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Volunteer Opportunities

The Volunteer Requirement 
Volunteer Site Information
Recommended Volunteer Sites


The Volunteer Requirement 

Volunteering provides unique and fulfilling work experiences that may help you decide if Therapeutic Recreation is the field for you. You will gain a good sense of the industry with all the exciting challenges and rewards that go with it. You also get to see and experience the role recreation plays in meeting the needs of older people or people with disabilities.

Admission to a Therapeutic Recreation program requires participants to have 45 hours of volunteer or paid experience, which must meet the following requirements.

  1. In order to make the experience meaningful in that way, we ask that your hours involve working with older adults (seniors) in any setting OR with people of any age group as long as they have a disability.
  2. We also require that the hours spent with those people involve direct or indirect provision of recreation services. This means that you can either be involved in leading recreational programs or experiences OR you can be involved as an assistant of the leader of a recreation program or experience.
  3. Finally, we require that your 45 hours be supervised by an individual who will be prepared to evaluate your experience on a form that will be provided. Ideally, your supervisor would have training in Therapeutic Recreation, or in Recreation in general, however, as long as the supervisor is employed in the recreational department or unit or is the Administrator and has had the opportunity to observe you, that will suffice.
  4. Finally, the 45 hours must have been completed within the year prior to the April 1 deadline for admission.  Volunteer experience completed prior to one year may be submitted towards preferential admission.

So, for example, if you have experience spending time one-to-one with an Autistic child and the time you spend involves making meals, transportation and going to the mall or park, we would recommend that you pursue 45 hours in another way or setting. Although your experience here will help you overall, it will not give you the sense for the field of therapeutic recreation that we believe you would benefit from. If, on the other hand, you have assisted in the recreation or activities department of an intermediate care facility or a mental health clubhouse, that will work just fine. Any setting, which offers recreation services to older adults or to people with disabilities, should work.

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Volunteer Site Information

It would not be possible to list all the potential agencies that would be acceptable. However, typically they would fall into one of these categories: health, social service and recreation agencies.  You could find an appropriate volunteer experience at:

  • hospitals
  • long term care facilities for older adults
  • youth assessment centers
  • rehabilitation settings
  • group homes
  • mental health settings
  • adult day centres
  • rehabilitation centres
  • correctional facilities
  • municipal recreation centres
  • agencies working with people with developmental disabilities

If you're wondering where in your community you could get that experience, we suggest a visit to your local library (or internet) and a look at "The Red Book". The Red Book is a directory of health and social services in the lower mainland, including addresses and phone numbers. Another good website is www.govolunteer.ca. Click on "Browse by Activity" and go to the Sports and Recreation listings.

Before volunteering with an organization, check their volunteer requirements. Many agencies ask volunteers to commit to 6 months and/or 75 hours of volunteering. Some agencies will not fill out the volunteer reference form until you complete the required time. Ask the volunteer coordinator if he/she will fill out the form by the April 1st deadline even if you haven't completed their required commitment.

When you apply for a volunteer position, please tell the Volunteer Coordinator that you are volunteering in order to meet the entrance requirements for the Douglas College Therapeutic Recreation Program. The coordinator will ensure that the volunteer work you are assigned to meets the requirement.

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Recommended Volunteer Sites:

Listed below are some of the agencies that are currently providing volunteer opportunities that are suitable for entry into the Therapeutic Recreation Program:

Burnaby

George Derby Centre

Long term care facility providing care to 300 veterans of the Armed Forces. Three open units and two special care units for residents with dementia. The Therapeutic Recreation department includes recreation, artworks, music therapy, pastoral care and volunteer services.

 
  Web: www.georgederbycentre.ca
  Address: 7550 Cumberland Street, Burnaby
  Contact: Marilyn Magid, Coordinator of Volunteer Services:
604-527-4455 or marilyn@georgederbycentre.ca
  

Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society - Liberty Place

An assisted living building providing housing for 20 adults with disabilities (mostly physical disabilities). The Recreation and Leisure program provides opportunities for physical activity, socialization, and community integration.

