Frequently Asked Questions

I am thinking about volunteering at St. Boniface Hospital. What should I consider?

Determine if you are able to commit time every week to volunteering. Think about your interests and skills – this will help Volunteer Services determine where you might be best suited to volunteer.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 16 years old; however there are some positions within the hospital where volunteers must be 18 years old. Youth volunteers must have signed parental consent when applying.

When are volunteers needed?

We require volunteers seven days a week, with some positions beginning as early as 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Please note: we have limited volunteer opportunities on evenings and weekends.

Is there a time commitment required to volunteer?

We would like to accommodate our volunteers’ busy schedules; however, we would appreciate a minimum commitment of six months, or 60 hours in total.

How long are volunteer shifts?

Shifts range from two to four hours, depending on the placement.

What is the process to volunteer at St. Boniface Hospital?

Volunteers must fill out an application form, and mail, fax, or drop off the completed form to Volunteer Services. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 must have signed parental consent when applying. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by staff from Volunteer Services. All volunteers will go through an interview process, where you will be asked to provide three references. Successful volunteer candidates will attend an orientation session and receive training for their volunteer assignment.

I am interested in participating in improvement activities, or becoming a member of a St. Boniface Hospital Council or Committee. Is the process to volunteer the same?

All volunteers are coordinated through Volunteer Services, including members of various councils and improvement activity participants. Interested volunteers must fill out an application form, and mail, fax, or drop off the completed form to Volunteer Services. Please check off that you are interested in “Improvement Activities, Councils, and Committees.” Volunteer Services will forward your application to the Patient Safety & Quality Office – you will be contacted from office staff for subsequent interviews.

What type of references do I need?

If you are interviewed as a potential volunteer, you will be asked to provide three references. Please note that references from family or from personal friends will not be accepted, unless you were employed by them. Be sure to ask permission to use their name as a reference, and have their current phone number.

How are volunteers placed at the Hospital?

Many factors are considered when matching volunteers to a placement, including your availability, interests, skills, and current vacancies. Volunteer Services staff will meet with you to help you make the right choice.