Volunteering in Canada
Grow Your Skills. Build Connections. Find Your Path.
Whether you are new to Canada, just starting your career, or simply want to get involved – volunteering is a powerful way to gain experience, explore your interests, and become part of your community.
Why Volunteering Matters?
- Build Canadian experience for your resume
- Improve communication skills and workplace confidence
- Learn Canadian work culture in a supportive environment
- Meet people and build valuable relationships
- Gain potential references for future jobs or internships
- Explore new fields and discover what kind of work you enjoy
- Make a difference – in your own life and your community
Where to Start: Volunteer Resources by Interest
Healthcare & Wellness
Animals & Nature
- SBCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – spca.bc.ca
- Vokra Cats – vokra.ca
- Habitat for Humanity – habitatgv.ca (sustainability + construction + teamwork)
Libraries & Learning
Community, Mental Health & Support
- BC211 – Connects volunteers with social services across BC: uwbc.ca
- Volunteer opportunities across Vancouver:
- GoVolunteer
- CharityVillage
- VolunteerMatch
- City of Vancouver
Connect Your Studies to Real-World Impact / Volunteering Ideas Tailored to Your Program
- Business – Non-profit administration, event logistics, marketing or fundraising campaigns
- IT – Tech literacy support, web development for community organizations, hackathons
- Hospitality – Guest services, event hosting, food bank operations, cultural events
- Global Affairs & Humanities – Language exchange programs, cultural advocacy, refugee support
- Liberal Arts – Arts and culture festivals, museums and galleries, literacy tutoring, research assistant roles with NGOs
- Leadership – Student club executive roles, orientation leader, youth mentorship programs, planning community initiatives or fundraisers
- Cybersecurity – Assist with digital safety workshops for seniors or schools, volunteer with non-profits needing basic tech or security audits, contribute to open-source security projects
- Human Resources – Help with volunteer onboarding, recruitment support for non-profits, support resume clinics, assist with organizing training or professional development events
Tips to Find the Right Opportunity
- Start with your passion – sports, animals, the environment, education, healthcare.
- Love sports? Look out for FIFA World Cup 2026 volunteer calls
- Love animals? Try Vokra Cats or SPCA
- Love creativity? Volunteer at festivals or arts organizations
- Be curious: you do not have to be an expert to contribute, volunteering is for learning
- Be yourself: your unique perspective is a strength
- Ask for support: FDU Career Services can help you tailor your resume and application
Career Services Can Help
Book an appointment via Handshake or email us to:
- Find roles that fit your goals
- Write or edit your volunteer-focused resume
- Practice reaching out to organizations
- Prepare to talk about your volunteer experience in interviews