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Sunflowers

Become a Volunteer

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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with People For a Healthy Community!

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Volunteer in the Community

We have a range of volunteer roles at PHC and work with a variety of demographics on the island. From seniors luncheons and day programs to gardening to sorting food recovery from Nesters to serving on our Board of Directors to making a hot lunch for the elementary school kids, there is a little bit of something for everyone. Days of the week vary depending on the program you volunteer in but typically, all volunteer roles are available during business hours on weekdays. Check out a few examples of volunteer positions further down the page. ​

Make a Difference:

Volunteer Opportunities That Need You

30th Anniversary Committee

PHC is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and we're looking for creative, community-minded volunteers to help make it memorable. If you enjoy planning events, generating ideas, bringing people together, and collaborating, we'd love to hear from you. The committee's meeting schedule and time commitment are still being developed.

Days

TBD

Times

TBD

Meals on Wheels Gabriola

Help prepare nutritious meals for community members through Meals on Wheels Gabriola. Volunteers are especially needed in September, with plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy cooking. The program provides both heat-later meals and hot, ready-to-eat meals, helping ensure community members have access to nourishing food.

Days

Thursdays

Times

1:00–4:15 PM

Meals on Wheels Gabriola

Help prepare nutritious meals for community members through Meals on Wheels Gabriola. Volunteers are especially needed in September, with plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy cooking. The program provides both heat-later meals and hot, ready-to-eat meals, helping ensure community members have access to nourishing food.

Days

Mondays

Times

1:00–4:15 PM

Meals on Wheels Gabriola

Help prepare nutritious meals for community members through Meals on Wheels Gabriola. Volunteers are especially needed in September, with plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy cooking. The program provides both heat-later meals and hot, ready-to-eat meals, helping ensure community members have access to nourishing food.

Days

Mondays

Times

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Garden Worker Bees

Help grow fresh food for PHC's community programs while enjoying some time in the garden. Volunteers take on a variety of seasonal tasks, including planting, weeding, watering, pruning, harvesting, and general garden care. No specific gardening expertise is required—just a willingness to get your hands in the soil and help things grow.

Days

Fridays

Times

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Garden Worker Bees

Help grow fresh food for PHC's community programs while enjoying some time in the garden. Volunteers take on a variety of seasonal tasks, including planting, weeding, watering, pruning, harvesting, and general garden care. No specific gardening expertise is required—just a willingness to get your hands in the soil and help things grow.

Days

Wednesdays

Times

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Garden Worker Bees

Help grow fresh food for PHC's community programs while enjoying some time in the garden. Volunteers take on a variety of seasonal tasks, including planting, weeding, watering, pruning, harvesting, and general garden care. No specific gardening expertise is required—just a willingness to get your hands in the soil and help things grow.

Days

Tuesdays

Times

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Grocery Program (Food Bank)

Help create a welcoming and supportive experience for people accessing the Grocery Program. Volunteers greet participants, help them navigate the shelves, fridges, and freezers, and connect them with other PHC services when appropriate. There are also opportunities to portion food, stock shelves, and help with cleaning and other tasks as needed.

Days

Thursdays

Times

4:00–6:00 PM

Grocery Program (Food Bank)

Help create a welcoming and supportive experience for people accessing the Grocery Program. Volunteers greet participants, help them navigate the shelves, fridges, and freezers, and connect them with other PHC services when appropriate. There are also opportunities to portion food, stock shelves, and help with cleaning and other tasks as needed.

Days

Thursdays

Times

12:00–2:00 PM

Grocery Program (Food Bank)

Help create a welcoming and supportive experience for people accessing the Grocery Program. Volunteers greet participants, help them navigate the shelves, fridges, and freezers, and connect them with other PHC services when appropriate. There are also opportunities to portion food, stock shelves, and help with cleaning and other tasks as needed.

Days

Tuesdays

Times

12:00–2:00 PM

Food Recovery Driver

Help keep PHC's food recovery program moving by driving the food van to Nanaimo to pick up food from Loaves and Fishes. Thursday drivers also stop at Beban Park to pick up Good Food Bags from Nanaimo Foodshare. We have regular drivers but need backup volunteers who can step in when they're away. This is a great opportunity.

Days

Thursdays

Times

8:30–11:30 AM

Food Recovery Driver

Help keep PHC's food recovery program moving by driving the food van to Nanaimo to pick up food from Loaves and Fishes. Thursday drivers also stop at Beban Park to pick up Good Food Bags from Nanaimo Foodshare. We have regular drivers but need backup volunteers who can step in when they're away. This is a great opportunity.

