Volunteer Opportunities

Through the Adopt-a-Trail or Adopt-a-Street programs, volunteers clean up a stretch of trail or road at least once a week (monthly in winter) with equipment provided by the City. They also serve as the City’s eyes and ears, reporting problems, hazards or vandalism they see along the way. Join as an individual or make it a family activity.

• Adopt-a-Street Program
• Adopt-a-Trail Program

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Coquitlam Animal Shelter. We have currently put a hold on our recruitment for new volunteers at the Animal Shelter. This is due to a consistent low number of dogs that are available for adoption. The public is welcome to come and visit with the cats at the Animal Shelter when the Shelter is open to the public.

We encourage you to consider other volunteer opportunities within the City of Coquitlam.

Rescue Readers

The Rescue Readers program is open to all ages and is a great way to help children practice their reading skills, or for adults to take a break from their busy lives! The Rescue Readers Program is currently available on Sundays from 12 to 3 pm, by appointment. There are two options for our visiting readers; you can sit with our adoptable cats or spend time with our small animals.

We want to remind parents that this is not a drop-off program, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We welcome you to bring your own book, or choose from the selection we have available.

Reading slots are 30 minutes each, starting at noon Space is limited to four people, so we don’t overwhelm our animals. To make an appointment, please contact the shelter at 604-927-7386, as space is limited.

Volunteering with the Coquitlam RCMP is a great way to:

• Get connected to your neighbours and your neighbourhood
• Meet new people from diverse backgrounds and build a stronger social and professional network
• Gain skills and experience that will make your job and post-secondary education applications stand out
• Put your unique skills and abilities to work supporting your local police
• Learn about crime and safety in your community and what you can do to keep your family, friends and property safe

We have five volunteer programs:

• Auxiliary Constables
• Block Watch
• Citizens’ Crime Watch
• Community Police Stations
• Tri-Cities Speed Watch

Learn more about volunteering with the Coquitlam RCMP or email RCMP Volunteer Recruitment.

Brighten a local senior’s day with a letter, poem, drawing or anything bearing a positive message. Submissions received are distributed to seniors who have signed up for the City’s Meals for Seniors delivery program. To participate, simply email us a letter or scanned image.

Interested in volunteering with our Park Spark team? Inquire about our current volunteer opportunities by emailing a Park Spark Program Leader.

Requirements

• Able to complete the volunteer duties
• Follow park regulations
• Have good safety awareness

How to Sign Up

To sign up, email the Program Coordinator and state which park you are interested in.

From there you’ll need to complete the Statement of Commitment and Release and Waiver Form (these forms will be sent to you).

Growing for Change - Youth Urban Garden Team

Team up with Park Spark and help grow food to share with the community.

Email the Program Coordinator for more information.

Park Spark Youth Activity Committee

Join the Park Spark Youth Activity Committee and share your ideas towards the development of outdoor youth spaces. Create opportunities and activities for youth to participate in local parks.  

Email the Program Coordinator to get involved.

Outdoor Youth Sport Committee

Join the Outdoor Youth Sport Committee and provide input and leadership in the development and activation of a variety of outdoor sport drop-ins and pop-ups in Coquitlam Parks. 

Email the Program Coordinator to get involved.

We are looking for volunteers to provide social contact to isolated seniors living in Coquitlam. The volunteer will provide companionship and a supportive listening ear to a senior in need of a friend. Our volunteers are carefully matched with senior clients who will receive a regular phone call.

• Review the Phone Buddy Volunteer Position Description (PDF).
• Sign up for this volunteer opportunity using our Volunteering Portal.
• For more information, email the Phone Buddy Program.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, gain valuable experience, have fun and get involved in your community. Volunteer your time:

• In swimming or skating lessons
• With festivals and events
• As a host or as a meet and greeter
• As a recreation assistant in sports, arts and craft programs or day camps
• On a youth committee or council
• With food services at the 50-plus pavilions
• Coquitlam Youth Council (CYC) - The "Voice of Youth" provides ideas, feedback, and suggestions on city-wide initiatives, programs, and current issues facing youth in Coquitlam. We connect with our peers, gather opinions, and advocate for a youth-friendly community.

Ready to see what’s available? Check out our current volunteer opportunities. We are always looking for new program ideas. If you have a skill you would like to share, email Community Services Staff.

Sign up using our volunteer portal.

Volunteer Requirements

1. Create a Volunteer Profile - Visit the volunteer portal to create a volunteer profile. 
2. Provide References 
3. Complete a Police Information Check
4. Attend an Orientation Session

For more information about volunteering contact:
Community Services Coordinator
Phone: 604-927-6922
Fax: 604-927-4395
Email Volunteer Program