Oak Bay Volunteer Services

If you (or someone you know) live in Oak Bay and are feeling isolated, lacking connection, or you just want someone to talk to, please reach out. Our team would love to meet you and connect you to a companion, a walking buddy, or even a daily reassurance phone caller. We show up for each other, and we are here for you.

The endorphins were flowing at our silent disco on Monday! 🎧💃✨ We boogied to golden oldies and Latino dance vibes, and the joy was contagious! A huge thank you to the @oakbayfiredepartment for letting us transform their space into a dance floor. Special shoutout to Chief Constable @JulieChanin @OakBayPD for getting down with us to La La La Lamba! 🚒🔥 It was fantastic to see firefighters join in and show us their moves! Keep an eye out for our next free community silent disco—it's always a blast! If your business (café, bookstore, boutique) would love to host one of our events, reach out to Kara Udell at kara@oakbayvolunteers.org. Let’s keep dancing! 🎶✨

This month has been a lot! With so many things beyond our control, sometimes all we need is to embrace our inner Meredith Grey and... dance it out! 💃✨ Join our Oak Bay Volunteer Services team for a unique escape into the rhythm of music at our free community Silent Disco event! 🎧 📅 When: Monday, February 24th  🕚 Time: 11 AM to Noon 📍 Where: Oak Bay Fire Hall - 1703 Monterey Ave Slip on a pair of headphones, choose your channel—whether you're feeling the Latin flair or nostalgic oldies—and let loose! 💃🕺 Whether you're grooving in your chair or twirling around the room, the endorphins will flow, and the world's chaos will fade away… if only for a moment. Join us for some silliness and a whole lot of fun! We can't wait to dance with you! 🎉 To save your spot, email us at info@oakbayvolunteers.org.

As Valentine’s Day nears our practicum student, Kendra Powell, invites us to take the opportunity to change our perspective on the historically complicated day. "If you're like me and single with Valentine's Day just around the corner, you might be feeling a bit lonely or excluded. But then, you remember—being single is pretty awesome, and every day is Valentine's Day when you're treating yourself to your own chocolate! While I initially scoffed at a holiday that seems designed to make us feel inadequate—regardless of our relationship status—I've realized that Valentine's Day can be a chance to celebrate love in all areas of my life. This year, instead of indulging in cynicism, I'm embracing the love and soaking in those good vibes! As the Guardian article I read suggests, we have the power to redefine what Valentine's Day means to us, and make it our own. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy and dark, I’m choosing to take this day of love and spread a little light."

We are excited to share an upcoming opportunity to join our Board of Directors! If you, or someone you know, are passionate about community action, have a unique skill set that would do well in this role, and are interested in volunteering your time, please send us your resume. We can't wait to hear from you.

We all know that isolation can take a toll on our well-being, but how do we address it? In the article Loneliness and Social Isolation, the author explores the root causes of loneliness and offers practical solutions. At Oak Bay Volunteer Services, we're here to be part of that solution! Through social calls, visits, cultural companions, and destination walks, we’re dedicated to providing companionship and support. Whether you're looking to volunteer or in need of a friendly visit, give us a call today!

Oh what fun was had at yesterdays Volunteer Holiday Party! Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization and we could not be more thankful for each and every one of them🎄

Today is GivingTuesday, the world’s largest generosity movement. Driven by the mindset that everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts. As an organization built on the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and sustained by generosity of donors from the community, this day holds a special place in our hearts. To each and every volunteer, donor, and supporter, thank you! Your kindness has transformed the lives of thousands 💙 The Victoria Foundation Eldercare Foundation of Vancouver Island United Way Southern Vancouver Island Vancity Community Foundation Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller District of Oak Bay Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Coast Capital Savings Scale Collaborative West Wind Hardwood Inc. Oak Bay Flower Shop Iron & Wood Golf Simulators Oak Bay Beach Hotel Trevor Botkin Emma Goulding

Join us for a Silent Disco on Giving Tuesday! 🎧 🎶 🕺 I'm having a great time teaming up with Oak Bay Volunteer Services to host (free!) Silent Disco community events. This time we're super excited because the Oak Bay Fire Fighters have given us permission to move and groove in their station on Tuesday Dec 3rd, which is Giving Tuesday! 🕺 Tues Dec 3rd 11am-12pm "GivingTuesday is a global movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world." https://lnkd.in/gi3XuK4B If you're interested in joining us.. comment below or send me a DM! You're more than welcome! 🤗 🎧 🎶 - - - Silent disco events redefine social gatherings by merging music, dance, and community in an inclusive atmosphere. Attendees don wireless headphones, allowing them to select their favourite tunes at personalized volumes. This innovation supports individuals with sensory sensitivities and fosters camaraderie among participants. Research indicates that synchronized movement, like dancing, enhances social bonding by releasing endorphins, contributing to a heightened sense of connection. Those who dance together in unison experience elevated pain thresholds, reflecting the analgesic effects of endorphin release. These silent discos create environments where personal musical preferences coexist, minimizing auditory overload while promoting mental well-being. Moreover, dancing is a joyful form of physical exercise that promotes heart health and overall fitness. Silent discos thus support a holistic approach to well-being, serving as a unique, enjoyable outlet for connection, movement, and mental health benefits. Experience the rhythm; embrace the connection.

What a beautiful offering from Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics, offering to deliver donations to charities over the holiday season 💚 https://lnkd.in/gbkpYmFH