Greater Victoria Volunteer Society
The Greater Victoria Volunteer Society, operating as Volunteer Victoria and registered under Business Number 118946987RR0001, is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1974. It serves as the primary volunteer recruitment and referral hub for Greater Victoria, British Columbia, connecting individuals and groups with nonprofit organizations across the region.

Mission and Vision

Volunteer Victoria enhances community well-being by promoting volunteerism as a vital component of civic engagement. Its mission centers on fostering inclusive opportunities that align with diverse individual needs while advancing organizational capacity within the nonprofit sector. The society emphasizes principles of civil society, equity, and collaboration to strengthen community resilience.

Core Functions

The organization operates through six key pillars:

• Brokerage: Matches volunteers with over 700 listed opportunities, updated daily. Services include personalized advising, school presentations, and specialized programs like the Volunteer Access Program, which supports individuals navigating mental health or substance use challenges.
• Leadership: Provides training and resources to nonprofit professionals, emphasizing volunteer program development and ethical practices.
• Advocacy: Promotes volunteer rights and recognition through public campaigns and policy engagement.
• Capacity Building: Offers workshops, networking events, and toolkits to strengthen nonprofit operations.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborates with local agencies to address systemic social challenges.
• Research: Gathers data on volunteer trends to inform sector-wide strategies.

Values

Volunteer Victoria prioritizes fairness, dignity, and respect in all interactions, creating inclusive spaces that honor diverse cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. Its programs aim to reduce barriers to participation, particularly for marginalized groups.

Impact

Annually, the society’s Recreation Visiting Program and Volunteer Access Program assist over 170 people. Its brokerage service supports thousands of volunteers, ranging from youth to retirees, in finding roles tailored to their skills and interests. By prioritizing equitable access, Volunteer Victoria strengthens both individual agency and community cohesion across Greater Victoria.

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[1] https://volunteervictoria.bc.ca/about-us-2/ [2] https://volunteervictoria.bc.ca/our-members/ [3] https://www.icavictoria.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/ [4] https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/org1191067.jsp [5] https://www.ourplacesociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020_volunteer_handbook_2.pdf