On October 8, we had the pleasure of attending the Alexander College Volunteer Fair. Ian, a Career Advisor from Alexander College, was incredibly helpful and assisted us with setting up our banners and table. The staff were welcoming and accommodating throughout the event, and we were even offered complimentary coffee to keep us energized during the day. Although Alexander College is a smaller school, we were excited to see strong interest from students. Throughout the fair, we had meaningful conversations with about 20 to 30 students. Around half of them took photos of our QR code to sign up later, showing genuine interest in getting involved. Some stopped by for the candy, lanyards, and stickers, and many commented on how much they loved the designs. The fair was smaller than the previous ones we attended, but there was still a steady flow of students moving between classes. The busiest time came around noon, when the table saw the most traffic and our team was able to engage with a lot of curious students. As the fair wrapped up, we began packing up around 1:45 PM, with the event officially ending at 2 PM. Even in a smaller setting, it was rewarding to connect with students who are eager to make a difference in their community, and we look forward to welcoming new volunteers from Alexander College to our upcoming opportunities.

On October 4, 2025, our Volunteer Wave community stepped out for something a little different—a volunteer social hosted during Best Buddies Canada’s first-ever Vancouver Friendship Walk at the University of British Columbia. Best Buddies Canada and its UBC chapter share a mission close to our hearts: creating opportunities for authentic friendship, mentorship, and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their vision is simple yet powerful—to ensure everyone has a friend and a community where they truly belong. The Volunteer Wave program has partnered with Best Buddies UBC for the past two years, co-hosting inclusive volunteering activities that have kicked off our annual Community Care Adventure volunteer festival. In both 2024 and 2025, our partnership brought together around 50 volunteers each year to assemble care kits that supported organizations such as The Kettle Society, Directions Youth Services, Aboriginal Mother Centre Society, and Youth Rising Foundation. At the inaugural Vancouver Friendship Walk, we joined in to support our friends at Best Buddies while celebrating the joy of connection and inclusion. As it was our first Volunteer Wave social, many of our volunteers were meeting for the first time that morning. The energy of the event quickly turned strangers into friends—and not just within our own group. We walked alongside new acquaintances we met right at the check-in table and did the Friendship Walk through the UBC campus while waving purple pom-poms and carrying cheerful signs. Between the walk and the festivities, volunteers bonded over friendship bracelet-making, hand painting, and—of course—good food! The event also featured lively performances by The Northwest Collective a cappella group and Sirota’s Alchymy martial arts troupe, making for a vibrant, joy-filled day without a dull moment. After the event, a few of us explored UBC’s campus together, grabbing a box (or two) of Girl Guide cookies and sampling the famous Marbelous cookie at Blue Chip Café. It was a bright, easy-going Saturday morning that reminded us of something essential: while service is at the heart of what we do, community is what keeps us coming back. Sometimes, the best way to strengthen the Volunteer Wave is to pause, connect, and simply enjoy time together. Want to connect with other volunteers? Join the Volunteer Wave community on Bloomerang to RSVP for our next volunteer social or networking event. We host at least one hangout each month, open to anyone—whether you’ve volunteered with us before or are simply looking to meet others who share your values of kindness and community.