 
  Web: www.howesound.net
  Address: 7899 17th Avenue, Burnaby
  Contact: Tracy Burrows, Recreation Facilitator: 
604-526-9933 or libertyrec@howesound.net


St. Michael's Centre
Residential care for seniors. Also offers compassionate and holistic hospice care for people who have a terminal illness. The Therapies Department delivers over 50 programs to assist residents to maintain or improve their state of health and live life to its fullest.
 
  Web: www.stmichaels.bc.ca
  Address: 7451 Sussex Avenue, Burnaby
  Contact: Rose Vidas, Director of Volunteer Services: 
604-434-1323, local 134 or rvidas@stmichaels.bc.ca


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Delta / Surrey / Langley

Evergreen Cottages

Residential care for adults with brain injuries, Huntington's chorea, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy. The Activities Department provides various programming ranging from sports, board games, mental aerobics, information sessions to outings/excursions.

 
  Web: www.evergreen-cottages.com
  Address: 15660 84 Avenue, Surrey
  Contact: Jason Villanueva, Recreation Coordinator:
604-597-7906 or jason.villanueva@evergreen-cottages.com 
 

Guildford Seniors Village

Guildford Seniors Village is home to 89 residents with varying care needs. We have three separate units including one Special Care Unit. We offer a variety of large group, small group and one-on-one programs.

 
  Web: www.retirementconcepts.com/care/guildford.html
  Address: 14568 104 Avenue, Surrey
  Contact: Lesley Shaw-MacLaren, Manager Therapeutic Recreation:
604-582-0808, local 203 or lshaw-maclaren@retirementconcepts.com
 

Howe Sound Rehabilitation Services Society - Freedom Place

An assisted living building providing housing for 20 adults with disabilities (mostly physical disabilities). The Recreation and Leisure program provides opportunities for physical activity, socialization, and community integration.

 
  Web: www.howesound.net
  Address: 10342 148th Street, Surrey
  Contact: Tracy Burrows, Recreation Facilitator: 
604-634-3300 or freedomrec@howesound.net


Kinsman Lodge

Non-profit 144 bed complex care home. Most residents are seniors, but we have a small group of young adults. Recreation programs are offered 7 days a week and some evenings.

 
  Web: www.kinsmenlodge.ca
  Address: 9650 137A Street, Surrey
  Contact: Leisa Bannerman, Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services:
604-588-0445 or lbannerman@kinsmenlodge.ca
 

Langley Gardens - Empress Assisted Living

An assisted living building providing housing for 35 very active residents.  On a daily basis, we offer numerous programs to enhance our residents' social, emotional, physical, vocational, spiritual and intellectural well being.

 
  Web: www.chartwellreit.ca/locations/chartwell-classic-langley-gardens-retirement-community/index.php
  Address: 3rd Floor - 8948 202 Street, Langley
  Contact: Danielle Axton, Lifestyle and Program Services: 
604-881-8132 or daxton@chartwellreit.ca

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Fraser Valley

MSA General Hospital - Extended Care

We are a 125 bed extended care facility with a team approach to quality of life. Combined music, rehabilitation and recreation therapy programming. Recreation programming is available six days a week.

 
  Web:

http://www.fraserhealth.ca/your_care/residential_care/residences/abbotsford/
cottage_and_worthington_pavilions

  Address: 33457 Cottage Lane, Abbotsford
  Contact: Darlene Knudson - Volunteer Services:
604-851-3010 or darlene.knudson@fraserhealth.ca  
Note: Ask to volunteer with Karen Hohn, Recreation Therapist

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Maple Ridge / Pitt Meadows

Ridge Meadows Hospital - Baillie House

Residential care for seniors. We provide therapeutic recreation services to 175 seniors with various disabilities.

 
  Web:

www.fraserhealth.ca/your_care/residential_care/residences/maple_ridge/baillie_house

  Address: 11666 Laity St., Maple Ridge
  Contact: Ridge Meadows Hospital Volunteer Coordinator: 
604-466-7911 or rmh.volunteerservices@fraserhealth.ca
Note: Ask to volunteer as a residential aide volunteer under the supervision of Jade Tomlinson

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North Vancouver / West Vancouver 

Kiwanis Care Centre

Complex care facility with 192 residents, primarily, but not limited to seniors. There are limited mental health opportunities available.

