Volunteer Opportunities

VIVE provides opportunities for individuals, students, congregations, or business groups to serve the community. The time that you give as a VIVE volunteer can have a great impact on the life of a refugee.  As refugees at VIVE come from all over the world, speakers of other languages are always especially needed and welcome.

Below are just some examples of volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at vivevolunteers@yahoo.com.

Legal Department
File correspondence and archive clients’ files; organize library journals and legal library materials. Skills/experience needed: Ability to write a professional letter, professional demeanor on telephone, good documentation skills.

Refugee Services
Register newly arriving refugees; assist refugees with the completion of their Canadian Immigration applications. Time Commitment:  A few mornings per week. Skills/experience needed:  Good communication and written skills along with the ability to work with a multi-cultural population.

Recreation
Educational and recreational activities are scheduled to help refugees maintain a positive outlook. VIVE volunteers solicit local theaters, museums, and sports teams for donations of tickets or arrange to go with refugees on a local sight-seeing trip.

Driving and Transporation to Appointments
Transport refugees and/or pick-up donated food and other items, take refugees to medical appointments or recreational activities. Time Commitment: We generally need drivers in the early morning or after 1 pm.

Marketing and Development
Attach address labels and fold and insert VIVE newsletters to prepare them for bulk mailing. Time Commitment: 3-4 hours quarterly. Assist with VIVE events and fundraisers.

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VIVE staff and volunteers assist with paperwork for processing claims in the U.S. and Canada. Photo credit: Mike Groll.