Our Story
A tale of two best friends
Captain Scott Legacy Society began with two seniors who became best friends through volunteering together.
Scott Shaw was retired and living in Vancouver when he started getting involved in his community. Scott often joked that he was a “late bloomer” when it came to volunteering. What began as a simple way to give back quickly became something much bigger. Through supporting seniors, helping in the Downtown Eastside, and showing up wherever help was needed, Scott discovered a deeper connection to his community and to the people around him.
Along the way, he met Greg.
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Greg was the kind of person who never needed the spotlight. He was the behind-the-scenes volunteer driving seniors to events, taking photos for community organizations, writing stories, and encouraging others to get involved. Scott and Greg bonded over their shared belief that small acts of kindness could change lives. Volunteering became more than a hobby for them. It became friendship, purpose, and a way of life.
Then the pandemic changed everything.
Volunteer opportunities disappeared almost overnight, organizations struggled, and many people became isolated from their communities and from one another. Scott and Greg saw how quickly connection could fade when people stopped gathering and helping together. In conversations during the pandemic, they began asking themselves an important question: what would happen to volunteering after all of this?
Together, they decided to do something about it.
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They dreamed of creating an organization that would make volunteering more welcoming, social, and accessible, especially for people who may not know where to start. They wanted to build something that would keep kindness, connection, and friendship alive for years to come while inspiring others to create their own positive impact.
That idea became Captain Scott Legacy Society.
In 2022, co-founder Greg Helem passed away unexpectedly. Today, we continue this mission in his honour by bringing people together through volunteer experiences that create real human connection. Greg’s kindness, generosity, and belief in community remain at the heart of everything we do, and his legacy continues through every volunteer who chooses to show up for others.
Our mission
At Captain Scott Legacy Society, our mission is to bring people together through volunteering and create opportunities for meaningful human connection. Inspired by the friendship and volunteer journey of Scott Shaw and Greg Helem, we aim to make volunteering welcoming, accessible, and community-focused for people of all ages and backgrounds. Through acts of kindness and shared experiences, we strive to inspire others to give back, support one another, and create a lasting positive impact in their communities.
Our vision
We envision a future where volunteering brings people closer together, strengthens communities, and helps people feel connected and supported. We hope to create a world where everyone feels welcome to get involved, build friendships, and discover the difference small acts of kindness can make.
Our values
Kindness
We believe small acts of kindness can create meaningful change and brighten the lives of others.
Connection
We believe volunteering is about more than giving back. It is about building friendships, community, and a sense of belonging.
Accessibility
We work to make volunteering approachable and welcoming for everyone, especially those who may not know where to begin.
Community
We believe strong communities are built when people come together to support one another and show up for others.
Purpose
We believe everyone has the ability to make a positive impact, no matter how big or small their contribution may seem.
Legacy
We honour the spirit of Greg Helem and all those who lead with generosity, compassion, and care for others.