Volunteers contribute to all facets of Wellspring and its activities. They embody the generosity, concern and compassion that Wellspring extends to all who seek support in dealing with cancer.
Wellspring provides an orientation and training to all of its volunteers to ensure that they are familiar with Wellspring and prepared for their performance of duties. See below for a listing and description of volunteer roles, and the qualifications for each.
If you wish to volunteer at Wellspring, please complete and submit the Volunteer Application Form. If you are a student and are looking for a volunteer experience at Wellspring, please complete the Student Application Form. Our Centre Manager will reply and discuss with you your interests, and the next steps for getting involved.
Volunteer Application Form | Student Application
Volunteer Role Descriptions
Front Desk
Front Desk Volunteers play a key role in ensuring that Wellspring is a warm and inviting place for those seeking support. Whether in person or by phone Front Desk Volunteers are the first point of contact for patients, their family members and the public in general. They provide warm and welcoming greetings, direct visitors within the centre, assist with program information and registration, and offer general administrative support.
Front desk volunteers:
- must be at least 18 years of age.
- although many are cancer patients and family members, any member of the community is welcome in this role.
Peer Support
Peer Support Volunteers have had a personal experience with cancer, as a patient or caregiver of a patient. They speak privately and in confidence with those seeking support at Wellspring to address the needs and concerns that brought them to Wellspring. Peer Support Volunteers share information about their own experiences and, in doing so provide comfort, hope and practical information about coping with cancer. Peer Support Volunteers also provide program information; suggestions for programs to meet the needs expressed, and assist in registration.
To quality as a Peer Support Volunteer, one must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- have had cancer, or cared for a cancer patient.
- provide Wellspring with a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search
- Successfully complete a one day training program and two in-service training sessions
Drivers
Drivers provide Wellspring members with transportation between their home and Wellspring. Volunteers are reimbursed for their expenses on a per kilometre basis.
To quality as a Driver, one must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- have a valid driver's licence
- have current vehicle insurance with a minimum liability of one million dollars
- have the use of their own, well-maintained and clean vehicle
- provide Wellspring with a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search
- attend a volunteer orientation and training.
Energy
Wellspring provides Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch to members on a by-appointment basis. These services are made possible through the generosity of qualified volunteers.
To qualify as an energy practitioner, one must:
- have one of the following levels of certification:
- Reiki: A 2nd Degree certification
- Therapeutic Touch: Certification as a Recognized Practitioner
- Healing Touch: Certification as a Healing Touch Practitioner
- Have completed a minimum of 20 treatments
- provide Wellspring with a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search
Administrative Support
Wellspring welcomes individuals who wish to assist in an administrative capacity through helping with our library, mailings and filing. No special skills are required, however, computer skills are an asset.
Exercise Assistants
Volunteers provide assistance to our exercise leaders in our Cancer Exercise program. These volunteers would help with the set and take down of the exercise room, assist with the administration of the program and provide assistance to members participating in the program under the guidance of the program leaders.
To qualify as an exercise assistant:
- must be 18 years of age
- a background in physical fitness or education is of benefit but not required
Fundraising
Wellspring utilizes the skills and enthusiasm of volunteers to support both in house and community events through participation on fundraising committees and day-of event support.
