Red Leaf

Volunteers are a highly valued and essential resource to non-profit organizations. Volunteer responsibilities can vary greatly within an organization and are dependent on the needs of the volunteer agencies, interests and skills of the volunteer, length of stay, seasonality, and level of English.

Contribute your skills, enthusiasm, and personal interests in a unique volunteer position. We match your specific skills, interests, and availability with non-profit volunteer organizations that have similar needs and availability. Get to know a foreign community. Practice your English skills. Immerse yourself in an activity that you're passionate about. Volunteerism is a recognized and growing global movement that enriches the lives of everyone involved.

Placement includes
• Minimum 2 weeks, 20 hours/week (may include weekends and evenings)
• Volunteer organization name and schedule prior to arrival
• Orientation on the first day
• Consultation at the end of the first week
• Letter and certificate upon successful completion
• Airport pick-up
• Full board homestay accommodation
Start dates
• Any Monday
Locations
• Big Cities: Vancouver, Toronto, Victoria
• Small Cities: BC: Courtenay/Comox, Abbotsford, Mission, Langley,
Ontario: Guelph, Oshawa, Hamilton, Markham.

› Enlarge Location Map
Red Leaf Student Programs Inc. location map select to enlarge

Program Requirements
• Minimum English Level: Beginner (Higher levels will be required for some positions and phone interviews may be required)
• Registration Deadline: 6 weeks prior to start date
• Police Record Check: Required for Children's Educational Programs
• Minimum age: 18 years

Red Leaf volunteer placements aim to be flexible depending on your goals and the needs of the volunteer organization. You can schedule your volunteer placement at the end of your studies at an English language school, while you are studying (if it's part-time), or as a stand-alone program.

Cancellation Policy
Cancel from 8-28 days before program start date: $100.
Cancel 7 days before program start date: $250.
Cancel after program start date: No refund.
Our cancellation policy reflects staff time required to secure placements.

These descriptions cover a broad range of possible opportunities. Sample schedules will vary depending on the time of the year and organizational needs.

Please contact your local Red Leaf Representative for more information and registration.

Animal Shelters protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic animals and pets. They provide a wide range of services for thousands of homeless, abused, injured and abandoned animals.

Volunteer Profile
Volunteers must love animals and be compassionate, caring and concerned about animal welfare.
Responsibilities may include
• animal socialization through play, grooming and conversation
• dog walking
• general care
• pet assisted therapy, pet visitation
• assisting in special events such as walk-a-thons, adopt-a-thons and open houses
• kennel cleaning & maintenance
• office/clerical assistance
• community outreach
Organizations
SPCA, Various animal shelters.

Conservation Organizations protect and enhance parks and other natural areas through a variety of activities. Volunteers play a crucial role in assisting these organizations reach their goals.

Several of Red Leaf's Environmental Conservation partners are actively engaged in projects aimed at reducing C02 in the atmosphere. Offset your own carbon footprint by joining a selected Red Leaf partner program or by making a contribution to carbon offsetting projects.

Volunteer Profile
Volunteers must be curious and passionate about nature and be willing to be outside in changeable weather conditions. Participants must also be in good physical condition.
Responsibilities may include
• site restoration
• tree and wildflower planting
• invasive species removal
• maintenance and care of planting sites
• administrative assistance
• community education and special events
Organizations
Friends of the Rouge, Abbotsford Parks, Stanley Park Ecology Society, Green Legacy, Stewardship Rangers.

Children’s Program Providers offer a safe place for children to channel their energies into positive, challenging activities that encourage personal growth, learning, community involvement and healthy living.

We partner with a variety of after-school and weekend organizations who provide invaluable support to parents, children, and their communities.

Volunteer Profile
Volunteers must be outgoing, enthusiastic, nurturing and patient.
Responsibilities may include assisting in:
• recreational programs: sports, dance, computer, cooking, and more
• tutoring & games
• group or individual reading
• group field trips
• summer camps
• computer labs
Organizations:
Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, Community Centres, Daycare Centres, and selected Private Schools.

“The best part of this program was that I had a lot of opportunities to meet Canadians! I really enjoyed volunteering with Canadians; chatting, learning about trees, joining the conversation, and laughing with them.”

“They were always helping me but at the same time they never treated me as an outsider or gave me special treatment.

It was really a pleasure to be with people who are highly motivated to help the environment.

I had many chances to talk with people and sometimes they asked me about Japanese culture. Through this short experience I became unafraid of using English and learned about Canada's multicultural make-up.

First I wanted to do an internship in a company but none of the possibilities really intersted me, then I discovered these volunteering possibilities and as I'm really interested in environmental protection I decided to do this!

I met people who are doing everything to make life on our planet a bit better, it was great to be part of it.

I learned a lot about animals and plants in BC, I really enjoyed the bird counts! I would recommend the experience!

The volunteering experience allowed me to get a close up view of day-to-day life in Canada and meet Canadians in their normal work surroundings. I also had a chance to contribute my time and meet these people who are doing wonderful work protecting animals!”

“I love animals! I wanted to come to Canada because I only had a short period of time and my friends said Canada was beautiful and the people were very nice... it's all true!

I am a senior university student and this was a great chance to experience real life in Canada.”

"I am 22 years old, I spent five weeks in Abbotsford, close to Vancouver. I carried out a volunteer position in the environmental field, working with a group of arborists.

I was completely satisfied with the (volunteering) I did, in fact, I loved it! It consisted of gardening, taking care of the trees in the towns…In the end, I don’t regret the experience as it ended up being very enriching!

Obviously my English improved considerably, even though I was only there for five weeks ”