On November 16, our Volunteer Ambassadors gathered once again at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank to make a meaningful impact in our community. This day was all about coming together to distribute food, share kindness, and support those in need. For some of our team members, this was their very first time volunteering at the food bank. They stepped in with enthusiasm, learning about the essential work the food bank does and experiencing firsthand the importance of community support. For others, this was a familiar and welcoming environment—a place where they’ve volunteered many times before. Whether new or experienced, every volunteer played an essential role in making the day a success. The energy in the room was inspiring. From organizing food hampers to connecting with community members, every moment reminded us why volunteering matters. Together, we were able to help ensure that families and individuals in our community had access to nutritious food. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s work is vital, and we’re grateful to contribute to their mission of building a stronger, more food-secure community. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful day! Your commitment to giving back truly makes a difference. Whether it’s your first volunteer event or your hundredth, your efforts help create a lasting legacy of kindness and community care. Why Volunteering at Food Banks Matters Food banks play a critical role in reducing food insecurity and ensuring that everyone has access to essential nutrition. Volunteering helps amplify this mission by enabling organizations to reach more people and distribute resources efficiently. Beyond the immediate impact, it’s also an opportunity to connect with others, learn about local challenges, and take part in creating solutions. Join Us Next Time Are you looking for ways to get involved? Our Volunteer Ambassadors Program welcomes people from all walks of life. Whether you’re able to commit to one event or several, there’s always a place for you in our community of changemakers. Visit captainscott.ca to learn more about upcoming opportunities and how you can make a difference.

On October 26th, we were proud to see our Captain Scott Volunteer Ambassadors come together for a meaningful day of giving back. Partnering with Canadian Blood Services, our group of 11 volunteers rolled up their sleeves—literally!—to donate blood and make a life-saving difference. Blood donation is one of the most impactful ways to support those in need, and we’re thrilled that our team embraced this opportunity. Each donation has the power to save or improve multiple lives, underscoring just how vital these efforts are to our community. The day wasn’t all serious, though! After our donations, we shared some laughs and enjoyed well-earned snacks, making the experience even more rewarding. For some, it was their first time donating blood, and we couldn’t be prouder of their courage and commitment to helping others. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us for this incredible event. Your generosity and compassion embody the spirit of volunteerism that drives Captain Scott Legacy Society forward. If you’re inspired by our Volunteer Ambassadors' efforts, we encourage you to consider becoming a blood donor or exploring ways to give back in your community. Volunteering, no matter the form, is a powerful way to create a meaningful impact. How You Can Help Interested in making a difference like our Ambassadors? Visit Canadian Blood Services to learn more about donating blood or join us for one of our upcoming volunteer events. Stay connected with us at captainscott.ca for more ways to get involved. Why Blood Donation Matters Every minute counts when someone needs blood. By donating, you’re supporting patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency care. It's a simple act that can change lives—one drop at a time. Thank you for continuing to support our mission to uplift communities through volunteerism. Together, we’re building a legacy of kindness, one action at a time.

A few weekends ago on October 19, despite stormy skies and relentless rain, our Volunteer Ambassadors braved the weather to help at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank . With smiles and energy, they showed up on time and ready to make a difference. This time, we had the chance to experience the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s new volunteer shift schedule. Previously, there was just one long shift on Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, but now they’ve split it into two shorter shifts—9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. This change makes it easier for more people to get involved, and we’re excited to see even more Volunteer Ambassadors joining us, all while accommodating busy schedules. The day was a resounding success! With our team well-staffed across both shifts, we brought warmth and positivity to clients during a cold and dreary weekend. Though we only managed to snap a group photo with our afternoon crew, every volunteer’s effort made a lasting impact. Join Us for Our Next Food Bank Shifts! We’ll be back at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank on November 16 and December 21, with morning and afternoon shifts available. Sign up for one—or both! Once you’ve registered, mark your calendar, and we’ll send you a reminder email before your shift. Other Ways to Get Involved Can’t make it to these dates? The Greater Vancouver Food Bank offers individual volunteer positions and is hiring for various roles, including coordinators and associates. Explore these opportunities and discover how you can make a difference. Visit their website here. Let’s keep spreading kindness, rain or shine. Sign up today and be part of the impact!

On September 21, 2024, we had the privilege of hosting a meaningful day of giving with nearly 50 volunteers—families, students, and even kids as young as six! Together, we made a tangible impact by packing and distributing essentials to those in need in the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown communities. With the incredible support of our Captain Scott Volunteer Ambassadors, we prepared 200 sandwiches (featuring Welch’s snacks, oranges, and water) packed in beautifully decorated bags created by our volunteers. These were distributed by our team alongside a Vancouver Police Department officer, ensuring they reached those who needed them most. Additionally, we prepared and delivered 50 hygiene care kits—complete with razors, pads, and Q-tips—to the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter, providing some much-needed comfort to the women there. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative spirit of our community partners. We are deeply grateful to Hastings Heartwarmers and the Chinese CPC for their incredible partnership. The support we received was so overwhelming that we wrapped up both activities almost an hour ahead of schedule, skipping over lunch because everyone was so eager to help. When all was said and done, we celebrated with some well-earned pizza, reflecting on the amazing sense of togetherness that powered the day. This event reminded us that even the smallest acts of kindness—like sharing a meal or offering a hygiene kit—can brighten someone’s day and build lasting connections. To everyone who participated, thank you for being part of this special day. Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of hope, one small gesture at a time. Interested in joining us for future events? Sign up for our Volunteer Ambassadors Program to get involved!

