VOLUNTEERS: THE HEARTS AND HANDS OF HOSPICE

Volunteers are an essential part of Pilgrims Hospice Society. They make it possible for us to offer all of our programs and services free of charge to the community and are a key component in helping us achieve our mission and vision.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us.

More than 200 volunteers give over 14,000 hours of their time to Pilgrims Hospice Society each year. Many describe it as the most fulfilling thing they do with their time. Even with a small commitment of time, you, too, can make a significant difference for people with life-limiting illnesses or facing their end-of-life journey.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Our highest need for volunteers is currently in these areas:

  • Holistic Care Practitioners (e.g., massage, reiki, reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture)
  • Kitchen
  • Direct Support (evenings and weekends)
  • Front of House

Resident and Client Care Opportunities

*Volunteers must be at aleast 18 years or older (or 21+ for Front of House) positions.

FRONT OF HOUSE

Front-of-house volunteers are the first point of contact for visitors to the Roozen Family Hospice Centre. They are welcoming, friendly and helpful, enjoy talking to people (in person and on the phone), and are comfortable with administrative tasks. They also create a warm and inviting environment for residents and visitors in our great room.

Time commitment: At least one 4-hour shift per month at the Roozen Family Hospice Centre. Shifts are available 7 days a week, both during the day and in the evening.

GRIEF SUPPORT

Grief support volunteers assist with both registered and drop-in grief programs for adults, teens and children. Our grief groups meet on weekdays, both during the day and in the evening.

Time Commitment: At least one 3-hour shift per week for groups that meet weekly. Volunteers supporting one of our structured groups should plan to be available for the full duration of the session (4 to 8 weeks). Other opportunities include our drop-in and movement groups as well as our quarterly and annual memorial services.

DIRECT SUPPORT

Direct support volunteers bring comfort to hospice residents and their families by providing social, spiritual and emotional support as well as some practical assistance.

Time commitment: At least one 4-hour shift per month at the Roozen Family Hospice Centre. Shifts are available 7 days a week, both during the day and in the evening.

KITCHEN

Kitchen volunteers help our hospice chef with grocery shopping, meal preparation, baking and serving meals to residents while maintaining an organized kitchen. Culinary skills are welcome but not necessary.

Time commitment: At least one 4-hour shift per month at the Roozen Family Hospice Centre. Shifts are available 7 days a week, both during the day and in the evening.

SOCIAL PROGRAMMING, SUPPORTIVE SERVICES & HOLISTIC CARE

Volunteers share their skills, talents and interests with our residents, clients and families (either one-on-one or in a group setting) to increase their quality of life while at our hospice. Services provided can include:

Art Therapy, Esthetics, Gardening, Hair Dressing, Massage Therapy (must have certification), Musicians, Pet Therapy (all pet therapy animals must have certification), Reiki (must have level 3), Spiritual Support, any other therapeutic modalities

If you offer a service that isn’t listed here, reach out to us! We’re always looking for new services to offer.

ADULT DAY PROGRAM

Adult Day Program volunteers provide social, emotional, recreational and general program support to adults diagnosed with a life-limiting illness who attend the program. Support takes place in a group setting supervised by program staff. Our Adult Day Program runs Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Time commitment: At least one 3.5-hour shift biweekly.

Non-Resident/Client Care Opportunities

AMBASSADORS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Ambassadors and special events volunteers champion support for Pilgrims Hospice Society. They can be spokespersons, fundraisers, table hosts at our events, or lend their photography or videography skills to help bring our mission to life. They also contribute behind the scenes by assisting with mailouts and other essential fundraising activities.

GOVERNANCE & ADVISORY

Governance and advisory volunteers provide expert knowledge and guidance, helping Pilgrims Hospice Society make strategic decisions as key members of our Board of Directors.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

  1. Complete our Volunteer Application.
  2. Register to attend a one-hour Volunteer Information Session. You’ll learn more about our volunteer opportunities and the training required for the different roles. We offer one daytime and one evening session each month. After applying, you’ll receive an email with the dates of our upcoming sessions.
  3. Attend an interview. If you’re still interested in volunteering with us after attending an information session, we’ll invite you to an interview so we can get to know you better.
  4. Complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check. We will request this from the Edmonton Police Service on your behalf.
  5. Attend a training session. If you are interested in a volunteer role that works directly with our hospice residents and clients, you must attend a two-day in-person training session. We run this session quarterly (typically on Fridays and Saturdays) at the Roozen Family Hospice Centre.

Note: The process for holistic care practitioners is slightly different. After completing an application, our volunteer team will arrange a phone conversation with you to discuss your practice and the next steps to becoming a Pilgrims’ volunteer.

Caring for individuals and families on their end-of-life journey is a special calling, and it’s important that our volunteers are the right fit for this sensitive role. That’s why we take great care in our application process.

Pilgrims Hospice Society is a special place. Knowing I can make a difference for others means the world to me.

Volunteer, Pilgrims Hospice Society

It has been my honour and privilege to volunteer at Pilgrims for the last 7+ years. Pilgrims is a wonderful place of love, compassion and support for all residents and their families as they deal with the end-of-life process.

Volunteer, Pilgrims Hospice Society