee) is a safe and welcoming gathering place and neighbourhood association in the vibrant and diverse neighbourhood of Hillside Quadra. We provide services, programs, and support to meet the various needs of individuals in our community. Since 1974 our preventative and responsive community based programs have helped make change close to home.
Mission: Our Mission is to work together to nurture community well-being by providing services and programs to meet social, educational, health, employment, environmental and recreational needs of people in our neighbourhood in a safe and welcoming environment.
Vision: Our organization is committed to building community and personal capacity.
Size of Organization: 44 employees
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Rainbow Health Cooperative
Contact information: Address: 231 Regina Ave, Victoria, BC, V8Z 3V9 | Phone: 1-888-241-9992 | Website: tvine.ca
Rainbow Health Co-operative is BC’s largest trans, Two-Spirit, nonbinary organization.
We are a volunteer based, not-for-profit community services cooperative that began as a community initiative in 2014.
Our vision is a day when the T2NB community members are seen as a respected, vital, and important members of society.
The dawn of that day is to see ourselves as vital, important and worthy of respect.
Our mission is the promotion of gender wellness through research and education.
Gender wellness is the set of personal strategies and public policies that makes our genders a beneficial part of our lives, families and communities.
Our focus are people and their families who are: exploring, considering, living through, or wanting to share their lived experience of physical, social and personal transition related to gender.
Our process is to establish ongoing community resources to accomplish our mission, while maintaining equitable access by the Indigenous community.
Our primary initiative is Our_Community Health Initiative. (0_CHI)
Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs Society (RAVEN)
Contact information: Address: 509 – 620 View Street, Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1J6 | Phone: (250) 383-2331 | Email: info@raventrust.com
Summary: Provides financial resources to assist Indigenous Peoples within Canada in lawfully forcing industrial development to be reconciled with their traditional ways of life, and in a manner that addresses global warming of other ecologically sustainable challenges.
Mission: RAVEN raises legal defense funds to assist Indigenous Peoples who enforce their rights and title to protect their traditional territories.
Vision: Guided by some of the most brilliant legal advisors in the country, we work to enshrine environmental justice for all. The law is clearly on the side of Indigenous peoples: their victories protect us all.
Size of Organization: Employees: 11, Board of Directors: 6
Rocky Point Bird Observatory
Contact information: Address: 1581-H Hillside Ave Suite 170, Victoria, BC V8T 2C1 | Phone: (250) 514-6450 | Email: volunteer@rpbo.org
Summary: Seeks to influence conservation and ecological management of migratory birds in Western North America through monitoring, scientific research and public education.
Mission: Rocky Point Bird Observatory seeks to influence and inform ecological management practices and conservation of migratory birds in western North America through monitoring, scientific research and public education.
Size of Organization: Employees: 4, Board of Directors: 14
Rogers Society Community Center
Contact information: Address: 765 Rogers Ave, Victoria, BC V8X 5K6 | Phone: (778) 977-0093 | Email: office@rogerssociety.org
Summary: Rogers Society is a not-for-profit organization providing out of school care, sports and arts programs, rentals, and care to the Greater Victoria area for over 28 years. Our mission today is to be a creative hub for programs and collaborations with individuals and other local organizations. We strive to share our space building community engagement.
Mission: Rogers Out of School Care offers programs licensed by Island Health and operated in compliance with B.C. Child Care regulations.
Vision: We believe that life is best lived together. We are focused on supporting, empowering and sharing life with the community we serve.
Size of Organization: Employees: 3, Board of Directors: 6
Rowing BC
Contact information: 100-4636 Elk Lake Drive – lisa.tschannen@rowingbc.ca – rowingbc.ca
Summary: Rowing BC is the Provincial Sport Organization for rowing in British Columbia. We provide support to our ~40 member organizations through performance development, coach development, regatta sanctioning, umpire management, safety frameworks, and networking. Rowers in BC range in age from 11 to mid-80s, and participate through recreation, competition, coaching, and volunteering. We also support rowing clubs in providing adaptive and inclusive programming. It is important to us that we foster healthy communities on healthy waterways!
Mission: All British Columbians are able to discover, pursue, and enjoy the sport of rowing.
Royal B.C. Museum – Visitor Services
Contact information: Address: 675 Belleville St, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2 | Phone: (250) 356-7226 | Email: reception@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Summary: Collect, preserve and interpret human and natural history of province. Through research and learning, we strive to broaden understanding about our province and inspire curiosity and wonder. We are passionate about sharing British Columbia’s story with the millions of visitors who walk through our doors and explore our website each year.
Mission: We are a museum that is accessible to every British Columbian regardless of age, ethnicity or geography.
Vision: We envision a province in which all people respect each other and the environment in which they live.
Size of Organization: Employees: 54 Board of Directors: 11
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Saanich
Mission: Community Services facilitates access to recreation programs, parks and facilities, while supporting local initiatives which assist our community to participate in healthy active lifestyles.
Community Recreation Services, Saanich
Contact information: Address: 780 Vernon Ave Victoria, BC V8X 2W7 | Phone: 250-475-5422
Summary: Facilitates access to recreation programs, parks and facilities while supporting local initiatives which assist our community to participate in healthy active lifestyles.
Mission: To strengthen and connect our community through recreation volunteerism.
Vision: Inspired volunteers engaged in meaningful opportunities
Size of Organization: The District of Saanich has about 1,500 employees working in nine departments and 11 locations. There are 24 members on the Board of Directors and are supported by more than 75 committees and commissions.
Emergency Program, Saanich
Contact information: Address: 760 Vernon Ave Victoria | Phone: 250-475-7140 | Email: sep@saanich.ca
Summary: Provides for continuity in government and the preservation of life and property through a coordinated response by elected officials, municipal departments, volunteer services and such outside agencies as may be able to assist during a major emergency or disaster.
Mission: To strengthen and connect our community through recreation volunteerism.
Vision: Inspired volunteers engaged in meaningful opportunities.
Size of Organization: The District of Saanich has about 1,500 employees working in nine departments and 11 locations. There are 24 members on the Board of Directors and are supported by more than 75 committees and commissions.
Saanich Police Department’s Block Watch Program
Contact information: Address: 760 Vernon Ave Victoria, BC V8X 2W6 | Phone: (250) 475-4321 | Email: blockwatch@saanichpolice.ca
Summary: Facilitate community participation in crime prevention program, specifically Block Watch.
Mission: The Mission of the Saanich Police is to provide quality service by working with the community to keep Saanich safe.
Vision: We are known for our commitment to excellence. We are responsive to the changing needs of our community. We provide effective leadership that ensures the sustainability of our organization and the services we provide. We encourage open communication that creates effective partnerships. And we treat all individuals in a manner that is consistent with our values.
Size of Organization: Through our governing Municipal Police Board, we maintain an independent, full-service police department. It has 165 sworn members supported by 49 civilians and 50 volunteer Reserve Constables.