On August 24, our dedicated crew of 10 volunteers came together to help with invasive species removal at Avalon Pond in Everett Crowley Park, rain or shine! Despite the dreary weather, our Volunteer Ambassadors were enthusiastic and ready to help. Thanks to the thick canopy of trees overhead, we were mostly protected from the rain, creating a cozy atmosphere as we got to work. Together, we tackled the challenge of identifying and removing invasive plants that threaten our local ecosystem. It was hard work, but it felt great knowing we were making a difference. This effort was organized in collaboration with the Everett Crowley Park Committee (ECPC), who do amazing work in maintaining and enhancing the park’s natural beauty and educating the community about the importance of protecting native species. If you haven’t checked them out yet, we highly recommend learning more about their initiatives. Events like this not only help our environment but also bring us closer as a community. A big thank you to everyone who braved the rain to join us at Avalon Pond. Together, we’re making strides toward a healthier and more vibrant green space for everyone to enjoy!

On September 14, our Captain Scott Volunteer Ambassadors returned to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and as always, we had a fantastic time giving back! It’s uplifting to see our team come together and contribute to our community in such a meaningful way. During our time there, we tackled a variety of tasks, from sorting fresh fruits and vegetables to folding boxes for distribution. Each task, no matter how small, plays an essential role in ensuring that those in need receive the support they require. The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) is a vital resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community. Food insecurity affects many people in our area, making it difficult for them to access the nutritious food they need for themselves and their families. The GVFB provides healthy food, education, and support services to help people move toward a more stable future. By volunteering our time, we are proud to support their mission and help make a difference in the lives of those who rely on their services. A huge thank you to everyone who participated! Your hard work truly makes a difference, and we’re proud to have such dedicated volunteers in our community. Together, we continue to create a positive impact, one food distribution at a time!

Our Volunteer Ambassadors have been making the most of their summer by helping out at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank! Whether it's sorting donations during the week or handing out food on the weekends, they've been all in. On July 10 and August 1, our amazing volunteers spent time at the food bank’s warehouse. They sorted and organized donations, packed food hampers, and kept things running smoothly behind the scenes. It might not be the most glamorous work, but it’s crucial—and our volunteers know that every box they pack helps get food to families who need it. July 20th was all about connecting directly with the people the food bank serves. Our volunteers handed out food to individuals and families, making sure everyone left with the supplies they needed. It’s one thing to work behind the scenes, but when you get to see the smiles and hear the ‘thank yous’ from the people you’re helping, it really hits home how important this work is. We’ve heard so many touching stories from our volunteers about their time at the food bank. Whether it's a simple 'thank you' from a client or seeing the relief on someone’s face, these moments remind us why we do what we do. Volunteering at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank has been an eye-opener for many of our Volunteer Ambassadors. It’s not just about sorting food or handing out groceries—it’s about being part of a community that cares for one another. We’re excited to keep this partnership going and would love for more people to join us. If you’re interested in lending a hand, sign up for our Volunteer Ambassadors Program to find out about our next group shifts. Let’s work together to make sure no one in our community goes hungry!

On July 27th, 2024, our Volunteer Ambassadors team proudly participated in the Canadian Blood Services' Partners for Life program. With a mix of new and seasoned blood donors, we came together to make a significant impact by donating whole blood. We were warmly welcomed by the wonderful staff, volunteers, and nurses during our group donation appointment. It was such a pleasant experience! We looked out for one another post-donation and people were feeling great- even our first-time donors. The event has inspired us to set ambitious goals for the future. Currently, our team has made 10 group donations, but can we push ourselves to reach 100 blood donations in a year? We believe we can with your help! Want to join us in saving lives? Email Serena@CaptainScott.ca to get your invitation to join our team, or sign up for the Partners for Life program under the Captain Scott Legacy Society team. Your donation can make a world of difference for those in need! Join us in our mission to save lives and make a continuous impact!