 
  Web: not available
  Address: 2444 Burr Place, North Vancouver
  Contact: Genevieve Andrews, Recreation Therapist
604-924-8357 or Genevieve.Andrews@vch.ca

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Port Moody / Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam      

Hawthorne Care Centre

Hawthorne provides a wide range of services to seniors, from low income housing to long term residential care for those seniors with complex care needs. All the recreation therapists are Douglas College graduates.

 
  Web: www.hawthornecare.com
  Address: 2111 Hawthorne Ave, Port Coquitlam
  Contact: Vicki Robertson, Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Partnerships 
604-468-5037 or vrobertson@hawthornecare.com
 

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Richmond

Rosewood Manor

Rosewood Manor is a non-profit care home licensed for 151 Complex Care residents including a 35 bed dementia care unit and one respite bed.  The Recreation Department provides a variety of individual and group programs designed to meet the social, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the Residents.

 
  Web: www.rosewoodmanor.org
  Address: 6260 Blundell Road, Richmond
  Contact: Megan Kinghorn, Recreation and Volunteer Manager
604-271-3590 (local 122) or mkinghorn@rosewoodmanor.org

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Vancouver

Adanac Park Lodge

Residential care facility with 72 residents. Average age of residents is mid 70's and many have mental health issues. The Leisure and Volunteer Services Department provides a wide variety of programs to meet the needs and interests of our residents.

 
  Web: www.littlemountaincare.org
  Address: 851 Boundary Road, Vancouver
  Contact:

Tania, Volunteer Services:
604-325-2298 or tania@littlemountaincare.org

   

Developmental Disabilities Association - Leisure Challenge Program

After school community based leisure and recreation program for youth ages 13 to 19 with developmental disabilities. Focus of the program is to teach life and social skills through recreation.

 
  Web: www.develop.bc.ca
  Address: 2083 East 37 Avenue, Vancouver
  Contact:

Jackie Lanz, Program Coordinator:
604-323-8370 or leisurechallenge@develop.bc.ca

   

Dr. Peter Centre

Dr. Peter Centre provides a Day Health Program and a 24 bed residence to people living with HIV. Goal is to provide care to those most at risk of deteriorating health.

 
  Web: www.drpetercentre.ca
  Address: 1110 Comox Street, Vancouver
  Contact:

Contact: Carolyn Ryan, Volunteer Coordinator: 
604-608-1874. local 2235 or cryan@drpetercentre.ca

   

The Gathering Place

Serves the diverse and disadvantaged population of the downtown core which includes HIV, HEP C, homelessness, poverty, drug addiction, and mental health issues. Recreation programs meet the needs of this population to enhance their health and wellness.

 
  Web: http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/gatheringplace/index.htm
  Address: 609 Helmcken Street, Vancouver
  Contact:

Contact: Valerie Ferrar, Recreation Programmer:
604-665-2391 or valerie.ferrar@vancouver.ca

    

George Pearson Centre

George Pearson Centre provides services to meet the long-term rehabilitation needs of individuals with severe physical disabilities in a residential living environment.  Residents are adults with an average age of 45 to 50.  Primary disabilities include spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and ALS.  Recreation Therapy staff that provide programs at GPC are both at the degree and diploma levels in TR.

 
  Web: www.vch.ca/media/George_Pearson_Centre_011306[1].pdf
  Address: 700 West 57 Avenue, Vancouver
  Contact:

Barb Boman, Coordinator, Volunteer Resources:
604-322-8332 or vhvolunteer@vch.ca

 

Little Moutain Place

Residential care facility with 116 residents. Provides specialized services for the visually impaired, the frail elderly, and residents with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.  Therapeutic Recreation Programs are offered based upon residents' needs; they have a specific goal and purpose, they assist in bringing meaning and satisfaction to one's life and they help to maintain physical and emotional well being.

 
  Web: www.littlemountaincare.org
  Address: 330 East 36 Avenue, Vancouver
  Contact:

Tania, Volunteer Services:
604-325-2298 or tania@littlemountaincare.org