As rain drizzled over the streets of Downtown Vancouver on Monday, September 29, 2025, the kitchen at Belkin House was alive with the sounds of laughter, clinking dishes, and steaming espresso machines. While most people were settling into their workweek, twelve volunteers from the Volunteer Wave community gathered to turn a rainy weekday morning into a moment of purpose and community care. The Volunteer Wave community has been growing steadily over the past few months, attracting volunteers with diverse backgrounds and flexible schedules. This growth has opened new doors for weekday volunteering—filling some much-needed support gaps for our community partners when staff resources are stretched thin. For Belkin House, an emergency shelter and transitional housing facility serving up to 224 residents, that support makes a real difference in daily operations. During the morning shift, our volunteers—ranging from working professionals to post-secondary students and recent graduates—jumped into a variety of roles to keep things running smoothly. Some helped prepare and serve meals in the Belkin Haus Café, while others supported cleaning and organizing tasks or assembled first aid kits for Belkin House’s outreach vehicles. Many volunteers found themselves learning something entirely new: one group practiced using a commercial dishwasher for the first time, another group proudly mastered the espresso machine, crafting americanos and lattes with care. As the shift drew to a close, the group gathered for a shared volunteer meal of perogies, salad, and dulce de leche cake. The warm food and easy conversation were a welcome pause after a morning of hands-on service. What stood out most that day however wasn’t just the tasks completed, but a sense of connected purpose from strangers coming together to give back. On a day that began gray and rainy, the energy among volunteers was bright and contagious. It was a reminder that volunteerism doesn’t only happen on weekends or during large-scale events—it happens in small, steady acts of service that sustain our community day by day. Belkin House continues to be one of our Volunteer Wave community’s most beloved partners, offering both meaningful work and moments of connection. As one volunteer reflected, “It felt good to be part of something that keeps people cared for, even in small ways.” We’re excited to continue supporting Belkin House through future weekday shifts and weekend projects alike. Want to get involved? Join the Volunteer Wave community on Bloomerang to RSVP for upcoming volunteer sessions and discover other ways to spread care and connection across our local community.

The Volunteer Wave program was founded on the idea of fun, flexible, and exploratory volunteerism—creating space for busy people to give back when they can, while learning about new causes, meeting new people, and trying something different. On September 27, 2025, we began a project that aligns with all of our Volunteer Wave goals. We launched the first phase of a new gardening project in partnership with Belkin House, an emergency shelter and transitional housing facility in Downtown Vancouver. This initiative not only offered our Volunteer Wave community a fresh and hands-on experience, but also provided Belkin House with the gardening support they’d been waiting for. For many of our volunteers, it was their first-ever gardening experience, yet everyone came ready to dig in (literally!) and learn something new. On the third floor of Belkin House sits a community garden—a space built for reflection, conversation, and connection among residents and staff. Over time, though, the garden had become overrun with invasive Himalayan blackberry bushes, tangled weeds, and overgrowth. The neglect had even obscured the newly painted mural on its walls by a local artist, hiding a symbol of renewal and creativity. Recognizing this, Belkin House put out a request for help—and the Volunteer Wave community didn’t hesitate to respond. We turned to one of our own community members, Carl Ronka, for guidance. Carl is a nature enthusiast, founder of environmental non-profit Web of Life which we partner with on a regular basis, and a professional landscaper. After visiting the site and consulting with Belkin House staff, Carl designed a phased restoration plan to help our volunteer team bring life back into the space. During our first volunteer session (Phase 1), Carl shared his expertise on the art (and patience) of weeding and pruning for healthy regrowth. Volunteers quickly discovered that gardening demands both physical effort and delayed gratification. With a “Happy Gardening” music playlist playing in the background and small groups spread out across the garden, we cleared beds, trimmed back branches, and learned together as we worked. As fatigue set in, volunteers gathered to enjoy a shared meal and rest—tired but proud of how much transformation had already taken place (especially for a group of non-gardeners!). By day’s end, most of the overgrowth had been cleared, the mural stood visible again, and the garden was ready for the second session (Phase 2). For the second session taking place on October 26th, 2025, we’ll be planting native, low-sunlight species like evergreen blackberry bushes and wildflowers to create a sustainable and welcoming green space for Belkin House residents. Want to get involved? No gardening experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to lend a hand. Join us on Bloomerang to RSVP for the upcoming planting session or explore other Volunteer Wave opportunities that grow impact right here in our local community here!

