Volunteer Opportunities


Friendship-Based Match (Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian Speakers)

PROGRAM NAME: Community Connections              

 

POSITION TITLE: Friendship-based Match for Newcomers

                                   

SCHEDULE: Approximately 2 hrs per week with a flexible schedule

 

LOCATION: TBD by volunteer and newcomer needs and availabilities

 

REPORTS TO: Lata Aggarwal 

 

DESCRIPTION:

Volunteers in the one-on-one matching program are connected with an immigrant or refugee who lives in Abbotsford and has reached out for support. The time commitment is approximately 2 hours per week for a minimum of 6 months with a flexibility based on the volunteer's schedule and the newcomer's needs. Currently, we have a need for volunteers who speak either Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, Pashto, or Dari to offer one-on-one support to Government-Assisted Refugee families and other displaced persons arriving in Abbotsford in the upcoming months.

DUTIES:

  • Schedule meetings with “match” and plan activities
  • Offer English language and settlement support to a newcomer refugee individual or family 
  • Share insights into Canadian culture
  • Share knowledge of the local community, attractions, events, and activities
  • Offer friendship and support

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Fluency in Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, Dari or Pashto 
  • Knowledge of the challenges facing new immigrants/refugees
  • Knowledge of the community and the resources that are available
  • Fluency in English
  • Patience and empathy
  • Sensitivity to cross-cultural differences

 

This volunteer position is best suited for someone who is:

  • Outgoing and friendly
  • Not judgmental or critical
  • Patient
  • Respectful
  • A fluent English speaker