On March 8, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors came together for a special event that reminded us all of the power of a handwritten note. In a world where texts and emails have taken over, we wanted to bring back the lost art of letter writing through our Letter Drive. Volunteers gathered to write heartfelt messages to seniors in care homes and refugees, offering comfort, connection, and a reminder that someone cares. The letters were sent to two incredible organizations: Letters Against Isolation, which fights senior loneliness by delivering handwritten letters to seniors worldwide Any Refugee, a program started by a 9-year-old boy to send messages of love and support to refugee children around the world One of our volunteers shared their experience: "Organizing the letter-writing event with Jo Jo was truly rewarding. In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, where quick texts and emails rule, it’s easy to forget the personal touch of a handwritten letter. That’s why Jo Jo and I were so inspired by the amazing turnout at our event. We hoped to create a space for thoughtful reflection and real connection, and to our delight, 11 participants joined us, eager to rediscover the joy of writing by hand. With materials generously provided by Captain Scott, the room buzzed with a quiet energy as people carefully crafted their messages of hope and support for seniors and refugees. Witnessing the appreciation for the power of handwritten words was incredibly moving. We left the event feeling grateful for the opportunity to foster such meaningful connections and remind ourselves of the enduring power of a heartfelt letter." It was a simple but powerful way to spread kindness and bring joy to others — one letter at a time. We’re proud of our Volunteer Ambassadors for creating this moment of connection and reminding us that sometimes, the most meaningful messages come from the heart and the hand. Want to make a difference in your community? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors Program — a flexible and inclusive way to start volunteering in Vancouver. Whether you're interested in food banks, environmental cleanups, or one-time events, we offer community volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Our goal is to make volunteering accessible for everyone — including youth, newcomers, and busy students. Check out our upcoming volunteer events and discover how you can get involved.

On March 1st, 2025, our volunteer ambassadors gathered at the Salvation Army Southview and Terrace location in South Vancouver for a heartwarming afternoon of planting, live music, games, and meaningful connections. The event, held in celebration of St. David’s Day—a Welsh holiday—provided a space where seniors and volunteers could come together, share stories, and engage in an interactive planting activity. Originally, we planned to plant sunflowers, but considering mobility limitations, we decided to offer a variety of planting kits, including daisies, sunflowers, and parsley, allowing seniors to choose what they wanted to plant. With 10 dedicated volunteers and 13 seniors in attendance, each volunteer was paired with a senior to provide assistance throughout the planting process. To encourage deeper connections, volunteers were also provided with conversation prompts to spark engaging discussions. It was particularly special to have Welsh seniors in attendance who shared their culture and heritage with us. Adding to the warm atmosphere, one of our talented volunteers played live piano music, creating a lively and inviting environment. After the planting session, refreshments provided by Superstore were served, and later seniors had the opportunity to personalize their pots with stickers. Each senior received an aftercare sheet for their chosen plant and was gifted a daffodil in honor of St. David’s Day. Leading up to the event, we were initially unsure how well the volunteers and seniors would connect, but our volunteers did an incredible job fostering genuine friendships and brightening the seniors’ day. The smiles on their faces confirmed the positive impact of this gathering, and many seniors expressed interest in having us return for future events—something we would be honored to do. This event was a beautiful reminder of the power of intergenerational connection, and we are grateful for the opportunity to create a space where seniors feel valued and heard. We look forward to continuing our volunteer efforts in building meaningful relationships within our community. Want to make a difference in your community? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors Program — a flexible and inclusive way to start volunteering in Vancouver. Whether you're interested in food banks, environmental cleanups, or one-time events, we offer community volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Our goal is to make volunteering accessible for everyone — including youth, newcomers, and busy students. Check out our upcoming volunteer events and discover how you can get involved.

On February 22, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors spent the afternoon at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, sorting food and packing hampers to help families in need. It was a hands-on way for everyone to get involved and make a real difference in the community. The volunteers worked together to sort food, knowing their efforts would help ensure that people across Vancouver had access to the meals they need. It was amazing to see the impact they made in just a few hours, and it was a reminder of how much can be accomplished when we all pitch in. We’re incredibly proud of our ambassadors for giving their time to such an important cause. It’s these small moments of kindness that create a bigger change in our world.