Saanich Volunteer Services Society
Contact information: Address: 1445 Ocean View Road, Victoria, BC V8P 1J8 | Phone: (250) 595-8008 | Email: contactus@saanichvolunteers.org
Summary: A one on one direct volunteer service that promotes independent living and enhances quality of life for Saanich residents by providing coordinated volunteer services and connection to community resources. Provides supported transportation, companionship, light yard work and gardening, minor home repair, income tax preparation and community information and referrals.
Mission: Saanich Volunteer Services Society (SVSS) promotes independent living and enhances the quality of life for Saanich residents by providing coordinated volunteer services and connection to community resources.
Size of Organization: SVSS has 6 employees, 1 Dog employee, 5 Volunteer Advisory Council members, and 8 board of directors.
Scouts Francophones de Victoria
Contact: 376 Duncan St. Coquitlam, BC, V3K 5B5 Phone: 1-604-936-3624
Meetings held at: École Victor-Brodeur 637 Head St., Victoria, BC, V9A 5S9
Email: mhpower@shaw.ca website: www.scoutsfranco.com
Summary: Scouts francophones de Victoria is a non-profit organization which mentors youth. Scouting has proven to be an effective supplement to a child’s non-formal education to aid in the development of the child and becoming positive community members.
The “Scouts francophones de CB” has been active in BC since 1955. Volunteers teach and role model leadership and life-skills through non-competitive play, competences, and outdoor activities, using the Scout guidelines. All in French!
Mission:
Our French Scout movement teaches young people through social, physical, intellectual, and developmental skills to become the best that “they” can be and productive members of their environment.
Size of Organization:
Scouts francophones de CB employs 1 staff member and has 40 to 50 volunteers throughout the province.
Search and Rescue Society of BC
Contact information: Phone: (250) 384 6696 | Email: sarbc@sarbc.org
Summary: The Search and Rescue Society (SARBC) is a non-government, direct access, registered charity that provides resources and technology not normally available on wilderness and underwater missing person incidents. It does not matter who finds the missing subject, it only matters that they are found. When traditional methods have failed we may be able to assist. Search and Rescue Society of BC – often copied, never duplicated.
Selkirk Place
Contact Information: 385 Waterfront Crescent Victoria, BC V8T 5K7 | Phone: (250) 880-0388
Summary: Provides individualized care and support for adults with complex and assisted living health needs, within a comfortable residential setting.
Sendial Program, Thrifty Foods
Contact information: Phone: 250-544-1234
Summary: When someone needs a hand, we are happy to help. Our Sendial Grocery Shopping & Delivery Program does the shopping for customers who, because of injury, frailty or other physical reason, can’t easily get to our stores or shop independently.
Mission: To be Canada’s better food destination by helping Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better, and Do Better.
Size of Organization: Thrifty Foods has 1001 to 5000 employees spanning over 25 stores across British Colombia.
Seniors Serving Seniors
Contact information: Address: 602-620 View Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1J6 | Phone: 250-413-3211 | Email: sl@sssbc.org
Summary: Offers a current information and referral service – represent interests and concerns of senior citizens – identify and assist in developing programs and establishing services.
Mission: Seniors Serving Seniors is a registered non-profit charitable society in British Columbia that supports the well-being of seniors. We are the premier organization in connecting the information needs of seniors with relevant resources and programs. Seniors Serving Seniors is a responsive, accessible, flexible, and transparent organization.
Vision: Seniors’ quality of life and independence are enhanced as a direct result of the caring, supportive connections created between their needs and the resources offered by the community.
Size of Organization: Our programs and services are offered free of charge and run almost solely by volunteers who promote and encourage independence and support the wellbeing of seniors.
Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
Contact information: Address: 9811 Seaport Pl, Sidney, BC V8L 4X3 | Phone: (250) 665-7511 | Email: info@salishseacentre.org
Summary: Connecting the public with the Salish Sea and its ecosystems through engagement, knowledge and awareness, the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea offers a fun, interactive and informative experience of science and culture to visitors of all ages.
Mission: Our mission is to create experiences that encourage citizens to learn about, explore and conserve the Salish Sea Bioregion – its wildlife, waters, land, culture, and people.
Vision: Our vision is for a healthy and sustainable Salish Sea Bioregion.
Size of Organization: Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea has 7 employees and 11 Board Members.
Shekinah Homes Society
Contact information: Address: 3114 Irma Street, Victoria, BC V9A 1S8 | Phone: 250-595-1014
Summary: Provides person centered support for adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting.
Mission: Helping people with developmental disabilities flourish by creating loving homes and opportunities to grow within a secure and caring community.
Vision: We envision a moral and just society where all people are given the opportunity to love, learn, work and play in inclusive communities. Where the worth and unique value of each person is revealed and honored, and where we joyfully celebrate our humanity, spirituality and chosen faith.
Size of Organization: Shekinah Homes Society has 5 leadership team members and 6 board members.
Shelbourne Community Kitchen Society
Contact information: Address: 3787 Cedar Hill Rd, Saanich BC V8P 3Z4 | Phone: (250) 590-0980 | Email: info@shelbournecommunitykitchen.ca
Summary: We are a registered charity in Saanich, British Columbia, and offer a unique neighbourhood food centre model. We create opportunities for people to: prepare and share healthy meals in cooking programs together, access nutritious food through our Pantry program, work together to grow food and build gardening skills, and connect with other community resources.
Mission: Creating opportunities with people living on a low income to cook, grow, share and connect for improved health and wellbeing.
Vision: Healthy, food-secure communities.
Size of Organization: The Shelbourne Community Kitchen, also referred to as ‘the Kitchen’, is a collaborative effort of three Shel¬bourne Valley churches—St. Luke’s Anglican, St. Aidan’s United, and Lutheran Church of the Cross—and two Community Associations, Mount Tolmie Community Association and Camosun Community Association.
Silver Threads Service
Contact information: Address: 1911 Quadra Street, V8T 4C1 | Phone: 250-388-4268
Summary: A charitable, not-for-profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors. We do this by providing programs and services that are accessible to all. We operate two centres (Saanich and Victoria) and Outreach Program throughout Greater Victoria.
Mission: Silver Threads Service is a charitable, not-for-profit society that enhances social connections and well-being for seniors. We do this by providing programs and services that are accessible to all.
Vision: Seniors in Greater Victoria are engaged and supported, enhancing their quality of life.
Size of Organization: Silver Threads Service has 9 employees and 8 board members.
Sooke Region Community Health Network
Contact information: Address: 204-2120 Church Road, Sooke, B.C. V9Z 0W7
Phone: (778) 365-1878 | Email: programs@sookeregionchn.org SRCHN VISION: Healthy thriving communities within the Sooke Region.
SRCHN MISSION: To support healthy lives in healthy communities through innovative, collaborative development and improvement of services for everyone.
SRCHN Programs: Sooke Region Elders Complex, Better at Home, Volunteer Centre, Sooke Region Resources, Age-Friendly, Sooke Region Lifelong Learning, Senior Centre without Walls & Seasonal Income Tax Clinic.
