Opportunities From: iVolunteer Powered by United Way British Columbia

Volunteer: On Call Translator & Interpreters- BC Safe Haven - many languages

BC Safe Haven Program supports refugee claimants by connecting them with essential services. community resources, and settlement support while they are navigate the refugee claim process in Canada.

Volunteer Translators and Interpreters play a critical role in ensuring refugee claimants can communicate clearly with services providers and understand the support available for them.

Volunteers will be on call and may be contacted by partner agencies to assist with interpretation or translation during appointments, meetings, workshops, or documents review.

Interpretation may take place in person, by phone or virtually depending on the needs of the agencies.

Time commitment varies depending on request, typically  1 - 3 hours per assignment.

Your support helps remove language barriers and ensure refugee claimant can access services with dignity, clarity and confidence.

Languages Needed:

-Farsi/Dari

-Spanish

-Arabic (Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Qatar, UAE)

-French

-Kurdish

-Georgian

-Japanese

-Mandarin/Cantonese

-Turkish

-Swahili

-Kinorwanda

-Amaharic

-Bengali

-Punjabi

-Hindi

-Urdu

-Pashtu

This is the right role for you if:

You are fluent in English and at least one additional language.

You care about supporting refugees and newcomers in your community.

You are comfortable communicating across cultures.

You are reliable and able to assist occasionally on short notice.

You value confidentiality, empathy, and respectful communication.

Main Tasks:

Provide verbal interpretation during meetings, phone calls, or service appointments.

Assist with basic translation of documents when required.

Help ensure information is communicated accurately and respectfully.

Support service providers in creating inclusive and accessible communication.

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Required Fluency in English and another language (spoken; written is an asset).

Strong communication and listening skills.

Sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds.

Reliability and punctuality when called to assist.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Previous interpretation experience is an asset but not required.

What the Opportunity Offers:

A meaningful way to support refugee claimants in British Columbia.

Experience working with community organizations and settlement services.

Opportunities to develop interpretation and cross-cultural communication skills.

Flexible volunteer involvement based on your availability.

A chance to contribute to building a more inclusive and welcoming community.

How You Can Help:

Language access is essential for refugee claimants to understand their rights, access services, and feel supported during a complex and often stressful process. By volunteering your language skills, you help ensure individuals and families can communicate clearly, access resources, and feel heard. Your contribution helps make services more accessible for everyone.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering as a translator or interpreter is a powerful way to make a direct impact in someone’s life.

Your time and language skills can help refugee claimants: Access critical services Navigate unfamiliar systems. Feel welcomed and supported in Canada. Even a single interpretation session can make a meaningful difference.

Contact:

For more information please contact MaryB@uwbc.ca

Partner: United Way British Columbia - BC Safe Haven

BC Safe Haven Program supports refugee claimants by connecting them with essential services. community resources, and settlement support while they are navigate the refugee claim process in Canada.

Volunteer Translators and Interpreters play a critical role in ensuring refugee claimants can communicate clearly with services providers and understand the support available for them.

Volunteers will be on call and may be contacted by partner agencies to assist with interpretation or translation during appointments, meetings, workshops, or documents review.

Interpretation may take place in person, by phone or virtually depending on the needs of the agencies.

Time commitment varies depending on request, typically  1 - 3 hours per assignment.

Your support helps remove language barriers and ensure refugee claimant can access services with dignity, clarity and confidence.

Languages Needed:

-Farsi/Dari

-Spanish

-Arabic (Syria, Sudan, Iraq, Qatar, UAE)

-French

-Kurdish

-Georgian

-Japanese

-Mandarin/Cantonese

-Turkish

-Swahili

-Kinorwanda

-Amaharic

-Bengali

-Punjabi

-Hindi

-Urdu

-Pashtu

This is the right role for you if:

You are fluent in English and at least one additional language.

You care about supporting refugees and newcomers in your community.

You are comfortable communicating across cultures.

You are reliable and able to assist occasionally on short notice.

You value confidentiality, empathy, and respectful communication.

Main Tasks:

Provide verbal interpretation during meetings, phone calls, or service appointments.

Assist with basic translation of documents when required.

Help ensure information is communicated accurately and respectfully.

Support service providers in creating inclusive and accessible communication.

Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Required Fluency in English and another language (spoken; written is an asset).

Strong communication and listening skills.

Sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds.

Reliability and punctuality when called to assist.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Previous interpretation experience is an asset but not required.

What the Opportunity Offers:

A meaningful way to support refugee claimants in British Columbia.