On February 22nd, we had the privilege of organizing a storytelling event for everyone at Captain Scott Legacy Society. This event was an opportunity for everyone, including managers, coordinators, community coordinators, and volunteer ambassadors, to connect on a more meaningful level with a deeper sense of community and shared purposes. We initially planned this event as a way to come together as a close-knit group, strengthen our connections to better support and help each other in future initiatives. Everyone had the opportunity to prepare and share a story or presentation, allowing us to learn more about each other's backgrounds, motivations, and unique volunteering journeys. Whether we began our volunteering journey in middle school, high school, in our home country, or just recently in college, we have all found our way here, united by the same purpose, which is to give back, strengthen our community, and make it better. And what an incredible feeling it is to be part of something so meaningful! One of the most special moments of the event was hearing from Captain Scott himself. He shared the inspiring story of how his journey in volunteering began alongside his wife in Chinatown, sparking a lifelong passion for volunteering, where this all started. Through his journey, he has inspired countless volunteers to give back and strengthen their communities by creating opportunities for volunteers to connect, learn, and make a meaningful impact. His legacy reminds us that volunteering is more than just giving time, it’s about building relationships, supporting communities, and spreading kindness that lasts for generations. Beyond storytelling, we bonded over pizza, good conversations, and a drawing contest for board games and ice cream. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and enthusiasm, with volunteers expressing their appreciation for the chance to engage with one another in a relaxed, fun setting. Reflecting on the event, we felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to organize such a meaningful get-together. The experience strengthened our commitment to grow our volunteer network and create more spaces and opportunities where individuals can share, inspire, and grow together. As we continue our volunteering journey at Captain Scott Legacy, we look forward to planning and joining more events that bring us closer as a team and amplify the impact of our collective efforts in the community. Want to make a difference in your community? Join our Volunteer Ambassadors Program — a flexible and inclusive way to start volunteering in Vancouver. Whether you're interested in food banks, environmental cleanups, or one-time events, we offer community volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule. Our goal is to make volunteering accessible for everyone — including youth, newcomers, and busy students. Check out our upcoming volunteer events and discover how you can get involved.

On February 8, a team of six Volunteer Ambassadors rolled up their sleeves—literally!—to donate blood at Canadian Blood Services. Giving back comes in many forms, and for us, this is one of the most meaningful ways to make an impact. Volunteering often means sorting food, cleaning up parks, or lending a hand at community events, but donating blood is just as important. Each donation has the potential to save lives, and with hospitals always in need, it’s a simple but powerful way to help. As always, we were happy to be there, knowing that a small act like this can make a real difference. It’s one of our favourite ways to give back, and we encourage anyone who can donate to consider booking an appointment. Want to join us for a future Volunteer Ambassadors event? Check out our upcoming opportunities here!

On January 19, 2025, our Volunteer Ambassadors partnered with The Dugout, a local organization dedicated to creating a welcoming space in the Downtown Eastside. It was a morning filled with connection, service, and community spirit. Tucked in Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhood, The Dugout is more than just a drop-in space—it’s a community living room where residents can find warmth, coffee, tea, snacks, and meals from morning to afternoon. Despite its small size, it serves up to 175 people daily, offering a place to connect, relax, and recharge. Our team arrived bright and early, eager to lend a hand. We were welcomed by Peter and Brad, two dedicated staff members who run an incredibly tight ship with a mix of kindness, fairness, and firm leadership. With their guidance, our volunteers jumped right in. Captain Scott Legacy Society donated a variety of snacks—Vitamin C-packed oranges, chips and dip, and Reese’s peanut butter cups for an energy boost. With gloves on and smiles ready, we served coffee and snacks to a steady stream of visitors. For many of us, it was a deeply moving experience. We heard stories of resilience, shared laughs, and had meaningful conversations. Every small interaction reinforced the importance of spaces like The Dugout—places where people are seen, supported, and treated with dignity. Beyond volunteering, the event also brought our own team closer together. We connected not just with The Dugout’s staff and community members, but with each other. The energy in the room was a reminder of the perseverance of those who call the DTES home and the organizations working tirelessly to uplift them. Though our time there was short, the impact was lasting. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support The Dugout and look forward to returning in April 2025 when they move to a larger space. Onwards and upwards—to an even greater capacity to serve! If you’re interested in volunteering with us at our next event, check out upcoming opportunities here—we’d love to have you join us!

