Joining Boys and Girls Club was the best thing I've ever done in my life. I was shy and not…read moreconfident of myself because of my English language skills, and this prevented me from applying to work easily. But with training and advice, I became more confident and was able to apply for a major office job and applied for a program at BCIT. I'd like to thank all the instructoo there, especially Carol.

From the owner: Want help finding a job in customer service, retail sales, hospitality or office admin? Join our…read moreFREE 6-week government funded employment program for youth aged 16 to 29! Limited seating, so BOOK TODAY! Our online program is extremely successful that helps you improve your job search skills and attract more job offers. Get the edge you need to get hired! The program is specifically designed to give you the results you are looking for. Also, training topics are delivered online from the comfort of your home. Our graduates are gaining valuable skills to compete in the current job market.

Ooooh, my childhood library. I remember them having a summer reading program and I was obsessed. My…read moremom had to take me once a week to get at least five books. Aside from being the local public library, George Mackie is a nice one with regular events to get the community together and involved.

The library has some personality both inside and outside. Not as large in selection as some of the…read morelower mainland libraries, however, there is enough to suit the demographic and geographical location. With that said, don't go inside expecting a lot of titles and selection as the downtown location, however, what they do have is decent. I came here to a get a temp pass to use their internet. Awesome customer service.

Always a good feeling when you are witnessing the loving side of human nature, with enormous…read morededication and self sacrifice, this non-profit society has been at the forefront of saving the lives & rehabilitating the Raptor population in BC, and also surrounding States. With many helping volunteers, the facility is home to over 40 non-releasable birds, as they all had been injured through traffic accidents, flying into power lines, poisoned by toxic food source etc. If you are joining their Tour you will learn of all the stories each of the bird brings. Annually, the society helped Raptor patients number over 700!! They include spices of : Eagles, falcons, hawks, ospreys, owls & vultures! During our visit kindly arranged by our good friend Frank ( has been a volunteer for over 6 yrs ), we were able to visit the behind the scene facilities, and I was particularly impressed with all the work the volunteers are doing; cleaning all the habitats, preparing meals, helping with training the birds for educational purposes during school visits etc. The society received donations from individual & cooperate alike. I am attaching their website for more information regarding Tours for the public and ways to contribute to this very meaningful cause!! And of course donations too! https://www.owlrehab.org

* What a great way to get out of downtown and avoid the Olympic madness! *…read more Ok, I finally figured out a positive for the Olympics (they are far and few between!). It encouraged us to get out of town and explore some of the surrounding areas that have a lot to offer. This weekend we visited O.W.L. It is a nonprofit wildlife rescue organization that specializes in helping injured birds of prey. They help a few hundred birds a year, and as part of their efforts they also give free tours to encourage awareness. They didn't seem to focus on having the tour even generate donations as we had to seek out a way to make a donation to help the very worthy cause. We saw about 20 birds, including snowy owls, great horn owls, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and turkey vultures among others. The tour guide was really knowledgeable, and was able to give a background on each bird's story. The birds each have a name based on something about their character. Perhaps the most interesting backstory was the barred owl named Demon. Demon flew into a high rise building and got brain damage. When get gets angry and flies at someone he does so with his head upside down! Thankfully he was happy when we were there - but I can entirely understand the name! Perhaps the cutest were the snowy owls. Piggy (and yes another is named kermit) was doing this gaping mouth movement that entirely made him look like a cartoon character. You could never tell he had been hit by an airplane 18 years ago! The society helps heal the birds and releases those that can survive back into the wild. But there is a permanent group of "education birds" who would not be able to survive in the wild. The society gives them a permanent home and takes good care of them. This is a lovely excursion and a great way to spend an hour or two marveling at these wonders of nature. They were the perfect remedy to the Olympic invasion, and I thank the Olympics for encouraging us to get out of town and explore the surrounding areas!

Its not a business. Its non profit food distribution centre for low income people. Very clean and…read morewell organized. All volunteers have unique bar code ID's and a dedicated volunteer room to chat, rest in shifts and snack on the good food for free. Warehouse sorting and Distribution is huge but again meticulously arranged. There are separate sections for sorting, distribution,baby area , huge walk in refrigerator to keep fruits and vegetables fresh. No expired or old food is distributed. Fresh fruits n vegetables are given out to needy people free of cost and it is once a week for a family or single person. Very helpful and cooperative staff who are always on the floor to help out with anything required. Great place to volunteer as you are not only welcomed but treated good.

I've volunteered at this food bank several times; THUS i am eligible to pass judgment on it. Yes, I…read moreknow the food bank does a good deed by giving food to those who are less fortunate - but still. 1. It's dirty. (one of my volunteer shifts was spent cleaning to storage room - ew - 8 hours later, it was still not clean PLUS i'm pretty sure I saw a mouse or 2...) 2. The crowd is sketchy (I feel like I'm gonna get mugged by the people that come to collect food - half of them are drug addicts and quite unstable) I could go on, but then I would just feel mean.

This is a community organization. They host free events like Bollywood movie nights and gardening…read moreworkshops. They also host food workshops and potlucks. They have a convenient location on a pedestrian boulevard in the west end. They also host single mom meet ups, senior's and children's activities. The physical space is quite a big facility inside with numerous rooms, some of which can be rented very affordably. They provide grants to other west end community groups.

An outstanding community neighborhood house that offers some really great food series class! So far…read moreI had went to their kombucha and Indian Summer drink class and they were both fantastic! Very informative and hands on classes where you get to meet some great people in the neighborhood and staff. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming and it was great to learn to make things that I can try back at home!I'm

mostly picked over and prices xan be super hit and miss specially on "well known" mall brands but…read moreits decent size and easy to get to w transit so I visit 2 times a month usually

This is a decent thrift store with a good selection of items. I feel like some things are wildly…read moreoverpriced but if you are willing to take the time you can find some deals! It is fairly well organized and they were having a 50% off deal on dresses while i was there, an extra discount is always great!! We are thrifting for a reason!