Volunteer
Volunteer with us to create positive change.
Volunteer with our Kettle campaign
Each Christmas season, volunteers make a difference by greeting donors at our Christmas Kettle locations. Every dollar collected supports local programs and services for those in need.
Apply if you’re new to volunteering, or sign in to the Salvation Army portal if you’re an existing volunteer to easily schedule your kettle shifts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Christmas Kettle Campaign?
The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign is our largest fundraising drive of the year and one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable annual charitable events. With more than 2,000 kettle locations across Canada, the kettle not only raises critical funds but boosts the Army’s visibility and promotes awareness.
Since 1903, we have seen kettle campaign donations transform the lives of millions of Canadians, including helping them find a way out of poverty permanently.
How are the funds used?
Our 2024 Kettle Campaign results
1,200+
85,000 CAD
450
Questions about Kettle? Contact us
For questions or to learn more about Kettle opportunities, email us at email@salvationarmy.ca or call 543-235-9434.
Why volunteer?
Volunteering is a powerful way to serve others, support those in need, and strengthen our community. Whether you can commit regularly or help occasionally, your time and skills make a real difference. Join us in bringing hope and practical assistance to those who need it most.
Curious about volunteering with us? Call us today at (250) 753-8834 to learn more about our current opportunities!
Volunteer with Nanaimo Community Ministries and our Thrift Stores
Lend a hand in your community – be part of the life-changing work we do every day. We offer a variety of roles to match your interests and availability.
Connect with us to learn more!
Book Sorter
Goal of position: Ensure books which are suitable for sale are on the sales floor.
Responsible to: Store Manager
Job Description: Sort and recycle books.
Time Required: 4-hour shifts.
Length of Commitment: Minimum 8 weeks.
Training Provided: Volunteer orientation and training provided.
Cashier Assistant
Goal of position: To assist the cashier with the flow of sales.
Responsible to: Store Manager
Job Description: Assist cashier by wrapping and bagging goods sold.
Time Required: 2–4-hour shifts – depending on busyness of store.
Length of Commitment: Minimum 8 weeks.
Training Provided: Training will be provided by Supervisor or Lead Hand.
Clothing Sorter
Goal of position: To assist the clothing sorters in processing donated clothing.
Responsible to: Store Manager
Job Description: Ability to lift 50lbs bags. Process clothing donations ensuring quality. Recycle unusable clothing. Brand recognition. Tag clothing with sales tag.
Time Required: 4-hour shifts or as directed by Supervisor.
Length of Commitment: Minimum 8 weeks.
Training Provided: Training to be provided by Supervisor or Lead Hand.
Electronics Sorter
Goal of position: To check to see if electronics are in good working order.
Responsible to: Store Manager
Job Description: To evaluate and test electronics and small appliances and determine workability.
Time Required: 4-hour shift.
Length of Commitment: Minimum 8 weeks.
Training Provided: Training will be provided by Supervisor or Lead Hand.
Pet Food Portioning
Goal of position: Preparing portioned amounts of Dog/Cat food so that members of the community can keep their pets healthy and well-fed.
Responsible to: Family Services Director
Job Description: Taking large bags of Dog/Cat food and breaking them down into measured portions.
Time Required: A few hours per volunteer shift.
Length of Commitment: A regularly weekly schedule is required.
Training Provided: Volunteer Orientation provided, along with a guide on portion sizes.
Store Tidy Maintenance
Goal of position: Maintain store cleanliness and order at all times.
Responsible to: Store Manager
Job Description: Pick up clothes from the floor and replace on clothing racks using colour blocking techniques. Put things back in proper places in store i.e., put housewares back on the housewares shelves. Use cleaning cloths to dust shelving or use dust buster or vacuum cleaner to clear up small areas or tasks assigned by store supervisor.
Time Required: 4-hour shift.
Length of Commitment: Minimum 8 weeks.
Training Provided: Training will be provided by Supervisor or Lead Hand.
Children and Youth Programs
Criminal Record Check Required, Keeping Kids Safe training provided, ability to work as a team, understand children of all ages and enjoy helping them learn new skills and have fun!
Group volunteering
Looking to volunteer as a group? Whether you are part of a workplace, school or community organization, we can help you find meaningful group volunteering opportunities. Submit a group application form to get started.
Seasonal opportunities
Get involved in special volunteer initiatives during the holiday season.
Help raise funds for those in need by standing at one of our Christmas kettles.
Help out at our festive fun run event—whether cheering on runners, managing booths, or handing out snacks, your support spreads holiday joy.
Additional ways to get involved
Support our mission in creative and meaningful ways beyond traditional volunteering.
Plant a row, feed a family
Use your talents for good
Ready to get started?
Fill out our volunteer application form to begin your journey.
Already a volunteer?
Sign in to the portal to browse and schedule your volunteer shifts.
Ready to get started? Apply to volunteer
Questions? Contact us
For any questions about volunteering, call (250) 753-8834.