We started the year off right with our first Volunteer Ambassadors event on January 18 at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank! Our small but eager team of five spent the day sorting food and helping with distribution, making sure it got to those who need it most. Volunteering at the food bank is always a meaningful experience, and this time was no different. It’s a reminder that even a few people can make an impact, and we’re excited to keep that energy going throughout 2025. Big thanks to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank for having us again! If you’re looking for a way to give back this year, we’d love to have you join us at a future event. Check out upcoming events here!

Something truly special unfolded on Saturday April 17th, 2024: Captain Scott Legacy Society hosted its inaugral Grand Volunteer Celebration event! It was the perfect finale to the Community Care Adventure 2024, which was a series of volunteer events that brought our community closer together during National Volunteer Month. With over 200 attendees at the Grand Volunteer Celebration, including volunteers and representatives from various community organizations, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the everyday heroes among us. It was our way of saying a big "thank you" for our community's many volunteer leaders, and their selfless dedication to making our world a better place. The celebration was packed with entertainment for everyone to enjoy. From virtual reality experiences and a fun photobooth from Evolve Events, to face painting by Lydia (Facepaint Vancouver), and a free movie screening of "Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire" inside the Cineplex theatre, there was no shortage of smiles and laughter. And let's not forget what seemed to be our attendees' favourite part of the event! People could not stop raving about the cultural culinary journey they experienced - courtesy of social enterprise Flavours of Hope. They're all about celebrating diversity through food and empowering newcomer and refugee women. Another huge shout out goes out to Colombian Antojitos, Sabor a Yucatan, Damaskino Pastry, Egyptian Bites, and Elaichi Patisserie. Each bite was a flavourful nod to cultural diversity and empowerment. As the event came to a close, we couldn't help but feel grateful for everyone who made the celebration possible – from our amazing volunteers to our generous sponsors and everyone in between. It's moments like these that remind us of the incredible impact we can have when we work together! The Grand Volunteer Celebration was more than just a party; it was a reminder of the extraordinary things we can accomplish when we come together as a community. As we reflect on the joy and camaraderie of that morning, let's carry that spirit forward and continue spreading kindness and making a difference in the lives of those around us! See you all again, next year! Check out all our event photos here or see our top event photos below!

As the year came to a close, our Volunteer Ambassadors wrapped up 2024 with a heartwarming event at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. On December 30th, a dedicated team of three volunteers came together to make a meaningful impact by giving their time and energy to support our community. Though small in number, this group was mighty in spirit. They helped ensure that families and individuals across Greater Vancouver had access to food and resources during a time of year that can be especially challenging. Their efforts highlight the power of teamwork and kindness in creating a stronger, more supportive community. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank has long been a valued partner in our mission to make volunteering accessible and impactful. Every event with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank is an opportunity to connect, give back, and make a tangible difference. We’re grateful for the chance to end 2024 on such a positive note, surrounded by purpose and hope. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue building on this momentum. Together, we can create even more opportunities for individuals to discover the joy and fulfillment of volunteering. If you’re inspired to join us, check out our upcoming events and become part of a community dedicated to making a difference. Let’s create lasting impact together!

On December 21, we had the chance to spend another rewarding day volunteering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. It was a day full of sorting, packing, and sharing laughs with an incredible group of people who came together to give back. There’s something special about seeing how small, simple actions—like organizing donations or packing food—can create a big impact. It’s not just the work itself but the sense of community that makes volunteering so meaningful. Whether it’s a shared smile or a moment of teamwork, these experiences remind us why giving back matters. At Captain Scott Legacy Society, we believe in the power of these moments. They’re a chance to come together, support one another, and create positive change in the world around us. Partnering with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank has been an inspiring part of that journey, and we’re grateful to be part of a community that cares so deeply. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, now’s a great time to start. Check out opportunities with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank or through our Volunteer Ambassadors Program—we’d love to see you at an upcoming event. Thank you to everyone who joined us on December 21. Your kindness and energy made the day unforgettable. Until next time!

