Individual Volunteers

Our upcoming general volunteer application cycles will be: May 13th to May 24th and Oct 7th to Oct 18th 2024.

Please check back during the application dates; a link to apply will become available.

Volunteer Opportunities

Loading...

Distribution Interpreter

Provide in-person interpretation between GVFB clients and staff members during distribution.

Distribution Interpreter

At the GVFB, we serve a diverse community, with many of our clients speaking a language other than English. The Distribution Interpreter will provide translation support during registration and update interviews.  

Location:
  • 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby  
  • 3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver  
Responsibilities:
  • Providing direct and neutral interpretation of sensitive conversations between GVFB staff and clients  
  • Sharing general interpretations about policy and appointment bookings with clients. 
  • When not engaged in translations, the volunteer will perform other duties as assigned by the distribution volunteer coordinator, such as light cleaning, distributing product, greeting clients, etc. 
Requirements:
  • Fluent in speaking English and able to comprehend instructions in English. 
  • Proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin. 
  • Ability to communicate with others in a tactful manner. 
  • Active listening skills. 
  • Ability to sit for at least 4 hours. 
  • Ability to stand for at least 4 hours.  
  • Ability to bend, lift, and twist up to 20 lbs. 
  • Experience related to language interpretation, social services, or customer service is an asset. 
Shift times:
  • Burnaby - Thursday to Saturday; shifts are 4.5 to 6 hours in length 
  • Vancouver - Tuesday to Saturday; shifts are 4 to 6.5 hours in length 
Commitments:

2 months, weekly or biweekly

 

Program Packs

Join a team-oriented production line where you will assemble bags with nutritious items for one of our specialized nutrition programs.

Program Packs

Volunteering at the GVFB Warehouse is a dynamic opportunity to support our operations department. This team-oriented production line assembles bags with nutritious items for one of our specialized nutrition programs. We offer three Children's Programs each month and the Seniors' Program, which caters to the needs of our senior clients ages 65+. Click here to learn more about our specialized nutrition programs.

Location:

GVFB Warehouse, 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Responsibilities:
  • Assembling nutrition packs with specific number of items 
  • Setting up/taking down the production line 
  • Restocking the production line with food 
  • Sweeping and sanitizing the packing area 
  • Recycling packaging and composting spoiled food 
  • Assisting with other warehouse-related tasks as needed 
Requirements:
  • At least 15 years old  
  • Ability to follow directions and work within a team  
  • Ability to work in a noisy environment. Active machinery will be present during the shift. 
  • Ability to bend, twist and lift up to 20 lbs.
Shift times:

Monday to Tuesday; 3-hour shifts

Commitments:

Flexible (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)

 

Food Distribution

This front-line opportunity provides direct food support to those in need.

Food Distribution

Distribution is an opportunity to work together and directly provide healthy food to clients. It is a highly rewarding role that provides weekly assistance to individuals, couples, and families in need. Tasks include line management, restocking supplies, distributing menu items, program packs, and cleaning duties. All of our distribution locations offer indoor roles, as well as a few outdoor responsibilities.  

Locations:
  • 8345 Winston Street, Burnaby
  • 3454 Lougheed Hwy, Vancouver
Responsibilities:
  • Greeting clients and providing any organizational updates.
  • Distributing menu items and following allotment requirements.  
  • Sweeping, cleaning the distribution site, and ensuring all sharp objects (ie. Box cutters) are put away.  
  • Restocking stations, recycling packaging and composting spoiled food.
  • Monitoring the parking lot and providing directions to clients and vehicles.  
  • Quality checking and sorting produce before distribution.
  • Completing other distribution-related tasks as needed 
Requirements:
  • At least 18 years old
  • Ability to stand for at least 4 hours. 
  • Fluent in speaking English and able to comprehend instructions in English.  
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently. 
  • Ability to bend, lift and twist. Lifting may be required depending on the task. Contact [email protected] to discuss accommodation 
  • Front-line, retail, or customer service experience is an asset
  • Ability to speak multiple languages (i.e. Cantonese, Farsi, Spanish) is an asset.
Shift Times:
  • Burnaby -  Friday to Saturday; shifts are 4.5 to 8 hours in length
  • Vancouver - Tuesday to Saturday; shifts are 4 to 7.5 hours in length
Commitment:

Flexible (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly) 

Warehouse Support

Experience an active warehouse where every day is different! Volunteers support the day-to-day operations by processing food donations, palletizing orders, light cleaning, and so much more!

Warehouse Support

Volunteering at the GVFB Warehouse is a dynamic opportunity to support our operations department. We adapt these shifts to support our daily operational needs and provide opportunities to explore various tasks. 

Location:

8345 Winston Street, Burnaby

Responsibilities:
  • Quality checking and sorting perishable (fresh) and non-perishable (dry) donations. 
  • Packing sorted donations into boxes  
  • Palletizing orders for deliveries 
  • Following composting procedures 
  • Organizing and repackaging diapers for orders 
  • Sweeping and sanitizing the warehouse 
  • Recycling packaging and composting spoiled food 
  • Assisting with other warehouse-related tasks as needed 
Requirements:
  • At least 15 years old 
  • Ability to follow directions and work within a team 
  • Ability to work in a noisy environment. Active machinery will be present during the shift. 
  • Ability to work independently and follow directions. 
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift up to 30 lbs. Please contact [email protected] to discuss accommodations. 
Shift Times:

Monday to Friday; 3-hour shifts 

Commitment:

Flexible (weekly, bi-weekly or monthly)

Agency Restocking

Support the GVFB community markets by staging, date checking and reorganizing the dry, fresh, and frozen shelves.

Agency Restocking

Support the Agencies team at one of our community markets! Volunteers help restock the markets during and after pick-ups to ensure shelves are filled with a variety of fresh, frozen, and pantry products. This food will fuel many food programs, including small community food banks, daily snack and meal programs for shelters and community housing, school nutrition programs, and more.  

Location:
  • 1405 Thornton St, Vancouver
  • 8345 Winston St, Burnaby
Responsibilities:
  • Quality checking and sorting perishable (fresh) and non-perishable (dry) deliveries before restocking shelves. 
  • Rotating items based on FIFO method. 
  • Ensuring areas are well stocked and merchandised to GVFB standards.
  • Sweeping and cleaning the market area.  
  • Recycling packaging and composting spoiled food.
Requirements:
  • At least 16 years old  
  • Ability to stand for 3-4 hours.  
  • Ability to follow directions and work independently.
  • Ability to work in a cooler and freezer. We supply adequate jackets and gloves.
  • Ability to bend, twist, and lift at least 20 lbs. 
Shift times:
  • Vancouver - Monday to Friday; 3-4 hour shift
  • Burnaby - Monday to Thursday; 2-hour shift
Commitment:

Weekly

Community Engagement

Get involved at a local event to help promote the GVFB, educate the public about what we do and generate donations.

Community Engagement

Participate in seasonal events that promote the GVFB, educate the public, and generate donations. These opportunities are also great ways to meet new people and experience fun, local events. Your responsibilities could range from setting up grocery store campaigns to helping with 50/50 draws at festivals like Foodstock.

Locations:

Various locations throughout Burnaby, New Westminster, North Shore, and Vancouver.

Shift times:

Varies depending on the event.

Requirements:

Depends on the event. Customer service, food and beverage, retail and/or events experience is helpful.

Testimonials