Programs
Welcome Team
Spreading a little community care.
Whether you are new to the neighbourhood or marking a meaningful life transition, the Welcome Team is here to help you feel connected and supported. From welcoming someone to Oak Bay, to offering care after a loss, to celebrating a new chapter such as an engagement or retirement, we believe moments of change deserve thoughtful connection. If you or someone you know would appreciate a little extra care, we invite you to reach out.
Through a carefully prepared welcome kit and a brief, supportive visit or delivery, we share warmth, encouragement, and practical community information. Each kit is assembled with intention and reflects local resources, small gestures of kindness, and a genuine spirit of belonging.
Reassurance Calls
We provide brief, scheduled check-in calls at a consistent time each day or week. Offering dependable contact and peace of mind, knowing someone will be in touch. If a call goes unanswered, we follow a defined follow-up process to ensure the recipient is safe. Simple, predictable, and caring, Reassurance Calls provide steady connection and reassurance.
Snow Angels
In the rare event that we see snow here in Oak Bay, our Snow Angels are ready. Volunteers respond within 24 hours of a snowfall to clear walkways and municipal sidewalks, helping ensure safe access to and from your home. This seasonal program offers timely, practical support when winter weather arrives, reducing fall risk and supporting safe movement during snowy conditions.
Better at Home – Light Housekeeping
Better at Home is a United Way BC Healthy Aging program that helps older adults age safely and comfortably in their own homes. OBVS is the Better at Home provider for Oak Bay, offering eligible older adults one 2-hour light housekeeping visit each month, delivered by a professional cleaning service. This program helps reduce barriers to safe living by providing consistent, practical support in a respectful and reliable way.
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program
Income tax preparation support for eligible Oak Bay residents with simple returns and low income, including seniors 65+, newcomers filing their first year, and persons with disabilities. Trained volunteers provide confidential, in-home assistance to prepare and submit returns within CRA guidelines.
Companionship
We match individuals with a dedicated volunteer for ongoing, relationship-centred engagement based on shared interests and preferences. Connections are structured and predictable, and may include weekly in-home visits, phone calls, walks or drives for leisure, accompaniment to a weekly medical appointment with time for a visit along the way, or light packing and sorting tasks completed together. Each match is thoughtfully established to ensure comfort, clarity, and mutual understanding.
Silent Disco
Turn up the fun and keep the peace. Our Silent Disco brings all ages together with wireless headphones, multiple music channels, and a dance floor full of joy. Whether you love to groove, sing along, or just move your body, it is a playful way to connect, boost your mood, and enjoy light physical activity in a welcoming space.
Free Community Social Events : We host free Silent Disco community socials throughout the year. Everyone is welcome. Come dance, laugh, and connect.
Rent the Gear: Planning an event? Our Silent Disco equipment is available to rent by donation. It is a fun, low noise way to bring people together while supporting OBVS programs.