A Message from Serena, Our Project Manager: I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the collaborative letter drive organized by Captain Scott Legacy Society and SFU Polyglots Club on July 13th at SFU Burnaby. It's not every day that adults come together to read stories from around the world and thoughtfully write meaningful letters to strangers. Sorting through the letters, I was deeply moved by the heartfelt words shared by our letter writers. The encouraging messages, relatable stories, and expressions of empathy demonstrated the true power of words to build community and foster a sense of belonging - even between strangers. Our letter drive was a success, with 20 dedicated letter writers contributing a total of 36 letters. These heartfelt messages have been either dropped off or mailed out by post to individuals in our local neighborhoods and across the globe. This event wouldn't have been possible without the invaluable support of local organizations like SFU Polyglots Club and Richmond Multicultural Community Services, as well as global organizations such as The World Needs More Love Letters and Love For Our Elders. These organizations helped us spread the word about our event and/or were instrumental in providing us with letter requests. Also, we’d like to send a special shoutout to Canada Post for helping us deliver all our snail mail! For interested volunteers: If you’re passionate about spreading kindness through letters, we invite you to join us at our upcoming letter drives. We plan to host more events in various locations to continue this meaningful initiative. For those who prefer to write letters from the comfort of their homes, we recommend checking out our favourite letter-writing organizations: The World Needs More Love Letters - https://www.moreloveletters.com/ Love For Our Elders - https://loveforourelders.org/ Once again, thank you to everyone who participated and to the organizations that made our event possible. Your support and dedication help us spread love and kindness, one letter at a time. Happy Volunteering, Serena

On June 22, 2024, our Captain Scott Volunteer Ambassadors had another amazing day at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank! Our team of five took on our usual tasks, from organizing groceries and packing produce to handling cardboard and helping with parking. We were deeply inspired by the teamwork and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank’s mission. Each time we volunteer, we are touched by their commitment to fighting food insecurity and their incredible impact on over 16,000 lives every month. About the Greater Vancouver Food Bank The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) is a vital resource in our community, addressing food insecurity by providing nutritious food to individuals and families in need. Food insecurity affects many people, including children, seniors, and low-income families, leading to poor health and a lower quality of life. The GVFB distributes food through direct distribution and over 130 Community Agency Partners across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and the North Shore. In addition to food distribution, the GVFB offers educational programs that promote healthy eating, food preparation, and nutrition, helping individuals make the most of the food they receive. Their efforts help build healthier, more resilient communities by ensuring everyone has access to the food they need. We'd love to have you join us for our next volunteering session at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Sign up for future volunteering events at www.captainscott.ca/volunteer-ambassadors and help make a positive impact. Together, we can continue spreading kindness and making a difference. See you next time! To learn more about the incredible work of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and how you can support them, visit www.foodbank.bc.ca.

On June 15, 2024, a dedicated group of seven volunteers gathered in the Surrey Central neighbourhood to make a significant difference. Despite the unpredictable weather, this small but mighty team embarked on a mission to clean up the Whalley neighbourhood and the Surrey Central SkyTrain station. This Volunteer Ambassdaors event was organized in collaboration with the Youth Rising Foundation. The Youth Rising Foundation is a Surrey-based youth-run non-profit that is committed to empowering youth to take civic action, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship among local youth. It was only a few weeks ago that Captain Scott Legacy Society’s Volunteer Ambassadors team cleaned up the Surrey Central neighbourhood, so volunteers this past weekend were astonished to find more garbage tucked behind roadblock boulders, nestled between plants in the community gardens, and scattered across various hidden spots. The team was particularly struck by the abundance of summer drink cups from nearby fast food restaurants, which were blatantly strewn across open community areas in plain sight. In just one hour, the volunteers collected three bags of garbage. While this might seem like a modest amount, the bags were surprisingly heavy, filled with a variety of waste materials, including tied several tied bags of residential compost. If you’re inspired by this story or angered by the amount of garbage littered around our community, consider joining the next cleanup event!

On May 11th, 2024, the weather in Vancouver, BC was scorching, but that didn't deter the Captain Scott Legacy Society’s Volunteer Ambassadors and the Everett Crowley Park Stewardship Committee! Together, they took on the task of removing invasive Himalayan blackberry plants and two other smaller invasive species! From 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, a group of 11 children, youth, and adults worked diligently to uproot these thorny and prickly plants, aiming to safeguard the native biodiversity of Everett Crowley Park! For many of the Volunteer Ambassadors, it was their inaugural visit to the park, which was once a landfill, and their first experience in tackling Himalayan blackberry removal! The day kicked off with an educational session, providing insights into the history of Everett Crowley Park and details about the invasive species targeted for removal! Then, they dove into the task at hand! Despite the heat and sweat, their perseverance paid off, and they were surprised with a mason bee release organized by the Everett Crowley Park Stewardship Committee! During this event, a park steward shared intriguing facts about mason bees, including how they are kept in refrigeration for most of the year and brought out when the weather turns sunny! When the conditions are favorable, these bees emerge from their cocoons and begin their vital role in pollinating plants! A particularly fascinating tidbit? Mason bees lack stingers! It's a wonderful example of nature's own "volunteers" aiding in the pollination process. Take a look at the fantastic pictures captured from that memorable day!