One to one: This volunteer works with palliative/grief clients and/or their families, providing support and information about the dying process. He/she will also provide respite care if needed so caregivers can take a break. Also may participate in drop-in grief support session.

Hospital: These volunteers work as a team in the hospital setting. Each is assigned a day and gives two or more hours per week, depending on the need for that day. They visit patients named on the list that is provided by the Pastoral Care Coordinator, and may spend more time with one person or family if their assistance is requested.

Vigil: This volunteer is available to sit at the bedside of a person who is in the final stages of the dying process. This process may take hours or days. A team is usually assigned to each vigil to cover a determined number of hours each day until the person dies.

Grief Group Facilitator: This person establishes rules of confidentiality and safety in a group setting, and provides information that may be helpful to people who are grieving the loss of a loved one through death.

Office: Office volunteers provide much appreciated clerical assistance to staff and other volunteers.

Other Ways You Can Help:

• help raise most of the funding that supports our work
• maintain gardens at Cowichan District Hospital and at Hospice House
• provide Reiki treatments to clients, caregivers and volunteers
• do public speaking
• care for and maintain our building
• volunteer at bingo

Directors of the Board are responsible for:

• direction of the Society
• establishing the mandate and mission of the Society
• developing vision and direction for the society
• public relations
• funding
• ensuring the delivery of programs and services through employment of staff
• representing the Society in the community
• ensuring that the Society meets all non-profit society requirements