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Volunteering at the City
New Westminster is a community where everyone belongs and has the opportunity to contribute to a better place. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, improve your health and happiness, boost your social skills, and even advance your career. New Westminster volunteers report many different reasons for volunteering: to gain a sense of purpose, cultivate community, share their expertise, increase social skills, connect with others, improve self esteem, and learn valuable skills!
Application Process
To volunteer for any City's opportunities, you must be at least 14 years old, and some programs have higher age requirements.
Then complete the online volunteer application by following the link below. The City uses My Impact to manage volunteers. Upon receipt of your application, our Volunteer Coordinator will invite you to an information and interview session and will start the volunteer screening process to ensure safe meaningful volunteer engagement.
The screening process includes the application form, possible references check, an information session and interview, a Criminal Record Check, and orientation and training. Your volunteer experience includes ongoing support, follow-up, and feedback.
Volunteer Opportunities
Community Events: Volunteers of all ages help at City Community Events of all sizes. It's usually a one time commitment often occurring during the evening or weekend. These events usually require general ability to stand and help move tables chairs and set up tents, and interact with the public.
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Childrens' Programs: Volunteers work with the instructors in the supervision and facilitation of a variety of Art and Recreation Programs. This may involve a variety of games, sport, art, and social activities. The purpose of the volunteer is to set a positive example for participants while participating in the activities and support leaders with preparation and clean up where necessary.
Food Services: Volunteers assist in the Century House Connections Café or Queensborough Café and support food security for seniors in New Westminster. Work alongside Red Seal chefs. The volunteer activities are cashier, food preparation, and dishwashers. Must be available weekdays.
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Emergency Support Services (ESS): volunteers are a group of dedicated individuals who help plan for the wellbeing of their neighbours and fellow citizens in the event of a disaster. A commitment of approximately 4–6 hours per month is required for meetings, free training and exercises. Must be 19+ and hold a full BC Drivers Licence. More information can be found here on the ESS Page.
Gymnastics: Gymnastics volunteers support our gymnastics instructors during lessons to ensure that participants have a safe and enjoyable experience. Volunteers must be energetic, enthusiastic and at least 14 years old with experience in gymnastics or trampoline.
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Reading Buddies: Students aged 14-18 can participate in the library’s Reading Buddies program in both English and French, supporting younger early readers. Volunteers are recruited twice a year, in September and January.
Seniors' Programs: Help out with a variety of programs for seniors at various locations around the City. Examples include Meal Meet Up, Seniors Embracing Technology, dance and social programs, peer support. Most activities are during weekdays. Volunteers must be 50+ and some roles require a Century House Association membership.
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Skating Assistant: Skating volunteers help the instructors with skating lessons. Volunteers must be able to skate forwards, backwards and stop with good balance and control. Must be confident skater in order to support a learner.
Animal Services: The City’s Animal Shelter cares for abandoned, stray and unwanted animals. Volunteers are vital in helping us operate the shelter, and also provide companionship for our animals. Volunteers must be 19 years or older and have daytime availability. Limited weekend shifts and no evening shifts are available.
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Other Volunteer Opportunities
The City's catch basins serve an important role in removing excess water from our streets each time it rains. Keeping these drains clear and running at optimal capacity throughout the year is important and helps to prevent localized flooding.
Catch basins, also referred to as storm drains, carry untreated water – and any pollutants – directly into streams, rivers, and oceans. By painting a yellow fish symbol next to a catch basin, we create a visual reminder of what goes down the drain.
Simple acts of stewardship go a long way to help our newly planted street trees. Help us by watering a new street tree for the summer season.
Advisory Committees exist in the City to provide Council access to external expertise and lived experience on issues of strategic importance. The time commitment is usually one meeting every other month with an appointment commitment of two years.
Volunteers 19+ can apply to volunteer with the Crime Prevention Unit or Reserve Constable Program and take part in the many programs they have to offer while gaining valuable experience and making their neighbourhood a safer and more enjoyable place. For
Visit the Community Resources Page on the New Westminster Public Library website to learn about other organizations with volunteering opportunities in New Westminster.