Sooke Shelter Society
Contact information: Address: 101-6750 West Coast Road, Sooke, BC, V9Z 1H9 | Phone: (250) 419-3978 | Email: info@sookeshelter.org
Summary: Sooke Shelter Society provides 33 Supportive Housing units, 6 Shelter Beds and a Hub Resource. Directly engaging with those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through an outreach program which bridges the gaps and creates awareness of services available to them. The primary focus is on those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. SSS staff provide assessment of individual needs and assistance in supporting client to achieve their personal goals. SSS provides supportive housing services that respond to vulnerable people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with the goal of acquiring and maintaining stable, long-term housing.
Mission: Our mission is to ensure all people in the Greater Sooke Area have access to safe, affordable, appropriate, long-term housing. With supportive services and connections to the community-based supports people need to keep their housing and avoid returning to homelessness.
Vision: To Prevent and End Homelessness
Size of Organization: 7 staff and board members
Sooke Transition House Society
Contact information: Address: 6649 Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC V9Z 0A7 | Phone: (250) 642-2591
Summary: Purpose is to provide accessible services to all women and children seeking support, information, referrals, and advocacy relating to issues of violence and abuse. To provide shelter in a safe respectful atmosphere for women and their children experiencing, leaving or healing from violence and abuse.
Mission: We provide safe, clean, temporary emergency accommodations for women and their children leaving abusive situations. It is a place free from the threat of violence.
Size of Organization: Sooke Transition House Society has 2 Staff members and 7 board of directors.
Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre
Contact information: Address: 31-4605 Bedwell Harbour Rd, Driftwood Centre, Pender Island, BC, V0N 2M0 | Phone: (250) 629-3665 | Email: sgivolunteercentre@gmail.com
Summary: The Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre (SGICRC) is a not-for-profit, multi-service Island community organization. It offers a broad range of educational, social, cultural, Edu-tourism and capacity-building programs to local area residents across the four Southern Gulf Islands of Pender, Saturna, Mayne and Galiano. The Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre provides SGI residents with resources, referrals, information and support for employment, education, social purposes and well-being.
Mission: Our organization is committed to enhancing community capacity and fostering both social and economic opportunities.
Size of Organization: Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre has over 15 Employees and 7 members on the board of directors.
Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society
Contact information: https://naturetrailssociety.com/contact/
Summary: Advocating and building shared-use trail connections in the Greater Victoria area. Works with the many different land managers to authorize, connect and upgrade existing trails and make them accessible and safe for the public.
Mission: Champion, build, and connect safe, enjoyable, and sustainable nature trails, by collaborating and working closely with diverse partners.
Vision: A world-renowned network of multi-use trails with abundant access, that inspires people to engage with the natural world and respect the environment.
Size of Organization: Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society has 8 Staff members and 13 members on the board of directors.
Special Olympics BC
Contact information: Address: PO Box 31121 University Heights Victoria, BC V8N 6G3 | Phone: (250) 475-1677 | Email: info@specialolympics.bc.ca
Summary: Provide year round sport and recreation programs for people who have intellectual disabilities.
Mission: Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.
Vision: Sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities all across British Columbia.
Size of Organization: Special Olympics BC has 19 employees and 13 members on the board of directors.
St. Vincent de Paul
Contact information: Address: 4349 W Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 3E8 | Phone: (250) 727-0007 | Email: info@svdpvictoria.com
Summary: Emergency assistance to anyone who is in need of food, clothing, furniture and referral, regardless of race, creed, religion etc. Store provides clothing, furniture, etc. at minimal cost.
Mission: The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is a lay Catholic organization whose mission is: To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.
Vision: As a Catholic lay organization, we will embrace the world in a network of charity. We serve Christ in the suffering, poor, and marginalized in society, bringing them love and respect, aid and development, hope and joy, to create a more just community. We also seek to deepen our spirituality and the mutual love and support amongst members. In doing so we see how we serve those in need with one mind and heart, as people are attracted to the Society and to Christ who animates it.
Size of Organization: St. Vincent de Paul has 75 staff members and 9 Board of Directors.
Stroke Recovery Association of BC
Contact information: Address: 200-4475 Viewmont Ave Victoria, BC V8Z 6L8 | Phone: 250-686-8653 | Email: dshields@marchofdimes.ca
Summary: We provide recovery programs for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
Mission: Stroke Recovery Association of BC provides services, education and advocacy to those affected by stroke throughout every stage of recovery.
Vision: Every stroke survivor moves through recovery with hope and support to lead a full and rewarding life.
Size of Organization: Stroke Recovery Association of BC had 6 employees and 10 members on the board of directors.
SUPPLY Victoria Creative Reuse Centre
Contact information: Address: 750 Fairfield Rd, Victoria BC, V8W 2H1 | Instagram: @supplyvictoria | Website: www.supplyvictoria.ca | Email: ashley@supplyvictoria.ca
Summary: SUPPLY Victoria is a nonprofit dedicated to diverting materials from the landfill and putting them into the hands of artists, students, and teachers.
SUPPLY does this work by:
– Accepting donations of used art supplies and other interesting cast-off materials
– Redistributing used art supplies and making them available to the public in their storefront
– Offering creative reuse education to youth and adults
– Providing affordable short term rental space for arts & culture
Mission: SUPPLY’s mission is to divert materials from the landfill and put them into the hands of people who need them most in order to create a more sustainable, creative, and inclusive Victoria.
Vision: Our vision is to accelerate the adoption of sustainability in Victoria by supplying the materials and knowledge to integrate sustainable thinking into the creative process.
Support Soweto Junior School
Contact information: Address: 1927 Quamichan St, Victoria, BC V8S 2C3 | Phone: (250) 598-0708 | Email: sabine@supportsowetojuniorschool.org
Summary: We promote the healthy growth of the 300 vulnerable elementary students attending Soweto Junior School in the slum area of Kibera, Kenya. The school tries to provide 2 meals per day for each child; for some, these meals are the only food of the day. Money for food is sporadic, as the school gets no government funding. Support Soweto Junior School’s activities include raising public awareness about the need to support the children and to fundraise in order to provide the school with adequate funds for food purchase.
Mission: Our mission is to promote the children’s physical and emotional well-being by providing funds to ensure regular meals every school day. Learning is next to impossible when tummies are empty and, for many of the children, the school meal is their only food for the day.
Size of Organization: Support Soweto Junior School has 5 employees.
Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary
Contact information: Address: 3873 Swan Lake Road Victoria, BC V8X 3W1 | Phone: (250) 479-0211 | Email: info@swanlake.bc.ca
Summary: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a leader in the stewardship of healthy, diverse ecosystems, and provides an urban sanctuary that brings people and nature together. The Nature Sanctuary engages in ecosystem restoration and environmental education for all ages at this unique oasis in the heart of the city.
Mission: Conserve and restore Nature Sanctuary lands and waters while inspiring stewardship through community engagement and collaboration.
Vision: Foster community appreciation and respect for natural systems and the knowledge and skills to act responsibly to benefit the environment and future life.
Size of Organization: Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary has 8 full time equivalent compensated employees, a volunteer board with 6-8 members, and an active community of dedicated volunteers of all ages.