On September 26, our Volunteer Wave team joined Web of Life for a forest cleanup along the Coquitlam River. Thirteen volunteers, including our team, showed up ready and eager to help. Some brought their own gloves and even a wheelbarrow, which made it easier to manage larger pieces of trash along the trail. Several volunteers grew up in the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam area and were familiar with the path. Many shared how disheartening it was to see so much litter in an otherwise beautiful environment. It took about 20 minutes to hike up to the main dumping area where most of the trash had accumulated. Along the way, we came across a few discarded barrels. Half of our team rolled them back down to the starting point while the rest continued toward the main cleanup site. Once we reached the main area, volunteers got to work collecting and bagging trash, then carrying it back down to the starting location. We found a variety of items, including appliance parts, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a sink, and personal items left behind by campers and hikers. Slowly but surely, the trail and surrounding forest began to look more like the scenic space it’s meant to be. Days like this remind us why it’s so important to care for the natural spaces in our communities. Even small acts of cleanup, when done together, make a meaningful difference for both people and the environment. We are grateful to everyone who joined and contributed their time, energy, and care to protect this beautiful trail along the Coquitlam River.

Earlier this fall, we had the opportunity to participate in the Douglas College Volunteer Fair. Our table was set up in the busy central concourse, right in the heart of student activity. During the midday rush, the space was full of movement and conversation, and the energy was exactly what you hope for at an event like this. We filled our table with Captain Scott merchandise, candy, stickers, lanyards, and colouring books featuring our branding. We also displayed an iPad slideshow with photos from past events to help prospective volunteers see what our work looks like in action. Throughout the event, we had around 60 to 70 meaningful interactions with students who were curious about our mission and eager to learn how they could get involved. From those conversations, we recruited about 30 new volunteers. Some signed up right at the table. We helped them through the Bloomerang process and explained how our Volunteer Wave works, which made it easier for them to take that first step. What stood out most was the genuine enthusiasm from the students. Many shared their own values and interests and asked thoughtful questions about different types of volunteer work. It was clear that there is a strong desire among young people to give back and engage with community organizations. We also took time to visit other booths, which gave us the chance to explore new partnership possibilities with groups who share our interest in community support. Building these relationships helps us continue expanding the opportunities we can offer. We left Douglas College feeling encouraged, inspired, and grateful for the students who came forward with an open heart and a willingness to help their community. We look forward to welcoming our new volunteers and supporting them as they begin their journey with us.

In September, we spent the day at the SFU Career and Volunteer Fair. We set up our booth the same way we had at Douglas College with merchandise, candy, colouring books, stickers, and our slideshow of photos from past events. Our booth was located upstairs with other volunteer organizations, while the career fair portion downstairs drew more attention and foot traffic. Even though fewer people reached our area, the ones who did were thoughtful and sincere in their interest. We had around 50 conversations with students throughout the day and were able to recruit approximately 15 to 20 new volunteers. Our volunteer Mansi later joined us and was a big help in welcoming students and supporting conversations at the table. SFU had a stamp card activity that encouraged students to visit at least eight booths to receive a small gift. This added an extra sense of exploration and brought more visitors to our space, leading to some meaningful introductions. We were also generously treated to a free lunch, which was a thoughtful gesture and very appreciated. Despite being in a quieter part of the venue, we left SFU feeling positive. The students we spoke with showed genuine community values and a real willingness to get involved. We look forward to seeing some of these new volunteers join our upcoming opportunities and continue building relationships with the SFU community.

