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Volunteer
The Cowichan is a stronger community when we help each other. In the event of an emergency it is vital that there are dedicated teams of volunteers ready to assist.
Four Steps to Becoming a Volunteer:
1. Sign up and attend the Cowichan Valley Emergency Program Introductory Workshop.
2. Complete, sign and submit the Volunteer Application Form.
3. Meet staff to discuss areas of interest and volunteer opportunities.
4. Sign up for upcoming orientation and training sessions (provided via website annually).
Level 1 Volunteer Opportunities
- Local Emergency Response Neighbourhoods (LERN): Learn to help yourself and others so that no one is alone during emergencies or disasters. Free courses available.
Level 2 & 3 Volunteer Opportunities
- Emergency Communications: Do you have your Amateur Radio Licence? Want to provide emergency communications to your community? Contact Merrick Grieder for more information. Interested in becoming a licensed Amateur Radio Operator? Check with the Cowichan Valley Amateur Radio Society (CVARS) for upcoming training sessions.
- Emergency Support Services: Interested in working with people in crisis? ESS workers listen, provide emotional support and where needed provide referrals to resources such as food, clothing and lodging.
- Community Recovery: Interested in working more long-term with people impacted by a disaster? Community Recovery workers listen, provide emotional support and connect people with community resources to help them rebuild their lives.
- Search and Rescue: Do you enjoy tramping in the woods? Are you a bit of a detective? Join one of two local Search and Rescue Teams (Ladysmith SAR and Cowichan SAR and learn how to find the lost or search for evidence under RCMP direction.
- Fire Rescue: Always dreamed about becoming a firefighter? You can make your dream a reality by joining one of 18 Fire Rescue Services in the region.