In a world that often celebrates youth, many seniors may feel overlooked, battling social isolation and its associated challenges like depression and low self-esteem. But this December, Captain Scott Legacy Society’s Volunteer Ambassadors set out to change that narrative. On December 14th, 2024, we brought joy, laughter, and connection to the seniors at the Salvation Army Southview and Terrace location in South Vancouver with a heartwarming photoshoot and card-making event. Our creative Volunteer Ambassadors devised a thoughtful plan to ensure the seniors felt truly seen and celebrated. Equipped with backdrops, props, and professional photography equipment, our team transformed the senior centre into a festive photo studio. Seniors had the chance to take individual portraits and group photos with their friends and family, creating beautiful keepsakes to share with their loved ones. To add a personal touch, we printed the photos on the spot and collaborated with the seniors to craft their own holiday cards to house their cherished pictures and share with their loved ones. The event was a lively celebration of joy and connection, embodying the spirit of the holiday season. Seniors embraced the opportunity to gather their friends for pictures, strike playful poses with volunteers, and proudly showcase their portraits to their peers— all over hot chocolate, peppermint tea, and holiday cookies! The room was filled with laughter, music, and a shared sense of togetherness. Here’s what our Volunteer Ambassador Ami, had to say about the event: “For me, this event was very heart-touching. I met so many seniors, heard of their life experiences, and thought, ‘Would I be able to live even half of all of that?’ I didn’t know if I would be comfortable with random elderly people (when I don’t get along with my grandparents very well), but the event was so good. All of the seniors seemed comfortable and happy. Thank you to the whole volunteer team for bringing smiles to all of the seniors!” - Ami And from our Volunteer Ambassador Jojo: "Chatting while making Christmas cards with the lovely folks at Salvation Army Southview Terrace has been one of my most favourite volunteer experiences so far. I learned how much others appreciate your time and company. Helping others is not about donating a lot of money, it’s how much you invest your time and heart. I am very thankful for this opportunity organized by the amazing staff at Captain Scott and Southview Terrace. It has changed my view on volunteering and got me thinking about how I can help my community in more meaningful ways. I cherish and remember all the smiles; meeting everyone was wonderful. It truly made my holiday brighter and cheerier. Each time I think back it still makes me smile, and I am excited to volunteer more especially to encourage others to volunteer to make an elder’s day. Volunteering at the Holiday Picture Day, reminded me of something important I had forgotten. Elders are vital in our growth as they were our role models and caregivers when we were young. Everyone gets busy and sometimes we tend to forget what matters. From those 3 hours of spreading some holiday cheer to the folks at the retirement home, I realized even when busy nobody is too busy to make time for an elder." - Jo Jo The success of this event has left the senior home eager for our return, and we couldn’t be more excited to plan future visits. Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming events at the senior home or explore ways to get involved with our Volunteer Ambassadors program here. Let’s continue to create moments of joy and connection together!

Did you know that our Volunteer Ambassadors program is volunteer-run? At the heart of this program are our incredible Community Coordinators—volunteer leaders who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities! These dedicated individuals dream up event ideas, organize the projects, and host inspiring events for our Volunteer Ambassadors, all while fostering a strong sense of community. From high school students to working professionals, our Community Coordinators embody the true spirit of volunteerism. On December 7th, Community Coordinators Ami P. and Jo Jo D. brought Captain Scott Legacy Society’s first-ever event to Richmond, BC. Hosted at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, this heartwarming letter-writing drive aimed to send love and encouragement to people around the world. The event’s mission? To connect with those in need of kindness, one heartfelt and personalized letter at a time. A small group of 12 volunteers crafted over 25 personalized letters for individuals nominated through organizations such as Love for Our Elders, The World Needs More Love Letters, and Richmond Multicultural Community Services. Each letter was a labor of love, filled with stories, messages of support, and creative touches like drawings, word searches, and crosswords. These thoughtful notes made their way to recipients by the end of December, just in time to brighten the holiday season. The event was as much about connection as it was about creativity. Volunteers bonded over music (thanks to Serena and her perfectly curated Spotify playlist) and delicious refreshments (courtesy of Jo Jo and T&T Supermarket). Laughter, conversations about cats, and a shared sense of purpose filled the room, creating a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. Ami and Jo Jo’s dedication and leadership turned this event into a beautiful celebration of community and compassion. They exemplify the power of volunteers to make a meaningful impact, and their work reminds us all of the importance of spreading kindness in our daily lives. This event was the perfect way to kick off December—a month of giving and reflection. It’s thanks to our Volunteer Ambassadors and their inspiring leaders that moments like this are possible. Are you ready to join the movement and create your own ripple of kindness? Stay tuned for upcoming events or learn more about our Volunteer Ambassadors program here. Help us achieve our mission of fostering positive community connection by coming out to an event to volunteer!