Bringing People and Services Together

Welcome to Volunteer Abbotsford!
The Abbotsford Spirit of BC Community Committee in partnership with the Fraser Valley Volunteer Support Network & 2010 Legacies Now – Volunteers Now welcome you to the brand new Volunteer Abbotsford Centre. 

To find out how you can become involved with Volunteer Abbotsford - we welcome organizations and volunteers to contact us via email or stop by our office located at UCFV.    volunteers@abbotsfordspiritofbc.com or 604 850-7161.

Before you click the button below - please take a moment to read about us and learn more about our mandate.  We will be posting a variety of articles and information on this page for your convenience.  Please come back and visit us often.

Once you click on the button below - it will take you to Volweb.  

VolWeb.caTM is a free website that connects volunteers and event organizers in your local community. Register today and create your own personal profile to find local volunteer opportunities that suits your interests and fits your lifestyle. VolWeb.caTM was created by 2010 Legacies Now to encourage volunteerism and increase access to volunteer opportunities, leading up to and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information, www.VolWeb.ca

What's New? Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities In Abbotsford
#1
May 9th - Arbour Day in Abbotsford at Gardner Park (off Livingstone Ave.)
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
The volunteers will help organize and lead groups to do tree planting, under the guidance of City of Abbotsford staff. Duties will include help setup and take down tables and chairs and just a bit of litter cleanup as well (Probably 25 tables and 60 chairs).
Volunteers will be asked to attend an orientation on May 8th in the morning. 
Any questions please contact Eric Fong, Urban Forester City of Abbotsford
Tel: 604-853-5485 Local 5915

#2
Students! Are you looking for a fun, rewarding experience working with children? Abbotsford Parks, Recreation & Culture has volunteer opportunities with summer day camps at both East Abbotsford and West Abbotsford locations. Gain valuable work experience, leadership skills and have lots of fun too. We look for a minimum of one week commitment. 
The hours are 8:15am – 4:15pm Monday – Friday. All applicants must be able to pass a criminal record check. For more information call Abbotsford Recreation Centre at 604-853-4221 or Abbotsford Exhibition Park at 604-850-5536

#2
Parent Support Services Society of BC are seeking compassionate Volunteer Facilitators for their Circles in Abbotsford.  Training is provided - next session is June 6-8.  If you are interested in this opportunity - please contact Brenda Cenezero at: 1-800-665-6880 or visit their website: www.parentsupportbc.ca

IF YOU CLICK ON THE VOLUNTEER ABBOTSFORD ICON ABOVE YOU WILL GET A FULL LISTING OF OPPORTUNITIES POSTED BY SEVERAL LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.


Our Community Partners:
The Fraser Valley Volunteer Support Network (FVVSN) exists to support volunteerism in the Fraser Valley. We envision an accessible centralized network that promotes and enhances the volunteer experience, leading to the growth of a strong volunteer sector through sustainable community partnerships.

Any public or private organization is welcome to affiliate with the Network by delegating a representative to attend meetings and to participate in Network activities. Member meetings are held at noon on the first Monday of each month, most often at the office of the United Way of the Fraser Valley.

We are thrilled to support the Abbotsford Spirit of BC in the launch of Volunteer Abbotsford. We are proud to be partnering in such a timely and promising initiative to strengthen the voluntary sector in this vibrant local community.   
Visit us at:  www.uwfv.bc.ca or contact us: fvvsn@primus.ca

VOLUNTEERS = COMMUNITY


City of Abbotsford:  
Volunteer Abbotsford is now responsible for managing the Abbotsford Community Partners programs for the City of Abbotsford Parks, Recreation and Culture.  These programs include, Adopt-A-Park, Adopt-A-Trail, Canine Goose Control, Adopt-a-Street, Weed Harvesting, Adopt-a-Other and Neighbourhood Associations.  If you would like to receive more information on how you can volunteer for any of these programs, please contact volunteers@abbotsfordspiritofbc.com

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Testimonial - Long Term Volunteering
"I started volunteering consciously about 50+ years ago. Helping the group and making a difference seemed to be the prime motivators. Although some of my volunteering has been for single or periodic recurring events, most of it has been on committees and boards where one is expected to look at a longer process of one’s donated time. Any volunteering is valuable and makes a difference, but I find a genuine satisfaction of working though a process toward goals. I also find working with people who have a passion for achieving and a positive ethic an inspiring time. Make a difference to your world and Volunteer". 
Allan Skuce - member Fraser Valley Volunteer Support Network
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MENTORING:
"I have been a volunteer mentor with children for two years. Being a volunteer mentor and working with children has boosted my self-esteem, my self-confidence and my organizational skills. Above all, I have found that the mentor and the mentee both gain valuable skills that are useful in all areas of life. Volunteerism is a way that I can be a positive role model to children in my community and a way for me to make a difference for others in need. I work as part of a group of young adults who are putting out effort and giving back to our community while also benefiting from the positive effects of mentoring. Mentorship allows for lifelong friendships to be forged and it creates an encouraging atmosphere in which mentees can learn to excel – academically and socially. I like being part of a team, working with children, and being a positive role model for others. Volunteering has many rewards for me, for my friends, for the children I work with and for my larger community".
Aman Oberoi, Summer Programs Assistant - Abbotsford
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Abbotsford, Mission, Ridge Meadows
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WHY VOLUNTEER?
When asked why s/he has chosen to pursue volunteering many potential volunteers find this hard to express. 

There are many reasons why someone decides to make time to volunteer. The catalysts can be personal, professional, community or society driven. Motivation trends change and evolve over time. 

It is important for individuals, non-profit organizations and volunteer centres to understand what motivates volunteers because this affects the success of the future mutual experience. Motivations determine how, why, when and where volunteers are most fulfilled, and are therefore most effective in their chosen voluntary positions. A positive volunteer experience in turn leads to the success of community services and programs. 

Individuals (and groups) volunteer to:
 Experience personal growth, learning and satisfaction
 Pursue professional growth and development
 Create employment skills
 Expand his/her professional network
 Enjoy social interaction / meet new people
 Master a new language
 Learn about a new society, country or community
 Fulfill a sense of empathy / connection with a "cause"
 Be a part of positive change in their community
 Have fun
 Build personal empowerment and self-esteem
 Instill a value of giving and caring
 Complete education or work experience requirements 
Why Volunteer article info source: Volunteer BC www.volunteerbc.bc.ca

Other volunteer sites you may wish to visit:
www.volunteer.ca

www.govolunteer.ca
 
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