
Become a Volunteer

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

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.










