Top Ways to Give Back in Parksville Qualicum Beach

As you explore our region’s winding trails, lush forests, sandy beaches and charming communities, we invite you to contribute to maintaining and enriching the area’s splendor by volunteering with an area non-profit, cultural organization, or local business. These opportunities are a unique and charitable way to engage with and experience our natural wonders and cultural experiences while also leaving a lasting impact that preserves Parksville Qualicum Beach for generations of future visitors to come.

Parksville Chamber of Commerce

Did a recent visit to Parksville leave you with a lasting impression? Are you someone who loves to share travel suggestions with friends, family or even complete strangers? Volunteer with the Parksville Chamber of Commerce to serve as a Visitor Counsellor at the Parksville Visitor Centre, where you can share travel tips, itinerary suggestions, and your love for our region with visitors from around the world.

North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre

One of Vancouver Island’s most popular wildlife experiences, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre allows visitors of all ages the unique opportunity to learn about and engage with animals that are being rehabilitated under the Centre’s care. There are several different ways animal advocates can support the Centre’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region. These include making donations by mail or online, symbolically adopting an animal, purchasing “bear shares” to support the care of resident bears, and even volunteering to work directly with the Centre at public events, educational settings, animal transportation, and more.

Milner Gardens & Woodland

The 70-acre garden oasis of Milner Gardens & Woodland inspires outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year with their formal gardens, historic buildings and beloved seasonal events. Improve your botany skills and knowledge while supporting this one-of-a-kind attraction by getting involved as a volunteer. Volunteer positions are available in core areas such as interpretation, horticulture and visitor services and include roles such as tour guides, florists, gardeners, gift shop assistants and more. Those who are unable to volunteer but still wish to contribute to Milner Gardens & Woodland may also make a donation online.

Parksville Museum

Offering a glimpse into Parksville’s history and the life of the area’s earliest settlers via exhibits, artifacts and eight heritage buildings, the Parksville Museum is one of the region’s top cultural attractions. Those with a shared passion or interest for Parksville and its history are invited to volunteer at the museum, assisting and engaging with the museum in marketing and public relations work, site and grounds maintenance, special events, research, gardening, tours, and other opportunities.

BC Parks

Parksville Qualicum Beach and our surrounding communities are defined by our tranquil natural spaces, lush parks, and incomparable trails and vistas. Those with a passion for the outdoors and an interest in the preservation of natural spaces should consider volunteering with BC Parks, where you can assist in a number of areas while still spending ample time outdoors. Opportunities include trail maintenance, invasive plant control, environmental restoration, ecological inventories and park management and planning, among other duties.

Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society

Other stewardship and volunteer opportunities perfect for those with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors can be found at the Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society. The Society regularly seeks volunteers who can assist in their mission to conserve and restore the habitats of Pacific salmon by conducting fish surveys, assessing and restoring fish habitats, and monitoring water quality, among other opportunities.

Oceanside Community Arts Council

Based out of the McMillan Arts Centre, the Oceanside Community Arts Council is a non-profit whose goal is to plan, create, enrich and support artistic experiences around the Parksville Qualicum Beach area. Those with an interest in the arts are invited to volunteer with the Council and assist in promoting the region’s vibrant arts and culture community.

ECHO Players

Delighting and captivating audiences with live theatre performances for over 40 years, the ECHO Players Society funnels the creative spirit of local community members and businesses into multiple mainstage shows each year, as well as the annual Vancouver Island Juried One-Act Play festival. As a community-first organization, the ECHO Players invite everyone to contribute their skills, talent and time to create their shows, sets and more. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with set decoration and construction, creating costumes, lighting and sound operations, front of house and even taking the stage to sing, dance, act and entertain.