The Circle Salt Spring Education Society
Contact information: Address: 100-125B Rainbow Road, Spring Island BC V8K 2V5 | Phone: (250) 537-1336 | Email: executivedirector@thecircleeducation.org
Summary: The Circle is a not-for-profit organization with a vision towards inclusive and gender-equitable communities living violence-free. The Circle’s mission is to foster healthy relationships in order to promote communities free of violence, bullying, discrimination, assault and abuse. This is done by delivering innovative, evidence-based social-emotional educational programs for children, youth and adults and by inspiring and training others to deliver our programs.
Mission: The Circle fosters healthy relationships in order to promote communities free of violence, bullying, discrimination, assault and abuse.
Vision: We envision inclusive and gender-equitable communities living violence-free.
Size of Organization: The Circle Salt Spring Education Society has 3 Staff, 4 Facilitators, and 7 Board Members.
The Land Conservancy of B.C. (TLC)
Contact information: Address: 5150 Cordova Bay Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Y 2K6 | Phone: (250) 479-8053 | Email: HOAdmin@conservancy.bc.ca
Summary: To protect plants, animals, natural communities and landscape features that represent diversity of life, by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Also protects areas of scientific, historical, cultural and scenic value.
Mission: To protect and restore the biological diversity of British Columbia for present and future generations through action and education.
Vision: TLC envisions a future where the biological diversity of BC, including areas of scientific, historical, cultural, scenic and compatible outdoor recreational value, are protected for the benefit of current and future generations.
Size of Organization: TLC has 7 employees and 8 Board Members.
The Salvation Army
CFR Volunteer, The Salvation Army
Contact information: Address: 525 Johnson Street Victoria, BC V8W 1M2 | Phone: 250-384-3396
Summary: This is a social assistance, post-release adjustment program. The program is designed to assist offenders in cultivating a sense of self-worth and self-acceptance. By socializing with people outside of Corrections, a belief can slowly be fostered in the individual that they can become a productive and valued member of the community. Social interactions with the volunteers allow these men to become familiar with the pro-social rules of society today. Your main goal would be to offer conversation, modeling, and helpful thinking patterns on finding their footing whilst re-entering the community. We require a six-month commitment to this volunteer program and attending orientation and training workshops.
Mission: The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Vision: We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.
Size of Organization: The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world.
Food Services Volunteer, The Salvation Army
Contact information: Address: 525 Johnson Street Victoria, BC V8W 1M2 | Phone: 250-384-3396
Summary: To help prepare and serve meals to ARC residents and community members.
Mission: The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Vision: We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.
Size of Organization: The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world.
• Accessible via Public Transportation
Social Activity Volunteer, The Salvation Army
Contact information: Address: 525 Johnson Street Victoria, BC V8W 1M2 | Phone: 250-384-3396
Summary: To lead and participate in evening and afternoon programs to create a social outlet and positive living experience for residents. Game nights, movie nights, music nights, conversation club, book club, etc.
Mission: The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Vision: We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.
Size of Organization: The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world.
Spiritual Care Volunteer, The Salvation Army
Contact information: Address: 525 Johnson Street Victoria, BC V8W 1M2 | Phone: 250-384-3396
Summary: To help create and maintain an inviting, safe, and welcoming community where clients and people of all faiths, cultures, and ethnicities can talk quietly, read, play games, socialize, seek spiritual guidance, and/or seek warmth and shelter and Be prepared to provide Christian spiritual support and prayer to clients, residents, and community members.
Mission: The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Vision: We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.
Size of Organization: The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world.
The Soup Kitchen
Contact information: Address: 740 View St, Victoria, BC V8W 1J8 | Phone: 778-440-7687 | Email: hesoupkitchen.ca@gmail.com
Summary: The Soup Kitchen is a program of the 9-10 Club Serving Soup to the Hungry Society. The Society is a registered non-profit, non-denominational charity. Meal services started on Friday, November 12, 1982. It is the oldest, completely volunteer-run food resource for the hungry in Victoria.
Mission: The 9-10 Club Soup Kitchen exists as a food security source to the Victoria community. Access to this food is provided to all those coming through our door with dignity, respect and without judgement or cost.
Size of Organization: The Soup Kitchen is the oldest, and completely volunteer-run food resource organization for the hungry in Victoria, has 8 members on the board of directors and 100+ volunteers.
Threshold Housing Society
Contact information: Address: 1524 Fort Street Victoria, BC V8S 5J2 | Phone: (250) 383-8830 | Email: assist@thresholdhousing.ca
Summary: To provide long-term transitional housing for youth at-risk of homelessness.
Mission: Threshold Housing Society works to prevent adult homelessness by providing safe housing, support services, and community to at-risk youth.
Vision: A community where all youth thrive.
Size of Organization: Threshold has 8 employees and 10 members on the board of directors.
Thrive Social Services (Formerly Phoenix Social Services)
Contact information: Address: 1095 McKenzie Ave, Victoria, BC V8P 2L5 | Phone: (250) 383-4821 | Email: reception@thrivevictoria.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesocialservices
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThriveSocialServices
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivesocialservices
Summary: Thrive is a CARF-accredited agency offering a range of services for child, youth, and families as well as services for persons with developmental disabilities (diversabilities) .
Mission: We provide services to individuals and families that create opportunities to build skills, strengths, and resourcefulness.
Vision: Our vision is diverse individuals and families living empowered and fulfilling lives.
Size of Organization: Employees: 70, Board of Directors: 10
Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS)
Contact information: Address: 828 View Street Victoria, BC V8W 1K2 | Phone: (250) 361-3521 | Email: info@tapsbc.ca
Summary: Assist people who live below the poverty level with advocacy, information, support and other poverty issues.
Mission: Our Mission is to better the lives of persons living in poverty through legal advocacy and public legal education. TAPS works with and on behalf of low-income people in British Columbia, providing direct advocacy services and fighting for broader social change. TAPS believes that when low-income people understand their rights and responsibilities, and are given access to justice, then all in our society will benefit.
Size of Organization: TAPS employs around 9 staff members.
U
Umbrella Society for Addictions & Mental Health
Contact information: Address: #8 – 415 Dunedin St, Victoria BC, V8T 5G8 | Phone: 250-380-0595 | Email: wecanhelp@umbrellasociety.ca
Summary: Umbrella provides support to individuals, and their loved ones, struggling with substance use issues. Our programs include Outreach, Supportive Recovery Housing, Counselling and Groups. Umbrella is a registered charity that has been serving Greater Victoria for over 20 years.
Mission: Umbrella demonstrates excellence in the development and delivery of innovative and unique services to support individuals and their loved ones struggling with substance use issues.
Vision: Those affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges have access to a broad range of appropriate and connected community supports.
Size of Organization: Umbrella Society employs 54 staff members with the help of 2 dog members and has 8 Board of Directors.
UVIC Alumni Association
Contact information: Address: 3964 Gordon Head Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 3X3 | Phone: (250) 721-6000 | Email: alumni@uvic.ca
Summary: Embracing the significant role of the alumni community in the mission of the University of Victoria, the UVic Alumni Association exists to help its members and students remain connected to the university and to each other – in all stages of their lives and wherever they reside – by providing dynamic services and programs.