Days

Tuesdays

Times

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Food Recovery

Help keep good food out of the landfill and get it where it is needed most. Volunteers help sort recovered food from Nesters and Loaves and Fishes into food for the Grocery Program, prepared-meal programs, animal feed, and compost. This hands-on work takes place outdoors and can be messy or chilly, but gloves, aprons, coffee, and tea are provided. It's not glamorous, but it makes a big difference.

Days

Thursdays

Times

11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Food Recovery

Help keep good food out of the landfill and get it where it is needed most. Volunteers help sort recovered food from Nesters and Loaves and Fishes into food for the Grocery Program, prepared-meal programs, animal feed, and compost. This hands-on work takes place outdoors and can be messy or chilly, but gloves, aprons, coffee, and tea are provided. It's not glamorous, but it makes a big difference.

Days

Thursdays

Times

9:00–11:00 AM

Food Recovery

Help keep good food out of the landfill and get it where it is needed most. Volunteers help sort recovered food from Nesters and Loaves and Fishes into food for the Grocery Program, prepared-meal programs, animal feed, and compost. This hands-on work takes place outdoors and can be messy or chilly, but gloves, aprons, coffee, and tea are provided. It's not glamorous, but it makes a big difference.

Days

Fridays

Times

9:00–11:00 AM

Food Recovery

Help keep good food out of the landfill and get it where it is needed most. Volunteers help sort recovered food from Nesters and Loaves and Fishes into food for the Grocery Program, prepared-meal programs, animal feed, and compost. This hands-on work takes place outdoors and can be messy or chilly, but gloves, aprons, coffee, and tea are provided. It's not glamorous, but it makes a big difference.

Days

Wednesdays

Times

9:00–11:00 AM

Food Recovery

Help keep good food out of the landfill and get it where it is needed most. Volunteers help sort recovered food from Nesters and Loaves and Fishes into food for the Grocery Program, prepared-meal programs, animal feed, and compost. This hands-on work takes place outdoors and can be messy or chilly, but gloves, aprons, coffee, and tea are provided. It's not glamorous, but it makes a big difference.

Days

Tuesdays

Times

9:00–11:00 AM

Food Recovery

Help keep good food out of the landfill and get it where it is needed most. Volunteers help sort recovered food from Nesters and Loaves and Fishes into food for the Grocery Program, prepared-meal programs, animal feed, and compost. This hands-on work takes place outdoors and can be messy or chilly, but gloves, aprons, coffee, and tea are provided. It's not glamorous, but it makes a big difference.

Days

Mondays

Times

9:00–11:00 AM

Seniors Monthly Lunch

Help create a welcoming monthly lunch for local seniors. Volunteers are needed for setting up tables and chairs, preparing table settings, serving lunch and beverages, socializing with attendees, and cleaning up afterward. The greatest need right now is for help with set-up and serving.

Days

Fourth Thursday of each month

Times

9:00 AM–12:30 PM

Adult Day Program (SUSO)

Help make Fridays special for local seniors by supporting the Adult Day Program. Volunteers assist with food preparation and serving, along with light set-up and take-down. This is a great fit for someone who enjoys spending time with seniors and being part of a welcoming program. If you can't commit to the full shift, let us know what portion of the time you can help.

Days

Fridays

Times

11:00 AM–2:45 PM

Not Sure How You’d Like to Volunteer Yet?

If you’re not sure what you’d like to volunteer for at this time, but would like to be contacted when new opportunities become available, please fill out this form. We’ll keep your information on file and reach out when we’re looking for volunteers.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Paula

Meals on Wheels Volunteer

Meet Paula — our Thursday superstar at The Commons Kitchen! Every week, she leads a team of volunteers to whip up around 50 delicious meals for our Gabriola neighbours through the Meals on Wheels program.

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Paula’s heart for her community shines through in everything she does. She makes sure everyone’s needs are met, advocates for those who are vulnerable, and brings positivity and care to our team.​

 

We are so grateful for Paula’s dedication, energy, and big heart. Thank you, Paula, for keeping our kitchen running and our community nourished! 

In 1998 People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola Society became a registered charity and has remained Gabriola Island's only social service agency.

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People for a Healthy Community on Gabriola Society 

Revenue Canada Charitable Registration No. 871480190RR0001 

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PHONE NUMBERS

LOCATION

At the Commons

675 North Road (Main Floor)

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 325 - 675 North Road

Gabriola Island, B.C

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia

With respectful acknowledgement, PHC extends our gratitude to the Snuneymuxw Nation whose land we occupy.

© 2026 People For a Healthy Community on Gabriola Society.

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