Services & Programs
SVSS has provided one-to-one, direct volunteer services to Saanich residents for over 30 years. If you would like to access our services, contact Sharon Parker at 250-853-2667 to request a consult.
Health Protocols:
We d0 our best to keep our community and volunteers safe. Our services will be adjusted to fit health guidelines if they are announced by the Provincial Government of BC.
Volunteer Services
Appointment Drives
Volunteers provide drives to medical and other appointments in the Greater Victoria area. We can accommodate walkers.
Income Tax Filing
SVSS volunteers complete income tax returns year-round for eligible clients with a simple tax return. Our volunteers received a Certificate of Appreciation in 2025. Stay tuned for 2025 tax filing information and how our SVSS volunteers can help you!
SVSS CVITP volunteers provide virtual income tax sessions by phone or video conference if clients choose this option. Our volunteers also have in person tax clinics at some locations and in-person appointments at our office. Call our income tax line at 250-853-2212 to find out more.
Friendship Calls and Visits
Our volunteers provide telephone calls and/or visits to play games or chat with clients about past and current events, family, hobbies, or other subjects of mutual interest.
This program is looking for eager new volunteers to be visitors. Please send us your volunteer application with 'visiting' as one of your chosen volunteering activities. Caroline Herbert, our Manager of Volunteers, will be in touch to book an interview with you.
Food Bank Hamper & Delivery
Volunteer drivers pick up food hampers from local food banks and deliver to clients weekly.
Minor Home Repair
Replacing out-of-reach light bulbs, putting up or taking down curtain rods, fixing a leaky tap or stuck door/drawer, are just an example of some of the jobs our Saanich Volunteers do to help clients. We accept minor and small repairs and refer clients to a professional trade if that is required.
Food Security Programming
Saanich Volunteer Services Society volunteers play a significant role in managing food security and wellbeing for our Saanich community members.
Our programs, hamper delivery and Let's Do Lunch, have been successful due to cooperation with other community programs and also due to ongoing client satisfaction.
Please check back periodically for news as we continue to build inclusive, accessible food security options for these times.
Community Programs
Let's Do Lunch
Join us for a warm and welcoming weekly lunch from 11:30 -1pm Thursdays at 1445 Ocean View Road funded by contributions from various donors including United Way BC. This lunch is offered to SVSS clients. Call Sharon Parker at 250-853-2667 if you are not yet a client and would be interested in becoming one. Those who are already clients, please contact us to enjoy a simple meal and good conversation—it's a great way to connect with others.
Please RSVP to our reception at 250-595-8008 by Monday at 3:45 pm to attend Thursday’s lunch. Space is limited. We will offer volunteer drives, as they are available, for those clients who cannot drive themselves.
Register each week to book your spot at this community get-together.
We hope to see you soon!
Better At Home
In partnership with United Way BC, SVSS helps clients access non-medical support through Better At Home, a program that provides adults over 65 years with non-medical needs such as light housekeeping and other volunteer services.
NOTE: Due to potential need for housekeepers at various times, our program may be waitlisted for new clients.
Tea and Talk
The second and fourth Wednesday each month from 2 until 3:30 pm SVSS hosts an event for those who choose to attend. Please call us at least one week ahead if you're already an SVSS client and you would like to arrange a volunteer driver in order to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Men's Group
On the first Tuesday of each month, from 10 am to 12 pm at 1445 Ocean View Road, self-identified men connect.
This group is limited to 12 members but newcomers are always welcome to attend and see what the attendees get up to. We have group members who are willing to mentor new groups as we find more interested men. There may be opportunity for 'off shoot' groups as membership needs grow.
Macular Degeneration Support Group
The Macular Degeneration/ Low Vision Group (AMD) meets monthly (except in August and July) on the third Wednesday of each month. AMD offers visually impaired clients an opportunity to enjoy guest presentations, refreshments and socializing.
Please contact Sharon Parker at 250-853-2667 if you are interested in attending.
Community Information & Referral
Our team provides information and referrals to other community services if we cannot help clients and their families. Stop by Monday to Friday 9-4 to peruse and take away from our literature wall or get your copy of the 2025-2026 Service Directory.
Other Events
Saanich Volunteer Services Society believes in the importance of community and participates in local events where we can connect with community partners and people who may need our services or wish to join our team. If you have ideas of events we should be at, please contact Carol Turnbull, our executive director at 250-853-2668.
Walking Group
Meet us at 1445 Ocean View Road by 2 pm if you would like to go for a short walk from 2-3 pm on non-holiday Mondays on our beautiful Cedar Hill chip trail. When inclement weather is a problem we will arrange to walk at Hillside Mall instead. We ask that you call us to book your spot and please come with suitable footwear.
NOTE: This group is cancelled if there are not enough participants. Participants must also be prepared to sign our waiver. Given the terrain covered, they must be responsible for their own health and/or any consequences of their participation.