Mission: The alumni association’s mission is “to encourage, in partnership with the university, a lifelong relationship between UVic alumni and their university.” The association’s mission is to unite alumni support for the university, promote alumni participation in university governance, encourage support for students, and to build awareness of the university and the value of higher education.
Size of Organization: UVic Alumni Association staffs 8 employees and has 15 members on the Board of Directors.
UVIC Community Engaged Learning Department
Contact information: Address: 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria BC V8P 5C2 | Phone: (250) 472-5667 | Email: celc1@uvic.ca
Summary: Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) is a form of experiential learning and community-engaged scholarship whereby students actively engage with course content through the combination of collaborations with community and facilitated reflection.
Size of Organization: 15+ organizational members
UVIC Graduate Students Society (GSS)
Contact information: Address: 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2 | Phone: (250) 472-4543 | Email: gssoffice@uvic.ca
Summary: The GSS operates democratically, led by a dedicated team of graduate student volunteers and GSS staff. We are committed to strengthening and diversifying the graduate experience at UVic through the keen involvement and participation of graduate students from all departments on campus. The GSS offers an invaluable means of connecting with others, and the opportunity to campaign on advocacy projects that you are passionate about.
Mission: We are a democratic, non-profit society dedicated to serving the interests of graduate students here at UVic.
Size of Organization: GSS has 3446 graduate students with 11 staff and board members.
UVIC Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health-Self-Management BC
Contact information: Suite #201 – 4907 Chisholm Street, Ladner, BC, V4K 2K6
Tel: #604-940-1273; Toll free: #1-866-902-3767; Fax: #604-940-2099
General Email: selfmgmt@uvic.ca; Website: www.selfmanagementbc.ca
Summary: Self-directed programs, online (held virtually via ZOOM) and in-person, 6-week workshops (provided at no cost) are available to BC Residents (18+ years), including Caregivers and Health Professionals, who are interested in learning valuable skills to improve their daily lives while living with Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cancer and/or Diabetes. Program facilitation is peer-led by trained Program Leaders and workshop materials are complimentary.
Mission: Provides Self-Management programs which help people and their caregivers to learn how to regulate symptoms and improve health outcomes to lead fuller and happier lives.
V
Vancouver Island Cooperative Preschool Association (VICPA)
Contact information: Address: 2928 Eastdowne Rd, Victoria, BC V8R 5R8| Phone: 250-893-6804 | Email: tori@vicpa.org
Summary: VICPA is the umbrella organization for 10 parent participation preschools in the Vancouver Island area. Our Early Childhood Educators partner with families to unite the worlds of homelife and preschool. Staff, volunteers, and caregivers are contagiously enthusiastic at VICPA – we lean in, connect and enjoy!
Mission: In VICPA cooperative preschools, we apply a learning-through-play philosophy and facilitate partnership and community building to enrich the lives of young children and their families. We provide adult education on child development for parents, educators and early year’s stakeholders through resources, workshops and presentations, and the annual Making Tomorrow Early Years Conference. We ensure that children are free, safe, and cared for with respect and joy.
Size of Organization: 1 Executive Director and many committed parents, grandparents, and educators who generously volunteer their time and energy to VICPA.
Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association
Contact information: Address: 602 – 620 View Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1J6 | Phone: (250) 920-0688 | Email: information@visoa.bc.ca
Summary: VISOA provides education and support for BC strata owners and strata corporations (condos, townhouses etc.) and advocates by working with governments and industry associations.
Size of Organization: VISOA is staffed by a Board of Directors made up of volunteers who manage the day-to-day operations of VISOA’s business in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association. Board of Directors has 8 members.
Victoria Airport Authority Red Coats
Contact Information: 201-1640 Electra Blvd, Sidney, BC V8L 5V4 | Phone 250-953-7500 | Email: info@victoriaairport.com
Summary: The Red Coat program is a travelers and well-wishers focused initiative designed to mitigate the anxieties of air travel. Community volunteers strive to create a safe, secure and friendly air terminal atmosphere while maintaining a professional image of Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) and facilitating the movement of travelers through the Victoria International Airport.
Core Skills:
• Customer service experience
• Good interpersonal skills
• Comfortable to approach and communicate with a wide diversity of individuals
• Flexible and adaptable to a changing environment
• Strong listening, understanding and responding skills
• Self-motivated to achieve exceptional levels of service
• Physically able to perform duties of the job
• Basic computer skills with the ability to navigate the internet
• French is an asset
Mandatory training includes Assisting Guests with Disabilities and Security Awareness.
Victoria Arts Council
Contact information: Address: 1800 Store St, Victoria, BC V8T 4R4 | Phone: (778) 533-7123 | Email: arts@vicartscouncil.ca
Summary: With five decades of activity in and around the CRD, the Victoria Arts Council (formerly the Community Arts Council of Greater Victoria, est. 1968) is dedicated to raising awareness of and developing a positive, supportive environment for the arts through education, civic advocacy, projects and programs that reach artists and the community-at-large.
Mission: The Victoria Arts Council elevates the profile of artists and performers while igniting passion in local arts and culture in our community.
Size of Organization: Victoria Arts Council Staff 3 employees and has 10 members on the Board of Directors.
Victoria Brain Injury Society
Contact information: Address: Units C, D & E, 830 Pembroke Street, Victoria, BC V8T 1H9 | Phone: (250) 598-9339 | Email: info@vbis.ca
Summary: Purpose is to provide community support and rehabilitation services to persons with acquired brain injury and their families in the South Vancouver Island region.
Mission: The Victoria Brain Injury Society’s mission is to support, educate, and advocate for adults with acquired brain injuries and their families; and to increase community awareness about acquired brain injuries.
Vision: To empower people with acquired brain injuries to maximize their quality of life.
Size of Organization: Brain Injury Society Staffs 11 people and has 8 members on the board of directors.
Victoria Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Centre
Contact information: Address: 1175 Cook Street, Unit 210, Victoria BC, V8V4A1 | Phone: (250) 385-6111 | Email: admin@vcapcc.com
Summary: Child abuse hurts the child, the family and society. It is not just an individual problem, but a family and social problem. Society, including each community, has an obligation to respond to the problem of child abuse. The Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Society of Greater Victoria is a non profit organization providing a response in our community.
Mission: The primary mission of the Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Society of Greater Victoria is to help children and their families heal from child abuse. Our centres provide services to all children, youth, and families who have been impacted by abuse, trauma, or violence inclusive of individuals of all diverse abilities, bodies, races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexualities, orientations, identities, religions, and spiritualties.
Vision: A sustainable, progressive, inclusive, community focussed Centre of Excellence that provides leadership in the delivery of timely, effective services to children, youth and families affected by child abuse
Size of Organization: Victoria Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Centre have 8 board of directors and 4 management employees.
Victoria Community Resources Society
Contact information: Address: 1216 Royal Oak Drive, Victoria, BC V8X 3T8 | Phone: (250) 658-4931 | Email: Admin@vcrs.ca
Summary: The philosophy of The Victoria Community Resources Society is to provide high quality care and service to the people we serve. When assessing the quality of life of people with disabilities, we believe all people, with or without disabilities, share the human experience together and that every human being is entitled to live a good life within their community. In other words, we look at care and services as “we” value them. Putting ourselves in the places of the person served, or even better, put the residents in our shoes – If something would be important to us then it could be important to the folks we serve.
