Programs and Services

SERVICES TO VOLUNTEERS

Referral The Oceanside Volunteer Association maintains a data base of current volunteer opportunities for potential volunteers to review.  Potential volunteers complete an application form and are provided with a special volunteer criminal record check form, when this form is taken to the RCMP office on Pym Street, the RCMP will complete a criminal record check  free of charge.  When the paperwork is complete, volunteers are interviewed to help them to identify appropriate volunteer positions.  O.V.A. staff completes a referral form with the contact information for the positions of interest to the volunteer. 
Resource Materials The O.V.A. maintains a library of resource materials of interest to volunteers, such as information about volunteer organizations in Oceanside, training materials and research about the benefits of volunteering.

 

SERVICES TO VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS

Volunteer Recruitment

Any volunteer organization in Oceanside that needs volunteers can submit position postings to the O.V.A. for review by potential volunteers.

For organizations that have paid membership fees, the O.V.A. will carry out active recruitment to fill the position.  The O.V.A. maintains a data base of individuals who would like to volunteer and will phone appropriate individuals to inform them about the opportunity.  In addition, a local newspaper provides free weekly space for the O.V.A. to advertise new volunteer postings. 
Promotion

The O.V.A. promotes its member organizations by:

  • Displaying their brochures in the O.V.A. office for perusal by potential volunteers.
  • Providing assistance with special events.
  • Providing contact and service information on the Member Organization Directory of the O.V.A. website.
Resource Materials

The O.V.A. maintains a library of resource materials of interest to volunteer organizations on such topics as the role of the Board of Directors, trends in volunteering, volunteer management and fundraising. 

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

    • The opportunity to list your volunteer needs on our website, office listing and weekly newspaper advertisements.
    • Active recruitment of volunteers to fill urgent and immediate needs.
    • Mutual support with OVA and other members to reach our shared common goals of community development.
    • Listing in our website Member Directory page, with a link to your organization.
    • Priority placement for special events such as Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, workshops and Volunteer Fest.
    • OVA has teamed up with Volunteer Nanaimo and our members now enjoy the opportunity to participate in Volunteer Nanaimo workshops and events at reduced rates.
    • The opportunity to nominate your volunteers as Featured Volunteer and have their photograph appear in our newspaper ads and on our website.
    • Display your brochures in our office.
    • We often receive donations of equipment, furniture or supplies which we then offer to our Member Agencies.  This past year we have donated computers and miscellaneous office furniture.
    • Affiliate membership in Volunteer B.C.

 

 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Job Creation Partnership Program

Commencing September 11, 2006, the O.V.A. began a research initiative in partnership with Service Canada.  Through May 11, 2007 this project provided work experience for 3 participants.  The project included:

  • Developing and implementing a needs assessment to determine the extent of volunteer organizations and services in Oceanside
  • Planning and hosting a volunteer fair in the spring of 2007.
Training

The O.V.A. has provided training on “Food Safe” and “Volunteering and Your Resume”.
Youth

The O.V.A. has participated in the Katimavik program.

The O.V.A. has provided work experience and training to a student completing a certificate program in business administration. 
Community

The O.V.A. is a member of the following community groups:

  • Parksville Chamber of Commerce
  • Spirit of B.C. Committee
  • Oceanside Community Partners Team

 

NEW PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon:  On May 7, 2008, the O.V.A. hosted the second  volunteer appreciation luncheon on behalf of non-profit organizations in Oceanside.

We have developed a NEW volunteer appreciation web page  Click here to see our featured volunteers.

OCEANSIDE VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION
#4 – 125 McCarter Street / P.O. Box 1745 / Parksville, B.C. V9P 2H3 / 250-248-2637 / Mon..-Thur. 9:00-4:00 p.m.