Experience working with community organizations and settlement services.

Opportunities to develop interpretation and cross-cultural communication skills.

Flexible volunteer involvement based on your availability.

A chance to contribute to building a more inclusive and welcoming community.

How You Can Help:

Language access is essential for refugee claimants to understand their rights, access services, and feel supported during a complex and often stressful process. By volunteering your language skills, you help ensure individuals and families can communicate clearly, access resources, and feel heard. Your contribution helps make services more accessible for everyone.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering as a translator or interpreter is a powerful way to make a direct impact in someone’s life.

Your time and language skills can help refugee claimants: Access critical services Navigate unfamiliar systems. Feel welcomed and supported in Canada. Even a single interpretation session can make a meaningful difference.

Contact:

For more information please contact MaryB@uwbc.ca

Partner: United Way British Columbia - BC Safe Haven

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Postal Code: V5G 4T4

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: ESL Facilitator to host English Literacy Conversation Circles (In Person)

Chimo Community services provides specialized support services to newcomer in all aspects of their initial needs, including access to food and housing, community orientation, navigating immigration and legal process, authorization to work, and mental health support.

Chimo Community Services in Richmond BC is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as ESL Instructors for or English Literacy Conversation Circle, with 2-hour sessions held once a week in person starting from May 2025.

Volunteering will take place at the Richmond Caring Place (7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond).  

Classes are conducted in small groups of 4-6 people. 

This role is supported by Chimo staff and all training needed is provided.  

Our English Literacy Conversation Circle plays an important role in helping newcomers feel connected to community.  Having opportunities to practice and improve their English allows newcomers to feel more confident in their new community. 

What will you be doing:

Volunteers will be provided with all curriculum for teaching.Comprehensive for volunteers training to facilitate small group sessions (4-6 participants) in person, aimed at Canadian newcomers facing challenges with the English language. Sessions will cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, incorporating vocabulary relevant to job searches, workplace communication, and essential life skills.All lesson plans and teaching materials are provided.Staff will be on hand to support volunteers during classes until they are comfortable facilitating sessions alone.Room setup, clean up.Taking attendance of participants.Volunteer sign in and sign out.

Skills/Qualifications:

Teaching experience is beneficial, Strong interpersonal communication skills in English and the ability to lead in-person learning sessions. A good understanding of newcomer and refugee needs is essential.Volunteers are required to complete a CRC (vulerable sector) - we will support volunteers to obtain this check free of charge.

Location:

7000 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond, B.C.
Free parking is provided for volunteers.

Time Commitment:

Once a week, Thursdays or Fridays (3:30pm-5pm) 
Shift time will be confirmed with you directly.

Training will be coordinated with suitable volunteers based on your availability.

Benefits:

Connecting with newcomers and helping with their community connection and English language skills.Join the Chimo Community Services volunteer team of over 200 volunteers.Recognition opportunities and certificates

If you are interested in this role and would like to hear more, click the red RESPOND button at the bottom of the page.

Partner: Chimo Community Services

Chimo Community services provides specialized support services to newcomer in all aspects of their initial needs, including access to food and housing, community orientation, navigating immigration and legal process, authorization to work, and mental health support.

Chimo Community Services in Richmond BC is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as ESL Instructors for or English Literacy Conversation Circle, with 2-hour sessions held once a week in person starting from May 2025.

Volunteering will take place at the Richmond Caring Place (7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond).  

Classes are conducted in small groups of 4-6 people. 

This role is supported by Chimo staff and all training needed is provided.  

Our English Literacy Conversation Circle plays an important role in helping newcomers feel connected to community.  Having opportunities to practice and improve their English allows newcomers to feel more confident in their new community. 

What will you be doing:

Volunteers will be provided with all curriculum for teaching.Comprehensive for volunteers training to facilitate small group sessions (4-6 participants) in person, aimed at Canadian newcomers facing challenges with the English language. Sessions will cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, incorporating vocabulary relevant to job searches, workplace communication, and essential life skills.All lesson plans and teaching materials are provided.Staff will be on hand to support volunteers during classes until they are comfortable facilitating sessions alone.Room setup, clean up.Taking attendance of participants.Volunteer sign in and sign out.

Skills/Qualifications:

Teaching experience is beneficial, Strong interpersonal communication skills in English and the ability to lead in-person learning sessions. A good understanding of newcomer and refugee needs is essential.Volunteers are required to complete a CRC (vulerable sector) - we will support volunteers to obtain this check free of charge.

Location:

7000 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond, B.C.
Free parking is provided for volunteers.