Size of Organization: The Victoria Community Resources Society provides service to nine individuals within two residential sites that are co-located called Twin Oaks.
Victoria Cool-Aid Society
Contact information: Address: 749 Pandora Ave Victoria, BC V8W 1N9 Phone: 250-383-1977 Email: society@coolaid.org
Summary: Provides shelter and other social services for citizens of the Capital Regional District and for transient persons.
Mission: Working with our partners in the Capital Region, we offer life-changing services to adults who are impacted by poverty, colonization, stigma and homelessness. These services include permanent housing, emergency shelter, health and dental care, employment assistance, and social and recreational opportunities.
Vision: Cool Aid’s vision is a simple one… a community where no one is forced to sleep on the street or go hungry and everyone has the dignity that comes with home, health and connection.
Size of Organization: Cool-Aid Society Staffs 9 employees and has 10 members on the board of directors.
Victoria Disability Resource Centre
Contact information: Address: 817A Fort Street Victoria, BC V8W 1H6 | Phone: (250) 595-0044 | Email: reception@drcvictoria.com
Summary:
The VDRC is a cross-disability, grassroots, not-for-profit organization run by and for persons with disabilities. We work closely with persons with disabilities, and with other community organizations, to find and remove barriers that prevent full participation in life. Programs include: Information and Referral, Peer Support, Volunteer Skills Development, Lived Experiences Around Disability, and Disability Inclusion & Awareness workshops.
Mission: Promoting a new perspective on disabilities to increase the options for independent living for persons with disabilities and their integration in all aspects of their communities.
Size of Organization: The Victoria Disability Resource Centre staffs 9 employees and has 8 members on the board of directors.
Victoria Downtown Residents Association
Contact information: Address: 300-722 Cormorant Street Victoria BC, Canada V8W 1P8 | Email: info@victoriadra.ca
Summary: Our aim is to foster a diverse, vibrant, and safe downtown. The purpose of the Association is to promote, facilitate, support or undertake any activity that will enhance the quality of life and the environment of the Downtown Community for its residents.
Mission: The aim of the Victoria Downtown Residents Association is to foster a diverse, vibrant, and safe downtown. The purpose of the Association is to promote, facilitate, support or undertake any activity that will enhance the quality of life and the environment of the Downtown Community for its residents including, but not limited to the following: to promote the downtown core as a good place to live; to foster residents control of land development and redevelopment within the area; to help preserve cultural and architectural heritage sites within the area; to foster a sense of community for residents in the downtown core.
Size of Organization: Victoria Downtown Residents Association has 7 board members and around 25 Employees.
Victoria Dragon Boat Festival
Contact information: Address: 815 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T2 | Phone: (250) 704-2500 | Email: info@victoriadragonboatfestival.com
Summary: The Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival is one of the largest annual summer events in Victoria, drawing tens of thousands of spectators, volunteers, and paddlers to the iconic Inner Harbour for a weekend of exciting races, cultural events, food, and entertainment. Our mission is to bring communities together through dragon boating.
Mission: The Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival is committed to bringing people together as individuals, as teams, and as businesses, by sharing culture and dragon boating camaraderie.
Vision: The Canada Dry Victoria Dragon Boat Festival is brought to you by the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival Society. The healthy and successful history of the festival and its committed volunteers provides a strong foundation upon which to build. The Victoria Dragon Boat Festival has provided exciting race opportunities for more than 20 years, along with the invaluable support of its partners in the community, the City of Victoria, the Harbour Master, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, RCM-SAR, the Royal Canadian Navy and many others. In addition, local and national sponsors have generously supported the event, and by extension paddling sports in our region and beyond. Finally, many individuals have played key roles as volunteers to support the event.
Size of Organization: Victoria’s Canada Dry Dragon Boat Festival Staffs 29 employees and has 6 Members on the board of directors.
Victoria Film Festival
Contact information: Address: 1215 Blanshard St, Victoria BC Canada V8W 3J4 | Phone: (250) 389-0444 | Email: festival@victoriafilmfestival.com
Summary: To expose our community to a wide range of ideas and lifestyle through the year-round presentation of film, video and new media. Through our events and presentations we aim to stimulate critical analysis and inspire individuals to recognize and utilize film as a creative tool.
Mission: The mission of the Victoria Film Festival is to expose our community to a wide range of ideas and lifestyles through year-round presentation of film, video and new media. Through our events and presentations we aim to stimulate critical analysis and inspire individuals to recognize and utilize film as a creative tool.
Vision: Since 1995, the Victoria Film Festival has been the centre for film on Vancouver Island. We believe in programming that provides the public with entertaining and high-quality films, activities and events. Our Festival and year-round events encourage artistic innovation and creativity while providing access for a broad audience segment. The VFF is committed to cooperation and collaboration with other arts organizations as well as the business community, with programs that are interactive, entertaining and educational and provide great value for the money, and friendly, open, and proactive staff to support you.
Size of Organization: Victoria Film Festival has 7 members on the Board of Directors.
Victoria Global Village Store
Contact information: Address: Hillside Shopping Centre, 1644 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2C5 | Phone: (250) 380-1530 | Email: victoriaglobalvillage@shaw.ca
Summary: Volunteer run Free Trade store that supports cooperative and self-help groups around the world in their efforts to make a living through alternative trade.
Mission: to support cooperative and self-help groups in their efforts to make a living through alternative trade.
Size of Organization: Victoria Global Village Store staffs 35 employees and has 5 members on the Board of Directors.
Victoria Health Community Co-op
Contact information: Address: 380 Cook St, Victoria, BC V8V 3X7 | Phone: (250) 415-9272 | Email: vichealthcoop@gmail.com
Summary: provides a wide range of enjoyable and informative activities to help you achieve and maintain optimal well-being – – led by wonderful experts and enthusiasts.
Mission: Our Mission is to empower and support individuals and groups, including underserved communities, to adopt healthy lifestyle practices and move towards well-being.
Vision: Our Vision for the Victoria Health Co-op is to be a leader in our community to support individual and communal well-being through education, volunteerism and the active pursuit of optimal wellness.
Victoria Literacy Connection
Contact information: Address: 602-620 View Street Victoria, BC V8W 1J6 | Phone: (250) 385-0014
Summary: If you believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their literacy goals, you share the vision of VLC!
Our work depends on the contributions of our volunteers who help with several aspects of VLC’s activities, from tutoring to administration and Board membership. We offer a range of opportunities for you to make a rewarding contribution as a volunteer. Previous experience is not essential for many of these positions.
Mission: We help children, youth and adults improve their literacy skills, including reading, writing, and math, by providing tutoring and a variety of other programs.
Vision: Everyone in Greater Victoria has opportunities to acquire the literacy skills to function effectively in today’s society.
Size of Organization: Victoria Literacy Connection employs 3 Staff members and has a 9 member board of directors.
