Volunteers are people from various backgrounds who are passionate about providing hospice palliative care support to people living with life-limiting illnesses. Their time, commitment and compassion can help to make a difficult journey with serious illness more manageable and meaningful. Volunteers are trained in the provision of non-medical hospice care and are committed to respecting confidentiality, beliefs, choices, faith, culture, ethnic diversity, and the dignity of each person they support.

Yes! Volunteers who successfully complete our screening and interview process, agree to the role’s time commitment and submit all onboarding requirements, qualify for our free provincially-standardized Hospice Palliative Care Training Program. Our training is delivered in a dual format of in-person and online sessions. Volunteers who wish to work with children will be required to complete additional training in Paediatric Hospice Palliative Care to understand the special needs of families and children living with complex, life-limiting illness and anticipated loss. All volunteers are supported by staff members throughout their placement experience. Certificate of completion provided.

Depending on which program(s) you volunteer in, and whether you are with clients or not, shifts vary from once a week to once a month. In general, if you support a client or family in the community (in their home) your shift may be weekly for up to four hours (including your travel time). Shifts at Emily’s House vary depending on admissions, day of the week, etc. Shifts may be booked weekly, monthly, or as per need as it arises. Volunteers are requested to make a six-month to one-year commitment, where you can explore as many opportunities as you like!

Volunteers provide practical, non-medical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support to people living with life-limiting illnesses. Responsibilities may include:

1. Companionship/in-person care
2. Respite care for primary caregivers
3. Children’s programming support and sibling support
4. Spiritual care/bereavement support
5. Personal care: assistance with meals, daily activities, grocery shopping and errands
6. Accompaniment to events, social or medical appointments

Other roles include administration, gardening and maintenance, special events, fundraising, photography, art or music support. See Volunteer Role Descriptions below for more details.

Testimonials from Volunteers

“I really appreciate these sessions, as they help me stay connected.” ~ Lois

About Emily’s House:

“Volunteering at Emily’s House and working with such an incredible team is the most fulfilling experience I have ever had, and I appreciate you all so much.” ~Alissa

“The client and I really enjoyed each other’s company, and the family was grateful for the help. Overall, it made me happy I decided to take this on with you guys!” ~ Brandon

“I just wanted to reach out to you to thank you for allowing me to join the PAC team, and in so doing, continue to do the work that makes my heart smile. The training on Saturday was enlightening. The people who spoke to us were amazing and did much to broaden my understanding of paediatric palliative care, and my role therein. I am excited to attend next Saturday’s training, and to move forward with my role as a volunteer in this extraordinary organization. Thank you again, and please know that my gratitude is overwhelming.” ~ Jennifer

“This course is very thorough.  Be prepared to take a good look at your attitudes and beliefs around death and dying. The training experience is extremely eye-opening and expansive. The modules were well-designed and very easy to follow. Each module allowed an opportunity to reflect and test knowledge. The guides are incredible, warm and welcoming. Throughout the process, even though it was virtual, I felt that I could always ask questions and connect with the hospice. Thank you so much!” ~ Stan

Due to the current post-pandemic protocols some Volunteer Programing may be impacted.

Thank you for visiting our site and having an interest in our organization. We hope to meet you soon!