Services

We offer transportation assistance for clients who require drives to medical appointments, recreational activities, to run errands and to shop for essentials. Drives are provided from a client's home to a location in the community and back to ensure each client makes it safely to and from their destination. Vehicles can often accommodate walkers and wheelchairs.

Our clients can request a volunteer to walk with them to and from a nearby destination for a medical appointment, recreation class, shopping trip, or errand. This is a great way to engage in active living and get out in the community.

Volunteer visitors provide regular visits at a client’s home. Whether chatting over tea or playing a friendly game of cards, clients have the opportunity to connect with a caring volunteer for companionship. 

Social calls between a client and a volunteer offer the opportunity to connect from the comfort of a client's home. Clients are paired with a volunteer for weekly, ongoing connection.

A social walk, or wheelchair push, with a volunteer promotes active aging and a connection to community. Walks are a weekly, ongoing service to help build a rapport between client and volunteer.

Phone volunteers provide scheduled wellness check phone calls that ensure the health safety of a client who lives alone. Phone calls follow an emergency protocol to ensure the well-being of a client is maintained and should an emergency arise, a plan is in place to help that individual get the care he or she needs.

Volunteers provide writing support by filling out forms and other documents.

Our clients can call in to be matched with a volunteer to enjoy a performance or visit a local gallery or museum together. The volunteer will provide a ride to and from the venue and enjoy the event with the client.

Oak Bay Volunteer Services is a designated agency for CRA’s Community Volunteer Income Tax Program and processes tax returns for seniors, newcomers to Canada and individuals living with mental or physical health challenges. Clients must meet the program requirements including residing in Oak Bay, having a financial status within the lowest tax bracket, and, in general, having a simple tax return.

We process tax returns year round and have our peak time during the regular tax season of March and April. If you or a loved one needs tax assistance, contact our office.

We provide minor home repairs to address simple household issues should a client not have the financial means for a paid handyperson. Repairs can include small carpentry, electrical, plumbing and painting jobs.

Clients interested in learning how to use a device or who need assistance installing software can access the support of a volunteer. This service is for minor technology support for those who need assurance and guidance with using and maintaining technology.

Delivering fresh, healthy meals can make such a difference in the life of a senior. OBVS is proud to be the Oak Bay agency for the More Than Meals Program - a meal delivery program providing weekly meals to seniors throughout Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands. Clients receive three fresh, nutritious meals delivered by one of our caring volunteers. Participation is on a sliding scale based on personal income, with low income participants receiving meals at no cost.

Volunteers can assist clients with a minor organizing job, such as packing a box of donations or helping organize a closet.

Our volunteers with green thumbs provide one-time or short term jobs to help maintain a client’s garden and grass should the individual not have financial means for a paid gardener. Services include weeding, pruning and mowing.