Vancouver Heritage Foundation is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist at our annual Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour! Join us in delivering a highly popular full day tour engaging the community of one of Vancouver’s unique neighbourhoods. Volunteers will meet like-minded generous volunteers and engage with diverse and curious participants.
Location: South Vancouver, various locations to be updated later
Event Date: Saturday, June 1st
Time commitment: 4.5-hour shift on event day and 1-hour in-person training session.
There are three main volunteer roles detailed below. Orientations will be scheduled in May according to the best availability of volunteers.
Roles Available:
🏠 House Team – two roles are part of the house team, which you can be rotated through during your shift. You will also be rotated through the rooms of the house so you get to see everything! If you are not comfortable enforcing rules for house-entry, please indicate that you would only like the role of attendant.
- Ticket Checker – stationed at the house/property entrance. Responsible for checking tickets, enforcing tour rules for entry, and managing capacity.
- House Attendant – stationed within a room(s). Responsible for guiding participants through the room at a reasonable pace, answering questions, and ensuring the safety of participants and security of the house.
🏠 House Team Lead – Responsible for guiding the House Team throughout the day, including set-up or take-down, facilitating role/room rotation and breaks, and dealing with issues that arise. Best suited for those that have previously volunteered for a House Tour and/or have experience supervising and directing a team. Additional training session provided (required for new Leads).
🎫 Event Assistant Team
- Event Supplies Runner – Responsible for delivering and/or picking up supplies for each tour location before and after the event. Must have access to a vehicle.
- Information Table and Ticket Pick-up – stationed outdoors. Responsible for directing participants, answering questions, sharing VHF materials, and assisting in facilitating ticket pick-up.
Qualifications:
- 16+ years of age
- Positive and friendly attitude with great inter-personal skills and eager to connect with diverse audiences
- Able to take direction and manage tasks independently
- Willing and comfortable to enforce rules to the public
- Knowledge of heritage, architecture or history is not necessary, but those skills are very welcome
Support: Volunteers report to the Volunteer Manager and will be supported on-site by a lead volunteer and other VHF staff members. Volunteers will be provided with pre-event training, and a t-shirt/nametag. Questions can be directed to caroline@vancouverheritagefoundation.org.
Perks:
- A ticket to attend the tour when off-shift (non-transferrable, minimum 4 volunteer hours committed). Volunteer shifts will be for half a day and volunteers are welcome and encouraged to participate in the tour before/after their shift.
- Snacks and beverages to keep you going through the day.
- Volunteer hours validation for school credit and reference letters upon request.
- Be part of a team!
Team Building Opportunity: Are you part of an established group looking for a team-building opportunity that gives back to your community? Heritage Discovery Day and House Tour is not only a great educational event but also a significant fundraiser for Vancouver Heritage Foundation. The event even aims to spotlight local businesses and stories of underrepresented communities. If you are a group of 8 to 12 people, we’d love to hear from you. You can commit half a day or a full day, nominate your own Team Lead or have an experienced VHF Volunteer Lead join your group. Please contact Caroline to see if this event is the right fit for your group.
Learn more about our past House Tours.