On August 17, 2025, we partnered up with environmental stewardship organization Web of Life for another forest clean-up at Central Park in Burnaby, BC. Our Volunteer Wave program members came together with the same motivation, mindset, and determination to give back. The group included international students from Japan, people who had just returned back to Vancouver from their travels, those in the middle of seeking new employment, and youth as young as 12! Regardless of background, everyone shared one purpose: caring for our community and our planet. Prior to the clean up, we had surveyed the site and met a neighbour who introduced himself as the “Juggler.” He told us about how he had already filled five full bags of garbage on his own time inside Central Park, and commended us for finding another site and organizing efforts to clean up! On clean up day, we unfortunately did not get to see him again in person, but he took a moment to cheer us on through a note he had written on a ripped-out piece of notebook paper and attached to a branch at eye-level. A volunteer found the surprise note and passed it around; it acted as a great motivator throughout the clean up. Volunteers split into pairs and groups, some taking on heavy items like a mattress and a television, while others dug out or picked up items that had been left behind for a long time. We believe teamwork played a huge role in the process, with everyone supporting and helping each other to handle more challenging areas. Among the items collected were a plenty of tea light candle containers, food wrappers, comic books, clothing, and other personal belongings. We were proud to fill more than 20 bags of waste at two different clean up sites within Central Park, and even prouder to strengthen our connection to one another, to nature, and to the process of doing good. At Captain Scott Legacy Society, our mission is to create connections through memorable and meaningful volunteer experiences, and this clean-up was another example of how coming together as a community can make a huge difference. Want to explore volunteering with us? Join our Volunteer Wave Program here!

On August 10, 2025, our volunteers returned to Belkin House - a well-loved Downtown Vancouver emergency shelter and transitional housing centre - for another kitchen support shift. This popular event filled up quickly, even though it was a Sunday! Our returning volunteers happily guided volunteers new to Belkin House through the variety of kitchen tasks, from prepping lunch and cutting cakes to serving meals and packing takeaway lunches for residents. The menu of the day? Crispy chicken strips, cheese bread with olive oil, a fresh salad, and chocolate cake for dessert. Our volunteers had a hand in making the lunch with the support of the kitchen chef, and then celebrated a job well done by sharing the meal together after serving the lunch to Belkin House clients. At Belkin House, there’s never a shortage of variety in the work we do, but our volunteers do have their favourite tasks: Operating the commercial dishwasher (pressurized water + heat = pure satisfaction!) Opening the cafeteria serving area gate with the rotating crank Cutting slices of chocolate cake (and resisting the urge to “taste test” them) Portioning butter and peanut butter—because the smell of those two ingredients is in itself a treat! We love partnering with Belkin House and it’s clear our volunteers do as well. Our next Belkin House shift is on Tuesday, August 19, and with more staff on site during weekdays, we can bring an even bigger volunteer team. Tasks will include kitchen support, making and serving coffee using an espresso machine, and running a clothing market. Come join our Volunteer Wave Program and RSVP to volunteer with us!

On August 19, 2025, we returned to Belkin House to support their mission of providing emergency shelter and transitional housing for individuals and families in need. Just like our previous visits, volunteers helped prepare and package meals, serve lunch and dinner to residents, and assist with general kitchen and dining clean-up. This time, we were also excited to take part in something new: organizing a clothing donation market right in the dining hall. With generous contributions of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and sweaters, residents were able to choose what they needed, just in time for the colder season ahead. It was truly heartwarming to see everyone supporting one another, and this became the highlight of the day. In addition, we helped replace expired safety and emergency kits with new ones, making sure Belkin House remains a safe and emergency response center for everyone, especially in the case of a natural disaster or community emergency. Our volunteers love returning here, not only for the warmth of the kitchen and the generosity of donors, but also for the sense of belonging that Belkin House offers. Some were so moved by the experience that they signed up to become Belkin House’s own volunteers. This is what volunteering is all about: helping the community, lending a hand where it’s needed most, and building connections while making a meaningful impact. At Captain Scott Legacy Society, this has always been our mission and what we continually strive for. Want to explore volunteering with us? Join our Volunteer Wave Program here!