This fall, our volunteers once again had the opportunity to spend time supporting the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. On September 9, our Volunteer Wave members helped with produce sorting at the warehouse. We sorted large quantities of donated fruits and vegetables, preparing them for immediate distribution to families and individuals across the region. It was meaningful work knowing that every item we touched would soon become part of someone’s meals for the week. The following day, on September 10, our volunteer team supported the Food Bank during their distribution shift. Volunteers prepared grocery selections, welcomed and assisted clients, and helped ensure that the process was smooth and respectful. There was a sense of connection in those small interactions and conversations. Each one showed how much a warm greeting or helpful hand can mean to someone who walks through the door. Later in the season, on October 15, our volunteers returned to the warehouse for another round of produce sorting. This time, the focus was on examining produce carefully to ensure quality and freshness before it entered the distribution stream. Our team worked efficiently side by side, sharing conversation and good spirit while helping process hundreds of pounds of fresh food. It was another reminder that even behind the scenes, every task contributes to feeding households across the region. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank continues to serve tens of thousands of people each month in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore. Their work extends beyond providing food. They focus on healthy choices, community empowerment, and supporting people with resources that promote lasting stability. With rising needs and ongoing financial pressures, volunteers play a crucial role in keeping their operations running so that people can continue to access fresh and dignified food support. Walking into the Food Bank, you see firsthand the collaboration it takes to make everything work. Volunteers keep the flow moving whether they are sorting apples, assisting clients at distribution tables, or greeting people with kindness and respect. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank shows what community care looks like in action. It is practical, compassionate, and hopeful. We are grateful to have supported them again this September and we look forward to more opportunities to stand behind their mission. Get Involved As a Volunteer Centre, Captain Scott Legacy Society connects people with opportunities to make a meaningful difference in our community. Organizations like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank rely on volunteers to keep their programs strong and accessible. Join our Volunteer Wave Program to become part of this work and help support organizations that depend on both individual and group volunteers.

The Volunteer Wave community has been deepening its connection with The Dugout, a safe “living room” space for those experiencing homelessness in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Since June, our volunteers have been assembling and serving sandwiches made with care to support the nutritional needs of The Dugout’s many guests. Each month, we aim to distribute at least 200 sandwiches, featuring favourites like ham and cheese, egg salad, and peanut butter and jelly. When funds allow, we also donate fruit cups, granola bars, mandarin oranges, and other snacks to add variety and nourishment. On September 20, 2025, our volunteer team came together once again to build an efficient sandwich assembly line filled with purpose and camaraderie. With the support of The Dugout’s welcoming staff—Robert and Peter—and long-time volunteers Rita, Chali, and others, we set up our food stations in the back kitchen and got to work. We began by making 100 meat sandwiches using white bread, mayonnaise, spinach, ham, and cheese, then shifted to preparing peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwiches. On that day, we assembled and served over 240 sandwiches in two hours! While some volunteers served sandwiches and desserts—scones, cake, and pie—to guests, others helped with food prep, table bussing, and cleanup. We value offering balanced meals, but we’ve also learned that a touch of sweetness brings joy and comfort to many who visit The Dugout. What made the day truly special were the moments of connection it created. From the surface, it simply looked like a community sharing food and friendly conversation in a cozy space. But on a deeper level, something more profound was happening: stereotypes were dissolving, biases were being unpacked, and people were building relationships with a sense of shared humanity. Guests expressed their gratitude with smiles and kind words, and volunteers responded with genuine warmth—complimenting someone’s smile or admiring a handmade keychain on someone’s backpack. Everyone contributed to the atmosphere of care: guests cleaned up tables for others, helped when drinks spilled, and even shared food with one another. Beyond supporting The Dugout’s guests, our volunteers also found connection within the team itself. During icebreakers and coffee breaks, conversations flowed about travel stories, local food spots, and even concert memories (It turns out that three volunteers had all been at the same Jonas Brothers concert that week!). Every Volunteer Wave event reminds us that volunteering is as much about relationships as it is about service. We’re building a community where everyone—guests, volunteers, and staff alike—can experience belonging through simple acts of kindness.