Victoria Police Department
Contact information: Address: 850 Caledonia Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8T 5J8 | Phone: 250-995-7654 (for all non-emergency calls)
Summary: The overall goals of the VicPD Community Engagement Volunteer Program are to support the Victoria Police Department’s crime prevention objectives, and to be a part of building strong community connections. By fostering a positive relationship between the community members and the Victoria Police Department (VicPD), our volunteers help to keep our communities safe.
Mission: Deliver excellence in public safety for two diverse communities through engagement, prevention, innovative policing and the Framework Agreement.
Vision: A Safer Community Together
Size of Organization: The Victoria Police are headed by Chief Constable Del Manak and have a total strength of 241 sworn officers and an 8 member board of directors.
Victoria Pride Society
Contact information: Address: 709 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 3S2 | Email: info@victoriapridesociety.org
Summary: Victoria Pride is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers that is dedicated to supporting Greater Victoria’s LGBTQ2S+ communities.
Vision: The Victoria Pride Society envisions a society free of marginalization, discrimination, and oppression. We believe in equality and liberation achieved through compassion, dialogue and coalition-building with allies and other groups and communities facing challenges of marginalization, discrimination, and oppression.
Size of Organization: Victoria Pride currently has 11 members on the Board of Directors.
Victoria Rainbow Kitchen
Contact information: Address: 500 Admirals Rd, Esquimalt, BC V9N 2N4 | Phone: 250 384 2069 | Email: info@rainbowkitchen.ca
Summary: Rainbow Kitchen has grown to be regarded as a hub for food security programming in the Capital Regional District. Providing free hot meals and facilitating food sharing to anyone in need. No questions asked.
Mission: Here at the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society, it is our goal to ensure that as many as possible can have better access to hot meals and a fresh supply of food at no cost.
Size of Organization: Victoria Rainbow Kitchen employs 3 staff members and has 8 members on the board of directors.
Victoria BC Ska and Reggae Society
Contact information: Address: 511 David St, Victoria, BC V8T 2C7 | Email: volunteer@victoriaskafest.ca
Summary: The Victoria BC Ska and Reggae Society is a non-profit community organization of volunteers, staff and a board of directors whose main goal is to keep Victoria’s Annual Ska & Reggae Festival improving and evolving year after year.
Mission: Our goal is to entertain, educate and unite audiences nationally and internationally through the artistic development of ska, reggae, and other Jamaican rooted genres such as rocksteady, dub, and dancehall.
Victoria Symphony
Contact information: Address: Suite 610, 620 View Street Victoria, BC V8W 1J6 | Phone: (250) 385-6515 | Email: boxoffice@victoriasymphony.ca
Summary: The Victoria Symphony welcomes new people who bring energy, talent, and commitment to support the Symphony’s music and mission. We offer a wide variety of opportunities to make a contribution to the organization and enjoy symphonic music. Volunteering with the Victoria Symphony will connect you with others interested in supporting the Symphony and offer you a chance to attend select concerts as our way of saying thanks.
Mission: The Victoria Symphony is a highly versatile Canadian orchestra that inspires, educates, and captivates our community through the transformational power of music.
Size of Organization: The Victoria Symphony has 5 executive committee members, 8 directors, 2 orchestra representatives, 11 staff, 3 production staff, and 43 members of the orchestra.
Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association
Contact information: Address: 6917 Veyaness Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 1W1 | Phone: (778) 426-0506 | Email: volunteer@vtra.ca
Summary: Volunteers are an integral part of the VTRA team. Volunteering with VTRA provides a fun opportunity to support participants in their equine activities, gain new skills, and develop lifelong friendships.
Mission: Build individual capacity through human and horse teamwork.
Size of Organization: Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association employs 7 Staff members and has 9 members on the Board of Directors.
Victoria West Community Association
Contact information: Address: 521 Craigflower Rd, Victoria, BC, V9A 6Z5 | Phone: (250) 590-8922 | Email: coordinator@victoriawest.ca
Summary: Here at Victoria West Community Association, we pride ourselves on our dedication to the community. With so many different activities going on at our centre daily, we have volunteer opportunities for all backgrounds and schedules.
Mission: The Victoria West Community Association is a not for profit organization whose mission is to engage residents in community stewardship, to impact decisions that affect the community, to raise awareness, to foster a sense of spirit and pride and to encourage participation in community issues, solutions, projects and events.
Victoria West Community Centre is the heart of the neighborhood, offering diverse and relevant activities for all. It is a place where neighbors meet, learn and volunteer. The Centre provides physical, intellectual, social and cultural services and programs that contribute to individual and community health and development.
Vision: Victoria West community is a diverse, healthy and vital place to live, work and play.
Size of Organization: 6 Staff, 12 Board of Directors.
Victoria Women’s Transition House Society
Contact information: Address: #100-3060 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, BC V8T 3J5 | Phone: (250) 592-2927 | Email: info@vwth.bc.ca
Summary: Our volunteers are integral to the operation of Victoria Women’s Transition House Society and are active in programs and services, administration and governance.
Mission: Victoria Women’s Transition House Society collaborates, advocates and educates to address and prevent intimate partner violence of women and children through supportive shelter, housing, counselling and other community-based services.
Vision: Communities free of intimate partner violence and abuse.
Size of Organization: 4 Staff, 14 Board of Directors
Victoria Youth Clinic Society (Foundry Victoria Youth Clinic)
Contact information: Address: 818 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2B6 | Phone: (250) 383-3552
Summary: The Victoria Youth Clinic, in partnership with Foundry is committed to working to increase access to services for young people by fostering cross-system and inter-sectoral collaboration in order to provide an integrated and comprehensive system of care that includes primary care, mental health, substance use, social services, and youth and family peer support and navigation.
Mission: To provide comprehensive, integrated primary healthcare services including mental health and addiction care, in a youth friendly, non-judgmental and safe environment.
Vision: To improve the physical and mental well-being of youth.
Size of Organization: Staff: 4 Admin; 3 Medical Office Assistants; 2 Nurses; 5 Doctors; 6 Counsellors and Social Workers; 1 Youth Worker; 2 Peer Support Workers; 1 Youth/Family Engagement Coordinator & Wellness Navigator; and 8 Board of Directors
Victoria Youth Empowerment Society (YES)
Contact information: Address: 533 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1K7 | Phone: (250) 383-3514 | Email: office_manager@vyes.ca
Summary: At YES, we dedicate ourselves to helping youth and their families achieve their goals while respecting their individuality and recognizing their diverse and sometimes challenging needs. Our commitment to healthy lifestyle choices creates an atmosphere where youth can feel safe and supported as they progress toward their goals. We believe everyone should be treated with equality, dignity, respect, and acceptance.
Mission: The Mission Statement of YES is twofold: First, to assist youth to remove themselves from the high-risk environment of the street and make the transition to healthier and more constructive life situations and second, to help youth and families make positive choices, which will prevent involvement in at risk behaviour or connection with the street scene.
Vision: Our vision is to provide a continuum of care that empowers positive choices in the lives of multiple-barrier youth by providing accessible, innovative, and proactive programs.