On August 9, 2025, our volunteers with the Volunteer Wave program prepared and served 200 fresh sandwiches for The Dugout, a much-loved Downtown Eastside charity that offers a welcoming “living room” environment for the community. For decades, The Dugout has been a refuge for those facing housing insecurity, serving food, coffee, and snacks to unhoused folks, such as those staying in shelters at night. But with their current temporary location lacking a kitchen, they’ve been unable to provide their signature offering: hot, nutritious soups. That’s where our team came in. Armed with ingredients and teamwork, our volunteers delivered 100 ham-and-cheese sandwiches and 100 peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches, along with fruit cups for a sweet, refreshing treat. The day was buzzing with activity! Volunteers set up a cheerful sandwich-making assembly line, cranking out ham-and-cheese first before moving on to peanut butter-and-jelly. Midway through, a quick supply run to Costco kept the momentum going. Once the sandwiches were ready, our team had the rewarding opportunity to serve them directly to The Dugout’s clients. We were able to connect face-to-face with community members, staff, board members, and fellow volunteers. In a neighbourhood where food security is a daily challenge, something as simple as a sandwich can make a real difference, especially with providing more nutrients. Partnering with The Dugout helps us fill their most urgent needs—especially as they adapt to their temporary space with limited resources. These giving events remind us of the heart of Vancouver’s volunteer community: people showing up, working together, and making sure no one is forgotten. 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 Dugout depend on volunteers to keep their doors open and their programs running. Join our Volunteer Wave Program today to start supporting organizations like The Dugout who have a great need for both individual and group volunteers.

On July 30, 2025, Captain Scott Legacy Society’s Volunteer Ambassadors brought music, laughter, and heartfelt joy to one of our beloved community partners: Southview and Terrace Senior Residence in East Vancouver. This special volunteer-led variety show was packed with live music, trivia, karaoke, and prizes—all organized and performed by our incredible volunteers. The one-hour show was a vibrant blend of entertainment and community spirit, featuring: Melissa and Adam – A dynamic piano and violin duo who opened the show with grace and harmony Petrus – A talented pianist and crowd favourite, whose fans at the residence were thrilled to see him return Char – A multi-talented singer-songwriter and dancer who wowed the crowd with an original love song and a Spanish cover Jarvis – A charismatic singer and host who led an unforgettable karaoke session As the music filled the room, seniors clapped, sang, and even shouted “We want more!” One resident sang directly to Jarvis during karaoke, another led some dancing spins with a volunteer, while others swayed and nodded to the beat like a joyful choir. Four lucky audience members won self-care and grocery prizes during a lively music trivia segment, adding even more excitement to the afternoon. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with seniors asking us when we’d be back and performers feeling energized by the love in the room. Next Up: A Multigenerational Open Mic! We’re already dreaming up our next visit—this time with a multigenerational open mic where seniors can share their own talents! We heard from the most recent visit that there are amazing singers and pianists among the residents, and we can’t wait to spotlight them in our next event. Want to Volunteer With Seniors in Vancouver? We’ll be returning to Southview and Terrace in the coming months—and we’d love to have you join us! Sign up for our Volunteer Ambassadors Program to stay in the loop about upcoming group shifts at senior homes and other meaningful volunteer opportunities across Metro Vancouver.

Over the past two weeks, our Volunteer Ambassadors came together twice at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s Burnaby distribution site to make a difference in two important ways. On July 18, we joined the food distribution team. Our volunteers helped set up stations, greeted clients with warm smiles, and handed out groceries directly. It was a busy day full of meaningful connections as we supported people in the community by making sure everyone received the food they needed. Then, on July 31, our group shifted gears to focus on produce packing. Volunteers took on tasks like sorting fresh produce from large bulk bins into individual boxes, checking for spoilage, and using ReFeed bins for compostable items. We also palletized completed boxes to help with efficient distribution and supported food bank staff with general warehouse organization. This behind-the-scenes work is essential for ensuring nutritious food gets out to those who need it most. Both days brought different challenges and opportunities, but the spirit of kindness and community stayed the same. Our volunteers enjoyed rolling up their sleeves, meeting new people, and being part of the important work the food bank does every day. If you want a hands-on volunteer experience where you can directly see the impact of your efforts, we encourage you to join us for upcoming shifts. 👉 Sign up for the Volunteer Ambassadors Program or follow us on Instagram to stay updated.

