Volunteer Program
Our Volunteers are the driving force behind the delivery of every program and service provided by Carnegie. The bulk of our “Volunteer Program” is made up of residents of the Downtown Eastside. Carnegie volunteers are making positive contributions to the community they serve every day.
Be a Volunteer!
Volunteer Orientations are on Mondays and Saturdays at 2:30pm. Please call that morning just to make sure it is not cancelled (604.665.2220). We’ll take you on a tour of the building so you can see what positions are available and learn about how things work here at Carnegie. Can’t make it at those times? Just call us and make other arrangements.
Colleen (Coordinator) 604.606-2708 Sunday to Wednesday
Lisa (Assistant) 604.606.2708 Wednesday to Saturday
Your choices as a Volunteer
All volunteers are provided with a job description to assist them with general responsibilites and guidelines.
Kitchen - The following areas are available: concession server, runner, soup maker, sandwich maker, meal prep, salads, baker, dishwasher.
Learning Centre – Receptionist, Tutor + Computer Tutor
Your special knowledge and skills may be put to work in any of these areas- basic literacy, G.E.D., computer (resume), advocacy (welfare, legal, etc.), language; including sign language, clerical duties, and much more.
Computer - Monitoring computer lab rules and guidelines provided by staff. Providing assistance as required.
Reception - Lane Level + Second Floor
Our Lane Level and Second Floor volunteers are always ready to greet people who walk in the door. They answer the phone, keep records, issue volunteer meal tickets, and dispense program and community resource information.
Pool Room (Billiards) – The Pool Room Monitor regulates rules, guidelines and policies. Maintains tables and safety of the room. Assists with organizing Snooker and 8-Ball tournaments and events throughout the year.
Weight Room - This position requires a high level of vigilance. The volunteer in this position works alone and must, without exception, ensure safety for the patrons at all times. He must also ensure each user is a member of Carnegie, respectfully ensure rules are followed and report any missing, stolen or damaged equipment to Security and the Volunteer Program Office.
Artists– Sitting for portrait drawings – you get to take your portrait home.
Cultural Sharing - All are welcome to join our First Nations Healing circle, bead and leather work, sewing, dancers and drummers.
Seniors Coffee Seller - Do you brew a good pot? The Seniors lounge like to think theirs is the best in the world. This position requires strong customer service skills. You will be responsible for: keeping order in the room, monitoring computer usage, checking patrons for Carnegie membership cards, assisting with television programming; ensuring that patrons stay awake.
Newsletter - To assist with putting together the bi-monthly newsletter. 1st and 15th of each month – see Paul Taylor
Oppenheimer Park - See Sandy, Jim or Carrie at 488 Powell Street (at Dunlevy), or call 604.253-8830
Appreciation Benefits
- A free full-course Banquet Dinner in the theatre once a month. This is when the staff gets to show their appreciation to the volunteers for all their hard work. WE GET TO SERVE YOU FOR A CHANGE! Two volunteers are chosen for volunteer-of-the-month and presented at this dinner… Wednesday before cheque day.
- Chilli Dinner the Monday before cheque day when there are five weeks between cheques. Cafeteria style on 2nd floor.
- Volunteer tickets (2 for every hour worked) which are redeemable for food and beverages in our cafeteria only.
- Free four to five day camping trips to various locations.
- Day trips around the lower mainland including museums, sporting events, picnics, swimming, bowling, golfing, hiking, barbeques and scenic locations.
- An annual ‘Recognition Week’ (April) for another way for the community to thank our Volunteers and the positive effects of volunteerism in our community. This week will include parties, trips, banquet, gifts, and other events, all ending with a gala dance.
- An outstanding volunteer is nominated every year for the proud position of Volunteer-of-the-Year Recognition Award’. Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Dinner follows to celebrate the spirit of volunteers and the contributions of individuals.
- When possible, we provide training and various workshops to enhance your skills.
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