Time Commitment:

Once a week, Thursdays or Fridays (3:30pm-5pm) 
Shift time will be confirmed with you directly.

Training will be coordinated with suitable volunteers based on your availability.

Benefits:

Connecting with newcomers and helping with their community connection and English language skills.Join the Chimo Community Services volunteer team of over 200 volunteers.Recognition opportunities and certificates

If you are interested in this role and would like to hear more, click the red RESPOND button at the bottom of the page.

Partner: Chimo Community Services

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Postal Code: V6Y 3Z5

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: ESL Facilitator to host English Literacy Conversation Circles (Zoom)

Chimo Community services provides specialized support services to newcomer in all aspects of their initial needs, including access to food and housing, community orientation, navigating immigration and legal process, authorization to work, and mental health support.

Chimo Community Services in Richmond BC is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as ESL Instructors for or English Literacy Conversation Circle, with 2-hour sessions held once a week in person starting from May 2025.

Volunteering will take place online via Zoom.

Classes are conducted in small groups of 4-6 people. 

This role is supported by Chimo staff and all training needed is provided.  

Our English Literacy Conversation Circle plays an important role in helping newcomers feel connected to community.  Having opportunities to practice and improve their English allows newcomers to feel more confident in their new community. 

What will you be doing:

Volunteers will be provided with all curriculum for teaching.Comprehensive for volunteers training to facilitate small group sessions (4-6 participants) in person, aimed at Canadian newcomers facing challenges with the English language. Sessions will cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, incorporating vocabulary relevant to job searches, workplace communication, and essential life skills.All lesson plans and teaching materials are provided.Staff will be on hand to support volunteers during classes until they are comfortable facilitating sessions alone.Room setup, clean up.Taking attendance of participants.Volunteer sign in and sign out.

Skills/Qualifications:

Teaching experience is beneficial, Strong interpersonal communication skills in English and the ability to lead in-person learning sessions. A good understanding of newcomer and refugee needs is essential.Volunteers are required to complete a CRC (vulerable sector) - we will support volunteers to obtain this check free of charge.

Location:

Online via Zoom

Time Commitment:

Once a week, Tuesday (5:30pm-7pm) 
Training will be coordinated with suitable volunteers based on your availability.

Benefits:

Connecting with newcomers and helping with their community connection and English language skills.Join the Chimo Community Services volunteer team of over 200 volunteers.Recognition opportunities and certificates

If you are interested in this role and would like to hear more, click the red RESPOND button at the bottom of the page.

Partner: Chimo Community Services

Chimo Community services provides specialized support services to newcomer in all aspects of their initial needs, including access to food and housing, community orientation, navigating immigration and legal process, authorization to work, and mental health support.

Chimo Community Services in Richmond BC is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve as ESL Instructors for or English Literacy Conversation Circle, with 2-hour sessions held once a week in person starting from May 2025.

Volunteering will take place online via Zoom.

Classes are conducted in small groups of 4-6 people. 

This role is supported by Chimo staff and all training needed is provided.  

Our English Literacy Conversation Circle plays an important role in helping newcomers feel connected to community.  Having opportunities to practice and improve their English allows newcomers to feel more confident in their new community. 

What will you be doing:

Volunteers will be provided with all curriculum for teaching.Comprehensive for volunteers training to facilitate small group sessions (4-6 participants) in person, aimed at Canadian newcomers facing challenges with the English language. Sessions will cover listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, incorporating vocabulary relevant to job searches, workplace communication, and essential life skills.All lesson plans and teaching materials are provided.Staff will be on hand to support volunteers during classes until they are comfortable facilitating sessions alone.Room setup, clean up.Taking attendance of participants.Volunteer sign in and sign out.

Skills/Qualifications:

Teaching experience is beneficial, Strong interpersonal communication skills in English and the ability to lead in-person learning sessions. A good understanding of newcomer and refugee needs is essential.Volunteers are required to complete a CRC (vulerable sector) - we will support volunteers to obtain this check free of charge.

Location:

Online via Zoom

Time Commitment:

Once a week, Tuesday (5:30pm-7pm) 
Training will be coordinated with suitable volunteers based on your availability.

Benefits:

Connecting with newcomers and helping with their community connection and English language skills.Join the Chimo Community Services volunteer team of over 200 volunteers.Recognition opportunities and certificates

If you are interested in this role and would like to hear more, click the red RESPOND button at the bottom of the page.

Partner: Chimo Community Services

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Postal Code: V6Y 3Z5

Allow Groups: No