Volunteer Program

 

CURRENT VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer Resources will continue to connect with all current volunteers with status updates.

BABY HATS

While there is still a hold on other knitted items, we are now able to accept knitted baby hats with the following considerations:

• Knitted hats are made using the preferred pattern (.pdf) or the preemie pattern (.pdf).  At this time, we cannot accept other patterns.
• Hats must be in a clear, sealed bag – this allows us to store them properly for 72 hours prior to distribution to patients.
• Donations can be dropped off to the IWK Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm by appointment only. A member from our Volunteer Resources team will meet you outside the building to receive the donation. Please call 902-470-6692 or email randi.turner@iwk.nshealth.ca to arrange a drop off time.
• Please include your name and mailing address with your donation.

 At this time we are not able to accept other in-kind donations (finger puppets, blankets, comfort dolls etc.)

 

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Volunteer Programs

Volunteers are critical to the work we do at the IWK. Each year hundreds of volunteers play a key role in our efforts to provide the best care to Maritime women, children, youth, and families. Volunteers can be found in almost every area of the Health Centre, providing direct assistance to staff, patients, and families, and offering support when necessary.

Core Program (currently on hold due to COVID-19)
The Core Program offers adults and post-secondary students the opportunity to volunteer from September to June.

IWK Health Centre Volunteer Application Form

Summer Youth Volunteer Program (for youth aged 16-18)
January 2023 update
After a three year hiatus the Summer Volunteer Program is back!

We are no longer able to accept applicants who will be under the age of 16 by June 30th, 2023 and apologize for any disappointment this may cause.

If you would like to request an application or have any questions, please contact Randi Turner at 902-470-6692 or randi.turner@iwk.nshealth.ca. Spaces are very limited so we ask that completed applications be submitted no later than March 31st, 2023.

Co-operative Education Program
The IWK supports high school students with supervised out-of-school learning opportunities, and the occasion to earn credits while assisting students in making career decisions. Placements are offered in September only. Interested students should contact the Co-op department in their school for more information.

Program Requirements
This is what you need to know:

• A minimum once per week shift is required for a period of at least 8 months. This will be scheduled for the same day and time each week and will range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the role.
• Because most patient programming happens during the day, we have a greater need for daytime volunteers.
• Evening and weekend opportunities are limited.
• Not all listed opportunities are available to students in the Summer Program.
• Many factors are considered when matching volunteers to a placement. These include availability, interests, skills, and how they match to available opportunities.
• Because many of our placements offer interactions with clients, it is important that our volunteers be able to follow and give direction, and to express oneself clearly and concisely in the English language. Additional languages are an asset.
• All new volunteers must complete a health centre orientation. Staff in placement areas provide additional training and support.
• Complimentary parking privileges are available for volunteer shifts.
• Opportunities do not include job shadowing experiences.
• As an applicant, please submit the following documents with your application:
• Two complete reference check forms. These can be found here. (link)
• A current resume/cv.
• Immunization status: vaccination record showing two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or proof of immunity to the mumps through a blood test. A health care provider (family doctor, walk-in clinic, university/college health services) may assist in obtaining this requirement.

If you are accepted as a volunteer at the IWK you will be required to complete and submit the following:

• A child abuse register check through the Department of Community Services.
• A criminal record check and, depending on your area of placement, vulnerable sector check. Once accepted as an IWK volunteer, we will provide you with a letter to receive these checks at a discounted rate.

Contact Us
IWK Volunteer Resources
5850/5980 University Avenue
PO Box 9700
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8

Phone: 902.470.6692
Fax: 902.470.8990

***A high volume of emails and voice mail messages are received each day. We appreciate your patience and understanding if there is a delay in our response.

 

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