volunteer with us

Public Education – Do you enjoy educating members of our communities about respecting wildlife? Are you a retired educator and would like to teach with us?  We are replying to hundreds of public inquiries every summer season about common wildlife related questions. We are looking for volunteers who would like to assist us in expanding and delivering meaningful content on wildlife coexistence. You would be working under direct supervision of our Executive Director. Help us share expert advice with the public. Lend a hand on your own weekly emailing day – so we can continue to respond in a timely fashion 7days/week. We are responding to THOUSANDS of wildlife inquiries ANNUALLY!

Maintenance – Are you a professional trades person or an experienced “Jack/Jill-of-all-trades”? Are you willing to volunteer in construction & maintenance of our wildlife care facility in Summerland? Time commitment will vary with projects, but if you can commit to a 4-6 hrs shift per weekend, we want to hear from you! We also organize “work-bees” on a regular basis (usually in early spring and late fall). Get your name added to our work-bee-volunteer-list and we will contact you first for upcoming construction/maintenance projects. Options to sign up as a group for a one-time larger project as well (e.g. building enclosure extensions or installing a new pool, working on our food-plant garden, painting projects).

Transport – Not ready to commit weekly, but still would like to help in the summer season? We always need transport volunteers. You could be picking up building supplies, physical donation items or new patients from our drop-off clinics (once trained here on-site for animal transport). Our transport area stretches from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm. Availability of your own truck, trailer, van or any other type of vehicle is required (for insurance purposes). Your fuel is considered a donation to us, but you may get some nice IWRS swag and a lot of unique adventures await you!  

Retired lawyer, bookkeeper or administrator? We are in need of a non-profit sector lawyer or law student  as well as a bookkeeper willing to volunteer these professional services. Work under supervision of our treasurer and help us keep our numbers straight! Time commitment will vary but if you are willing to offer help a few hours a month, please contact us. Admin support on various levels can be discussed with our ED too! Your support will make a huge difference to our society’s growth and level of care we provide to our wild patients.

Fundraising – Yes, it takes a village! Timing is flexible. You can work from your home-base and we meet online as needed (mainly in spring and fall seasons). Join our creative fundraising committee to find new ways of raising funds for our society and help us improve our programs! This can include searching and applying for grants offered by private foundations or looking for sponsors. Help us plan and run events (such as our annual “Wild About Spring Fundraiser”). Experience in fundraising prep is an asset, but not required. Creativity is a must! Attention to detail comes with practice – and practice you will get plenty of !