Victoria Ready, City of Victoria
Contact information: Address: 1234 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8V 3M8 | Phone: (250) 920-3373 | Email: emvic@victoria.ca
Summary: The City of Victoria’s Emergency Management Division is responsible for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from extra-ordinary emergency situations affecting the City of Victoria. VictoriaReady volunteers assist with event response and public outreach around emergency preparedness.
Mission: VictoriaReady is the City of Victoria’s leader in emergency preparedness. We encourage everyday readiness for every person, every business, and every organization. The good news is you’re more prepared than you think!
Size of Organization: City of Victoria has 1 Mayor and 8 Councilors.
Township of View Royal
Contact information: Address: 45 View Royal Avenue Victoria, BC V9B 1A6 | Phone: (250) 479-6800 | Email: info@viewroyal.ca
Summary: The Town of View Royal is determined to be one of the best places to call home: livable, green & sustainable.
Mission: View Royal is committed to building a resilient and vibrant community that: provides good government; delivers services, laws and other matters for community benefit; provides stewardship of the public assets; and fosters economic, social and environmental well-being
Vision: View Royal is a dynamic and inclusive community that manages growth, while retaining the charm of its traditional neighbourhoods. It is home and workplace to people from all walks of life. Its neighbourhoods are attractive, affordable, walkable and safe. Each neighbourhood has an identifiable character and is connected to nearby centres – and a recognizable central community gathering place – through greenspace corridors and pedestrian/cyclist-friendly streets. Some centres are parks for families to gather and youth to play sports. Others are bustling, mixed-use places with a range of services, amenities, businesses and housing.
Volunteer Victoria
Contact information: Address: 602-620 View St, Victoria, BC V8W 1J6 | Phone: (250) 386-2269 | Email: volvic@volunteervictoria.bc.ca
Summary: Providing leadership to the non profit community since 1974, Volunteer Victoria is the primary recruitment and referral centre for the Greater Victoria Region. Guided by the principles of civil society we enrich the quality of life in our community through volunteer involvement.
Mission: Volunteer Victoria’s mission is to inspire and empower volunteerism!
Vision: Our vision is that volunteerism enhances everyone’s life and is a pillar in communities.
Size of Organization: 9 Staff, 14 Board of Directors
W
Wear 2 Start Society
Contact information: Address: 733 Johnson St, Victoria, BC V8W 3C7 | Phone: (250) 472-9327
Summary: Wear2Start is a volunteer-driven non-profit society that provides a personalized wardrobe experience for all self-identified women as they take the next step in their lives.
Mission: Wear2Start empowers self-identified women to take the next step in their lives by providing a personalized wardrobe experience.
Size of Organization: 8 Board of Directors
West Coast Reach Association (REACH!)
Contact information: Address: 9362 Canora Road, North Saanich BC. V8L 0C0. Phone: (250) 889-0871, (250) 882-4339 | Email: westcoastreach@gmail.com
Summary: West Coast Reach Association (REACH!) celebrates inclusion and diversity in Victoria, BC through the performing arts. Our programs and events also help vulnerable members integrate with others in the community through music and dance.
Mission: West Coast REACH! Association is a dynamic, registered non-profit organization on lower Vancouver Island, celebrating diversity (of ages, cultures and abilities) through the power of the performing arts.
Size of Organization: 2 Staff, 9 Board of Directors
West Shore Arts Council
Contact information: Address: 2805 Carlow Rd, Victoria, BC V9B 4A6 | Phone: (250) 478-2286 | Email: info@westshorearts.org
Summary: The West Shore Arts Council is the lead advocate for public understanding of, participation in and appreciation of the arts, culture and heritage and their valuable contribution to a vibrant community.
Mission: To foster creativity, innovation, collaboration, and diversity of thought through actively engaging Westshore communities in the sharing or their art, culture and heritage in ways that are meaningful to them.
Vision: Connecting the Westshore Community to the diversity of the arts, culture and heritage for all ages and abilities.
Size of Organization: The West Shore Arts Council is run by a volunteer Board of Directors.
WIN Community Cooperative
Contact information: Address: 785 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 1N9 | Phone: 250-480-4006 | Email: win@womeninneed.ca
Summary: Victoria Women In Need Community Cooperative is a non-profit cooperative. The revenue from our 5 stores, and an online shop, together with financial donations, is used to fund our five empowerment programs, as well as to sustain our non-profit. Our programs provide women, trans, non-binary and Two Spirit people with practical and empowering support along their own unique journey between crisis, financial self-sufficiency and wellness. Designed to be free of judgment, simple to access and informed by the wisdom of program participants themselves, we are there along each step of that journey. Each year we support over two thousand local program participants along their journey between crisis, financial self-sufficiency and wellness.
Mission: To support women along their journey between crisis and wellness.
Vision: A community where women can freely pursue a passionate and fulfilled life.
Size of Organization: 50 Staff, 60 volunteers
WITS Programs Foundation
Contact information: Address: 398 Fraser St, Victoria, BC V9A 6G5 | Phone: (250) 386-7625
Summary: We encourage kindness and positive responses to conflicts via the WITS Programs, Canadian Kindness Leaders, and Pink Shirt Day Canada. Our programs are delivered in schools to children of all ages. WITS and CKL are also available in French. (We were formerly known as the Rock Solid Foundation.)
Mission: to empower children and youth to cultivate healthy relationships through community-based educational initiatives.
Vision: all children and youth are living, learning, and playing in safe and caring communities.
Size of Organization: 12 Staff, 5 Board of Directors
Worklink Employment Society
Contact information:
Westshore Centre: Address: 202 – 3179 Jacklin Rd. Langford, BC, V9B 3Y7 | Phone:(250) 478-9525 | Email: info-langford@workbc.ca
Sooke Centre: Address: Unit D, 6625 Sooke Rd. Sooke, BC V9Z 0A3 | Phone:(250) 642-3685 | Email: info-sooke@workbc.ca
Summary: WorkLink Employment Society is a growing non-profit organization that has provided government-sponsored employment services to the residents of the Victoria Capital Region’s Westshore (Colwood, Langford, Highlands, View Royal and Metchosin) since 1978.
Mission: Worklink Employment Society is a visible and dynamic member of the Westshore, Sooke and surrounding areas that: Promotes an awareness of the current world of work and the need for life-long career development; provides a supportive environment where members of the community can explore new choices and create positive solutions to their employment needs; recognizes the value of the unique contributions of employees; encourages the belief that everyone has the potential to achieve self-sufficiency; Serves with honesty, respect and integrity.
Size of Organization: 27 Staff
Y
YMCA-YWCA
Contact information: Address: 851 Broughton St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E5 | Phone: (250) 386-7511 | Email: info@vancouverislandy.ca
Summary: The YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island has a rich 140 year history in our community. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves the community’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and help.
Mission: Building strong communities on Vancouver Island by improving the health, fitness and well-being of individuals and families. We nurture the potential of youth, promote equality and provide opportunities for giving back.
Vision: Healthy people, building strong communities
Size of Organization: Board of Directors: 11