We’re so excited to share some important news that will make your volunteering journey with us so much easier, more fun, and more connected than before. We can’t wait for you to be part of this adventure as we introduce two exciting updates to make your volunteer experience the best it can be! First, we’re moving to a brand-new volunteer management system: Bloomerang. So, what is Bloomerang? It will be your new volunteer hub which we aim to replace Google Forms and make the whole experience more practical. With Bloomerang, you’ll be able to browse and sign up for events, track your volunteer hours automatically, and receive reminders so you never miss out, and yes, all in one place. Whether you’re just getting started with us or you’re a regular Captain Scott volunteer, Bloomerang will be your new best friend to keep you on top of your schedule and make opportunity browsing and sign-ups short and sweet, so you can focus on what really matters: making a difference. Second, along with this system upgrade, we’re also refreshing the identity of our volunteer program. Our Volunteer Ambassadors program will now be known as the Volunteer Wave, a name that best reflects your energy, effort, and impact that you bring to our community. The Volunteer Wave will be your home for group volunteering events, volunteer socials where you can connect with others, and exciting volunteer-led projects that you can either lead or join. Together, we’re not just volunteers, but we are also the waves of positive change in the community. These updates are just the beginning. We have even more exciting announcements coming soon, and we’re grateful to have you with us as we grow into an even stronger organization. If you’re ready to make waves, you can get started today by creating your Bloomerang account here. And don’t forget to stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn as we’d love to have you in the loop for updates! Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We’re grateful to have you with us along the way and can’t wait to share what’s ahead. Let’s make waves together!

On July 27, 2025, we returned to Belkin House for our second volunteer shift this summer. Located in downtown Vancouver and operated by The Salvation Army, Belkin House offers emergency shelter and transitional housing for individuals and families in need. With room for up to 224 residents, it is a space where people find not only shelter, but also support, dignity, and hope. Following our first visit, we were excited to return. Volunteers once again took on hands-on roles in the kitchen and dining areas, including: Preparing and packaging meals Serving lunch and dinner to residents Helping with general kitchen and dining clean-up We were welcomed back with open arms. The Belkin House team remembered us and made it clear how much they valued our support. The sense of connection had already started to grow, not just between our team and theirs, but with the residents as well. Everyone we met contributed to the warm, respectful environment. As with our earlier shift, volunteers shared a meal together after the work was done. Some weekday volunteers also received a guided tour of the facility. One of the most touching parts of the tour was hearing that many residents choose to make their beds every morning and help keep the building clean. These everyday acts speak volumes about the care and responsibility residents take in their shared space. The highlight of volunteering here? At least six of our Volunteer Ambassadors felt so moved by the experience so far that they decided to become long-term individual volunteers with Belkin House. They picked up registration forms right away and made the commitment on the spot. That kind of immediate connection is exactly what our program is all about. This is what makes the Volunteer Ambassadors program special. It’s about finding your place. It’s about discovering causes that speak to you. And sometimes, it leads to something lasting. Whether you are curious about volunteering for the first time or ready to find a cause you care about, we would love to have you join us. The Volunteer Ambassadors program is here to help you take that first step.

For the whole month of August, our volunteers had the chance to spend several days at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. On August 14 and August 23, we helped with food distribution, and on August 16, we joined in for produce packing. Each shift was a reminder of the important role the Food Bank plays in our community and how volunteers help keep that work moving forward. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank serves tens of thousands of people each month across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore. Their mission goes beyond providing food. They work to offer healthy options, support community programs, and empower people through education and resources. With rising demand and growing costs, their team relies on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food so that families and individuals have access to fresh, nutritious meals. Walking into the Food Bank, you immediately see the energy and teamwork it takes to make everything run smoothly. Volunteers keep the operation moving - whether it’s packing apples and peppers into bags, setting up tables for distribution, or helping clients choose what they need with dignity and respect. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank shows how community care can be practical, impactful, and filled with hope. We’re proud to have partnered with them again this summer and look forward to many more opportunities to support their mission. Get Involved As a Volunteer Centre, Captain Scott Legacy Society is committed to connecting passionate people with opportunities where they’re needed most. Organizations like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank depend on volunteers to keep their doors open and their programs running. Join our Volunteer Wave Program today to start supporting organizations like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank who have a great need for both individual and group volunteers.