On July 13, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors gathered at Burnaby’s Central Park for a forest clean-up organized in collaboration with our long-time partners at Web of Life. As always, a big thank you to the City of Burnaby for helping haul away the trash after the event! This clean-up was extra special because it brought in a wave of new youth volunteers—including teens as young as 13-years-old. Many were stepping into their first-ever volunteer experience! It was truly inspiring to see multiple generations working side by side to restore a beloved urban forest. Teenagers brought younger siblings, parents teamed up with their kids, friends brought more friends, and solo volunteers quickly connected with one another. Everyone came together through a shared drive to take part in ecological stewardship that day. What We Found (and Removed!) Our crew tackled two main sites, along with several connecting trails. By the end of the morning, we had filled over 20 large contractor bags with waste—and hauled out some bulky (and unexpected!) items, including: A large wheeled recycling bin Another standard recycling bin A framed art piece Mattress foam, couch cushions, blankets, and tarps Discarded clothing and personal items Sudoku books, word search puzzles, and journals As we worked, park-goers, cyclists, and trail users paused to cheer us on with comments like “thank you!” and “great work!” Some even stopped to chat after our two hour event, surprised by how much garbage was hidden beneath the forest canopy. Our Captain Scott staff are always amazed by the efficiency, focus, and heart our volunteers bring—these clean-ups continue to be a brilliant example of what teamwork in action really looks like. More Than Just a Clean-Up Of course, this event wasn’t just about clearing trash; it was also about bringing people together. Volunteers laughed, shared stories, and swapped contact info and photos after the clean-up. New friendships were sparked, familiar faces reconnected, and families worked side by side. The entire day was filled with good energy, community spirit, and real connection. At Captain Scott Legacy Society, our mission is to create meaningful connections through feel-good volunteer experiences—and this clean-up was a perfect reflection of that. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Palm Rush We were thrilled to welcome a new supporter, Palm Rush, who joined us near the end of the event with their refreshing organic king coconut water. The special mention amongst the volunteers that day was their Soursop Booster flavour. Palm Rush provided us with hydrating treats that totally hit the spot after a sunny morning of hard work, so a huge thanks to Palm Rush for the generous support! We’d love to see you again soon– coconut water is definitely a summer clean-up essential! 🌿 Want to get in on the action? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors program to help protect local parks, meet great people, and make a real difference across Metro Vancouver.

On July 15, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors visited Belkin House for the very first time. This downtown Vancouver shelter, operated by The Salvation Army, provides emergency shelter and transitional housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. It’s a place rooted in healing, hope, and restoration, offering clean, safe, and supportive accommodations for up to 224 residents. This visit marked the beginning of an exciting new partnership between Captain Scott Legacy Society and Belkin House. Our volunteers supported the kitchen and dining team, helping with: Preparing and assembling lunch and breakfast packages Serving hot meals to residents during lunch and dinner Assisting with light clean-up in shared spaces Long-time volunteers and staff made our team feel right at home. The kitchen crew, many of whom have volunteered there for years, showed us the ropes and shared stories about their work. Throughout the day, residents brought so much heart to the experience with their kind words and friendly smiles. After the shift, our group sat down together for a shared meal. Weekday volunteers were also offered a guided tour of the facility, giving us a deeper look at the everyday routines and services that support residents. One detail that stuck with many of us was learning how many residents make their own beds each morning and help keep the shelter clean. It is a small but powerful act of dignity and pride. We left that day knowing this was just the start of something meaningful. 👉 Want to experience this for yourself? Join the Volunteer Ambassadors program and stay up to date on our next shelter shift.

