Updated:  March 4, 2010

The mandate of BC Cancer Agency Volunteer Services is to enhance the mission of the BC Cancer Agency and the experience of patients, family and friends during their cancer journey.

Many of us know the cancer journey, personally or by way of a loved one. It is not an easy road to travel; even harder without caring support. You can make a difference to someone traveling that road by volunteering at the Abbotsford Centre.

Whether you have been affected by cancer or just want to be involved in your community we welcome your application. Volunteers are a part of the multi-disciplinary team and play a vital role in the provision of high quality care and support to our patients, their family members, and staff.

There are no educational prerequisites but compassionate, empathetic, non-judgmental individuals match our patients’ needs well. Volunteer opportunities in the Abbotsford Centre exist Monday to Friday, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm

Applying to become a Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering with the Abbotsford Centre, please print a copy of the Volunteer Application Form , complete it and fax or mail it to us (details on the form).

Volunteer Roles at AC that may be available:

BC Cancer Foundation Office Volunteer: Assist the Development Officer by providing reception support to the Foundation office, answering telephone inquiries, receiving office visitors and accepting donations.

Chemo Treatment Room Volunteer: Offer and provide support to patients and their families attending chemotherapy by greeting patients, and offering companionship. Provide support to clinic staff.

Chemo Teach Volunteer: Offer support to patients attending the Chemo Team session. Assist staff with setup and take down of teaching materials in the meeting room. Lead patients on a tour of the centre if required.

Children's Club Volunteer: Assist Patient and Family Counselling Services staff with providing supportive environment for children who have a family member going through cancer. Provide set up and take down of materials and assist with other duties as requested by staff.  Criminal records check required.  (Limited availability)

Greeter Volunteer: Greet and assist new and current patients with navigating the building, provide general information as required, assist patients, families and staff by offering conversational support to patients, showing patients what is available in the waiting area, tidying up the waiting area when required and other duties as requested by staff.

Look Good Feel Better Volunteer: Offer support to patients attending the LGFB session. Assist LGFB cosmetic volunteers with setup and take down of teaching materials in the meeting room.

Pet Visiting Volunteer: Visit with patients and visitors in the waiting areas throughout the building. Pets and owners must complete the BC Pets & Friends visitation program or St. John's Ambulance Dog Therapy program prior to volunteering.

Special Events Volunteer: The Special Event Volunteers assist Volunteer Services and the BC Cancer Foundation with the planning and implementation of special events in the community, including any onsite fundraising activities being held at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

Cosmetic Counselling Room Volunteer: The Cosmetic Counselling Room Volunteer provides patient support to those who will likely lose hair as a result of cancer treatment. This volunteer will help patients try on wigs, tie head coverings and provide styling or cleaning tips.

Admin Greeter Volunteer: The Admin Greeter volunteer supports patients, families, and visitors to the administrative offices, and assists and supports BCCA staff as directed.

Book Cart Volunteer: The Book Cart Volunteer provides a warm welcome and interacts with our patients and their families, and also raises money for patient support and Volunteer Services through book sales.

Therapeutic Touch Program Volunteer: Volunteers with Therapeutic Touch training provide this complementary approach to patients and their primary caregivers in a supervised clinic atmosphere.