Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering Behind The Shield!
Volunteers have been called “the army behind the Army” for their invaluable service to our community.
Apply now

Volunteering at the Vancouver Harbour Light

In 2024, our volunteers generously gave over 2,720+ hours of service to our programs!

We have year-round volunteer shifts available! We are always on the look-out for community meals servers. Volunteers come during meal times to the scoop and serve food, wipe tables and greet community guests from all walks of life.

Community Meals volunteers have flexible shifts with weekday/weekend availability so you can pick the days that suit your schedule best. Shifts are Monday-Friday 10:45am-12:00pm, and Sat 3:45-5pm.

Individual Volunteers

Please note that we require a minimum commitment of once a month at our community meals program. If you would like to volunteer occasionally, we have one-time opportunities throughout the year, mostly in the holiday season. You can fill out our holiday application to get on the list and we will email you when shifts open up.

Basic requirements for regular individual volunteers:

  • Age: 19+
  • Clean Time: 1-2 years

How to be a Regular Individual Volunteer:

*If you are only applying for skill-based roles (not community meals) listed on our website under “view volunteer oppourtunities”, please email us with the role title you are interested in, relevant qualifications and experience, and your availability.

Title you email “Skill-based Volunteer Application: (the role title you are interested in).”

Our team will contact shortlisted volunteers. You may attend orientation as that is a part of our skill-based volunteer onboarding as well.

Apply as a Regular volunteer
Use individual cards to highlight related items, features, links, or actions. Each card should include a short title, description, and an optional clear call to action link.
Apply as a Holiday Volunteer
Use individual cards to highlight related items, features, links, or actions. Each card should include a short title.
View Volunteer Opportunities
Use individual cards to highlight related items, features, links, or actions. Each card should include a short title and description.
Login to Your Volunteer Account
Use individual cards to highlight related items, features, links, or actions. Each card should include a short title and description.

Group volunteering

We welcome groups from schools, corporate teams, service clubs, churches, and other community organizations. We can accommodate groups of up to 15 participants. Our primary opportunity for groups is in our community meal program. Please contact Cindy, Community Engagement Coordinator at Cindy.Cheung@salvationarmy.ca for group onboarding and booking.

Additional ways to get involved

Support our mission in creative and meaningful ways beyond traditional volunteering.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Community meals Program
  • Community Meals Server

Spiritual Care (Skilled - base Volunteering)

  • Piano Facilitator Role Description

Learning Centre (Skilled-base Volunteering)

  • Financial Literacy Educator (filled)
  • Computer Literacy Educator
  • Creative Writing Workshop Facilitator
  • Volunteer Workshop Facilitator
  • Yoga Stretching Workshop Instructor

Use your talents for good

Are you skilled in graphic design, photography, social media, or event planning? We welcome volunteers who can help spread awareness and support our programs in creative ways.

Ready to get started? Apply to volunteer

Fill out our volunteer application form to begin your journey.

Questions? Contact us

For any questions about volunteering, Please contact Cindy, Community Engagement Coordinator at Cindy.Cheung@salvationarmy.ca