Volunteering for a cause you care about is a great way to start a brand new year. You get to meet new people, use your unique skills and talents, and feel good about giving back—all while making the world a better place.

Our real estate agents are currently exploring some local volunteer opportunities that they might sign up for this month. If you think you'd like to do the same, here are five organizations currently recruiting volunteers near our Victoria homes for sale, along with details on how you can get involved.  

5 Victoria Volunteer Opportunities to Check Out This January 

Habitat for Humanity Victoria 

Address: 849 Orono Avenue, Langford, BC V9B 2T9 

Habitat for Humanity Victoria's Affordable Homeownership program is funded in part by its ReStore locations. These shops accept donations of everything from furniture and appliances to electronics, tools, and other household items. They then sell those items to generate revenue.

The ReStore location near our Langford homes for sale is looking for some extra help this January. Volunteers will:

• Sort donations
• Unload trucks
• Stock shelves
• Operate cash registers
• Help customers
• Keep the store running smoothly

If you can drive, you may also be asked to pick up larger donations from people's homes. You must commit to at least three months of service to be considered. 

Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary 

Address: 3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria, BC V8X 3W1 

The Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary works to preserve more than 170 acres of wetlands and green space in the heart of downtown Victoria. Without their efforts, we might not have a place to enjoy long nature walks so close to home.  

There are a few ways you can volunteer at this organization this January: 

• Taking shifts at the Visitor Services center and gift shop 
• Walking the trails as a Nature Ambassador, welcoming guests, and collecting feedback on the visitor experience 
• Joining a Tuesday or Saturday Ecosystem Restoration Crew 
• Taking photos of the sanctuary's many plants and animals 

If you enjoy your time with them, consider staying on until later in the year. Even more opportunities will be available when the weather warms up. 

BC SPCA 

Address: 3150 Napier Lane, Victoria, BC V8T 4V5 

Animal lovers will adore volunteering at the BC SPCA, the provincial arm of one of the most famous animal welfare non-profits in North America. 

There are four types of volunteer positions available in Victoria this month. You can: 

• Help out with the animals at the Victoria centre 
• Assist with office tasks and service coordination at that same location
• Foster animals in need of temporary homes 
• Collect funds from donation boxes that have been distributed to local businesses 

The organization requires a six-month commitment from all prospective volunteers, but foster volunteers may go several weeks without active duties.  

Saanich Volunteer Services Society 

Address: 1445 Ocean View Road, Victoria, BC V8P 1J8 

The Saanich Volunteer Services Society provides support for seniors in need living near our Saanich homes for sale. Volunteers help elders by: 

• Driving them to errands and appointments 
• Visiting them in their homes for tea, games, reading, or other activities you both enjoy 
• Doing light landscaping and home repairs for them 

You can also sign up to run the reception desk or prepare tea and lunches at their Ocean View Road office, prepare income taxes for low-income seniors, or facilitate support group meetings.

Royal BC Museum 

Address: 675 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC V8W 9W2 

The Royal BC Museum couldn't do all the outstanding research, preservation, and education work they're known for without the help of volunteers. Positions here fall into one of four categories: 

• Front of House positions, including information desk support, coat check attendants, and orientation service volunteers 
• Learning positions, including tour guides, public speakers, and community outreach volunteers 
• Collections positions, including researchers and specimen sorters 
• Museum Foundation positions, including office support and gift shop workers 

You can apply online or by filling out a paper form at the museum's Volunteer Services office.  

Make Victoria Your Home Today 

Volunteering is always most rewarding when you can see the impact of your efforts in your local community. Victoria is a warm and welcoming city, and its residents would be delighted to have you join the fold. Contact us today to take a closer look at our selection of local home listings and find one you'll love living in for decades to come.