This week, April 27 – May 3, marks National Volunteer Week, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary volunteers who are at the heart of our caregiving community at Family Caregivers of BC. Their time, energy, and compassion strengthen our work and extend our reach across the province.
Our volunteers contribute meaningfully across many areas—from facilitating peer support groups and representing us at community events, to delivering educational presentations and helping behind the scenes. Whether offering a listening ear, sharing valuable information, or supporting day-to-day operations, each volunteer plays a vital role in ensuring caregivers feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Together, their efforts help us reach caregivers across British Columbia—through peer support, access to trusted information, education, and community outreach. These contributions ensure that caregivers feel less alone, better equipped, and more confident in navigating their caregiving journey.
The Heart of Our Mission
At Family Caregivers of BC, our mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers through support, information, and education. This mission would simply be impossible without the generous commitment of time and heart from our volunteers. The care our volunteers show to our caregiving community reflects the very essence of what we strive to provide to family caregivers themselves: compassion, understanding, and unwavering support. We are profoundly grateful for the waves of change our volunteers create in our community.
Thank you to all our volunteers for being the heartbeat of our volunteer community. Your impact is felt every day, in ways both seen and unseen.
Volunteer Journey & Roles
Christine Dobbelsteyn has been volunteering with Family Caregivers of BC for 2.5 years as a Facilitator for Working Caregivers of BC. Her professional background as a counsellor has made this role a natural fit, allowing her to bring valuable skills to our support groups.
What Inspired Christine to Volunteer with FCBC
Christine’s path to volunteering began during a life transition: “I decided to volunteer when I transitioned to part-time work. In searching for organizations, Family Caregivers of BC caught my interest because of my experience as a caregiver for my father. Being a support group leader was a good fit, given my background as a counsellor.”
Memorable Experiences & Rewarding Aspects
For Christine, the most meaningful moments come through witnessing connection and relief among caregivers: “There are many memorable experiences, but in general it is when participants in the support group are able to connect over similar concerns and they learn from one another. They visibly relax with the understanding that they are not alone and feel heard and validated.”
Christine noted that the most rewarding aspect of the job is being able to support caregivers while feeling appreciated for her volunteer work.
Volunteer Journey & Roles
Bonnie Davoren has been volunteering with Family Caregivers of BC for several years, serving as both a board member and volunteer coordinator. Her commitment stems from a unique combination of professional and personal experiences that align perfectly with our mission.
What Inspired Bonnie to Volunteer with FCBC
Bonnie’s path to volunteering began during her professional career: “I worked in a Geriatric Assessment unit and learned very quickly that helping caregivers with education and resources made my job so much easier and care so much better for both the caregiver and the recipient.” This understanding deepened when caregiving became personal for Bonnie: “My circumstances involving the care of a parent with advanced dementia showed me how FCBC helped me, and I wanted to do the same for others.”
Memorable Experiences & Rewarding Aspects
For Bonnie, the heart of volunteering lies in connection. One of her most memorable experiences as a volunteer comes from simply being present for caregivers as they navigate their challenges. “Listening to caregivers and helping them figure out what they need and how important it is to look after themselves without feeling guilty — as well as reinforcing the idea they are not alone.”
Bonnie shared that the most rewarding aspect of her role is when caregivers return to the group, offering information and supporting others. She finds fulfillment in encouraging caregivers to utilize available resources and notes, “It’s especially meaningful when caregivers miss many meetings but come back, showing the value they find in the support system.”
Changed Perspectives on Caregiving
Volunteering with FCBC has had a meaningful impact on Bonnie, helping her grow both personally and professionally. She enjoys supporting others and has gained valuable skills like active listening and meditation. Bonnie shared: “I love continuing to learn and discuss new ideas.” She encourages others to volunteer, calling it a “safe and fun place to work” and a “very important resource for caregivers,” making it a truly rewarding experience.
Volunteer Journey & Roles
Ourania Christian has been a dedicated volunteer with Family Caregivers of BC for six years, contributing her time and expertise through committee membership and delivering presentations. Her long-standing commitment has been an invaluable asset to our organization.
What Inspired Ourania to Volunteer with FCBC
Ourania’s decision to volunteer with FCBC was deeply personal. She shares, “My personal circumstances involved caring for a parent with advanced dementia. I saw how FCBC helped me, and I wanted to do the same for others.”
Memorable Experiences & Rewarding Aspects
For Ourania, the most profound moments in her volunteer work come from seeing the connection and relief among caregivers. She shares, “Meeting other caregivers, sharing stories, exchanging hugs and tears while providing information and support—it bonds strangers together almost instantly. There’s something profound in witnessing the universal challenges and rewards of caregiving that creates
immediate connection. These moments remind me why I volunteer.”
Challenges & Personal Growth
Volunteering in caregiving support has its challenges. Ourania reflects on the difficulties she’s faced: “Trying to stay positive and focused when a situation is not going in the right direction—your mind tells you one thing and your heart says another.” She adds, “Striking a balance to acknowledge bad things happen to good people. You cannot take the situation personally but as a challenge life has thrown your way.” This mindset has shaped her caregiving journey, and she concludes, “I know that when the time comes to reflect back on my life, I feel comfortable that I did the best I could to support my loved ones.”
Join Our Volunteer Community
Join our supportive community and make a difference by volunteering with Family Caregivers of BC. We offer a variety of opportunities to get involved and support caregivers in need. Learn more about how you can contribute and become part of a compassionate network today.