Burnaby Hospital & Fellburn Care Centre Volunteer Resources

Assist frail, elderly patients during lunch period, by opening food containers, taking food order for next day, and socializing.

Openings as of April 2026:  

Provide companionship and support to patients and visitors entering the Emergency department.

ER volunteers MUST be 18 years+ with considerable experience and able to keep this schedule for 6-8months.  Also willing to work outside of entrance as greeting when needed on sunny days.

Application for POST SECONDARY medical/nursing/healthcare students SUMMER program (May 11 to Aug 22) open yearly in April.  Invite to Group Interviews booked for week from April 20 to 27. If selected invite to orientation: Option 1 VIRTUAL: Thurs. April 30 1-4pm  OPTION 2 ONSITE: Tues. May 12th 3:30-7:30pm. 

• Must be available ALL summer 2 or more shifts a week for 4 hours each shift. 
• Studying abroad and returning to Great Vancouver District during your summer holiday or other breaks
• Attending a health care program in university
• Has Criminal Record Check completed or can submit before application (see CRC instructions in documents)
• 2 References must be submitted with application by May 1st.
• Roles: Patient Experience Survey, 1:1 Unit Social visiting, musician, choice dining promotion, others as appropriate
• Able to return multiple summers/Christmas/spring breaks is an asset
• Excellent Communications

**Much select general interests as well ontop of this option.**

Select this only if you play an instrument. Pianists, please note we have an electric portable piano available. For all other instruments such as Guitar, Violin, Flute, etc. you will need to bring your own.

Shifts are about 1-1.5 hours unless you wish to play longer. This could be in general public areas or patient bedside.

**SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL**  MAX 10 students accepted between Patient Experience and Wayfinding. 

Group interview and orientation. Submit 2 references and complete online Criminal Record check by June 28. Only one program available for the summer.

Criteria:

1. MUST be able to volunteer 3-4 hours a shift AND 3 days during summer (two week breaks ONLY if you can make up shifts other weeks)
2. Must be outgoing and take initiative in approaching patients and unit staff
3. PRIORITY for volunteer interested in healthcare
4. BONUS - interested in staying in this program for 8 months from July-end

WEEKLY Shifts: Mon-Sun morning 10am-2pm, afternoon/evening any 3-4 hours between 1-7pm

This position requires you use a tablet. Training will be provided, but basic knowledge of tablets and comfort with technology and conversation is necessary.

Must have ability to approach strangers to ask them if they would be interested in completing a survey about the quality of their current experience as a patient in various units.

Need to be comfortable in bed-side visiting. You will not be required to enter any rooms under isolation - confirmed/suspected COVID patients are NOT surveyed by the volunteers.

Bring your friendly dog (or other approved pet) to visit and bring a smile to the faces of our patients and staff.

We are excited about your interest in volunteering with your dog.  All Pet Therapy teams must be screened/trained through BC Pets and Friends (http://www.petsandfriends.org/get-involved/) or St. John's Ambulance (https://www.sja.ca/English/Community-Services/Pages/Therapy%20Dog%20Services/Become-A-Therapy-Dog-Volunteer.aspx) prior to applying for any facility.

Visit assigned patients, providing mental stimulation, social interaction and sensory stimulation as you chat, play games, go for walks, etc.

If you are physically active and enjoy helping people, this could be the activity for you.

Greet people as the enter the hospital and help them to find their way.