About Us
Mobilizing people in the Tri-Cities to Create a welcoming and inclusive place for all volunteers.
Community Volunteer Connections has been rooted in the Tri-Cities since 1976, when we formally registered as a society to operate as a volunteer centre in BC. We strongly believe that volunteerism is the foundation of a connected, and compassionate community.
As the voice of volunteerism for our sector, we bring people together to mobilize volunteer action, and strengthen the capacity of local nonprofits. Our vision is a volunteer-engaged region where everyone can contribute and grow through meaningful action. Our values are grounded in the belief that volunteering not only strengthens communities but also empowers individuals.
Our work extends across Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Surrey, and New Westminster, connecting thousands of volunteers with causes that matter.
A History of Working Towards Volunteerism & Healthy Communities
Since 1976, the foundation of our programs and services has been to empower individuals to take meaningful action by connecting them with accessible resources and guidance. Our core services also supports nonprofits, charities, and public serving organizations in the recruitment, and management of volunteers.
In 1988, we received our first service delivery contract with the Ministry of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities to provide advocacy and support for adults within this group, to volunteer in their community. Our work within this program continues to grow as we innovate to deepen our impact at the local level.
In 2002, we launched our first Festival of Volunteers at the Coquitlam Centre Mall. This event brought people together to celebrate community engagement and boosted the recruitment efforts of nonprofits in the Tri-Cities. Eventually the event grew to include New Westminster in 2004, and a Surrey location in 2018.
In 2007 we introduced the Flying Squad, an initiative to give high school students an opportunity to engage in their community while fulfilling their requirements for volunteer hours. The program was ideal for students interested in short-term volunteer roles, with low-barrier entry to opportunities, and flexible hours.
In 2009, we partnered with Fraser Health Authority to deliver a volunteer program that provided support for adults in short-term and long-term mental health care facilities. The contract included a 64-bed treatment facility in Coquitlam, and in 2018 extended to include a 54-bed treatment facility in Surrey.
Over the years, these initiatives, and many more, helped build stronger, healthier communities where everyone is given the opportunity to make a contribution, and feel empowered to make change.
Current Programs
In 2020, our sector, like the world at large, faced significant economic and social challenges. Consequently, many of our volunteer programs were either thoughtfully adapted or placed on hiatus.
- Mental Health Integration Support Volunteer Program
- Volunteer Inclusion Program
- Annual Volunteer Fair
- Volunteer Referrals & Advising for volunteers
- Membership & Subscriber Services for Nonprofits
Our Mission
To support and promote volunteerism to enhance the quality of life for individuals and strengthen the organizations that rely on volunteer support.
Our Values
Diversity is the source of our strength, with the inclusion of all individuals contributing their value to causes in meaningful ways and to provide leadership in delivering services and resources that support adaptive solutions to the well being of communities.
💪 We Value Community: The communities we serve are the source of our strength. We believe it is important that community members be engaged in the work we do promoting volunteerism and supported in the work they do as volunteers.
✨ We Value Respect: By listening to, understanding and accepting each individual’s uniqueness, we support each other’s contributions to the team, organization and community.
📈 We Value Leadership: To continually provide useful and significant resources, services and solutions to promote and create meaningful community engagement.
🎯 We Value Excellence: We strive to make a difference and take pride in doing this through accepting ownership, and striving for continuous improvement.