Volunteering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank feels a little different each time. On July 12, we joined the team at their Burnaby distribution site, where food is handed out directly to clients. This shift had more moving parts and gave volunteers the chance to meet people in the community. Some of us helped set up food stations, others passed out groceries, and a few helped with cleanup and recycling at the end of the day. What a typical morning looked like: Setting up before the doors opened Handing out food with a smile and helping clients with questions Restocking items and making sure the line ran smoothly Cleaning up once the shift wrapped It was a busy morning, but also really welcoming. Most of our group had never volunteered at a food distribution site before, and they jumped right in. Everyone found a role that worked for them, whether that was behind a food table or helping manage the flow of people coming through. This is a great event for anyone who wants to get involved directly and see the impact up close. If you're looking for something hands-on, social, and community-focused, we’d love to have you at the next one. Check out our Volunteer Ambassadors Program, or follow us on Instagram for updates!

On July 5, a group of our Volunteer Ambassadors spent the day at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s warehouse in Burnaby. This wasn’t our first time there, and definitely won’t be the last! It’s one of our most popular volunteer spots, especially for people looking to try volunteering for the first time. The shift was all about groceries: unpacking, sorting, and repacking items so they could be delivered to local community organizations. We worked together as a team to keep the line moving and had fun figuring it all out as we went. Some of the things we did: Sorted out groceries, snacks, bread, and other essential items Packed family-sized boxes to be delivered around the city Set aside any spoiled items for composting Helped stack boxes on pallets for shipping It was casual, active, and satisfying. There’s something great about seeing the boxes fill up and knowing they’re headed to people who need them. If you’re someone who wants to help but doesn’t know where to start, this kind of shift is a great introduction. No experience needed, and everyone’s learning together. Check out our Volunteer Ambassadors Program, or follow us on Instagram for updates!

On June 28, 2025, volunteers from our Volunteer Ambassadors Program came together once again to donate blood at Canadian Blood Services in Vancouver. Whether you’ve donated before or were walking in for the first time, giving blood is a meaningful act of care that can change lives. Volunteering can look different depending on the day. Sometimes it’s sorting produce or helping out at a community event. Sometimes it’s picking up litter in a park. And sometimes it’s as simple as rolling up your sleeve and donating blood. It takes less than an hour, but it could help save someone’s life. With hospitals and clinics in constant need, donors play an important role every day, not just during emergencies. We’re so proud of the volunteers who showed up and gave a part of themselves to support others. It’s quiet work, but it makes a big difference. If you’ve ever thought about donating blood but weren’t sure how to get started, or if you’d feel more comfortable going with a friend, we’d love to have you join one of our group appointments. At Captain Scott Legacy Society, donating blood continues to be one of our favourite ways to give back. If you’re eligible, we hope you’ll consider becoming a donor too. Interested in volunteering? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors Program and help create lasting impact across Metro Vancouver.

On June 19, we had the chance to be part of something new and meaningful. It was Export Development Canada's very first National Community Investment Day, and we were honored to take part in it right here in Vancouver. A big thank you to Volunteer Ottawa for helping bring us all together across the country. Together with Web of Life, we led a forest cleanup in Stanley Park with staff from the Vancouver Export Development Canada office. On the surface, the park looked clean. But just a few steps off the main paths told a different story. We found old campsites, garbage hidden under fallen branches, and debris that had been there for years. In just one afternoon, our group filled 12 contractor bags with everything from tangled twine and food wrappers to waterlogged blankets and almost new sleeping bags. It was a reminder that even in places that seem untouched, there is always work to be done to care for the land. Thank you to the City of Vancouver for supporting us and helping with the removal of all the garbage once we brought it back to an accessible pickup spot. It was a beautiful day spent outside, working side by side, and making a real impact. The conversations, the laughter, and the shared purpose reminded us how powerful community action can be. And it definitely helped that Stanley Park is one of the most beautiful places in the city, with views that kept us smiling the whole time. If your workplace or community group is looking for a hands-on way to give back, we would love to help you plan a private volunteer event. Whether it is a cleanup, a food sort, or something totally unique, we can connect you with causes that matter. Contact us at info@captainscott.ca to book your private volunteer session!