As the public COVID-19 vaccination campaign ramps up across the province, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is looking for volunteers to help in communities, including Powell River.
“We are turning to the public to help with this enormous task so we can get as many people as possible vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Mélie de Champlain, VCH director, Powell River Community of Care.
Volunteers are being recruited immediately and will be asked to help with various tasks, such as greeting, registration, traffic control, et cetera.
“We need the help of the community to bring this pandemic to an end,” said de Champlain. “We appreciate anyone who is able to offer their time and support for the benefit of our whole community.”
Ideally, volunteers will be able to commit to at least one four- to six-hour shift per week for a period of four months, but all applicants will be considered. Basic English proficiency is required, and a second language is an asset.
All volunteers will be fully prepared and provided with an orientation, training and on-site supervision. Volunteer shifts will take place on the upper floor of Powell River Recreation Complex, which has recently been shifted from a testing site to a vaccination site.
“This is an opportunity for people to be involved in a global effort,” said de Champlain. “This is an incredibly busy and exciting time for all of us, and we hope many community members will want to be part of it.”
Applications are now being accepted. Anyone interested in volunteering can get an application form at prcomplexclinic.com/vaccines and email the completed form to [email protected].
Although vaccinations are now underway in Powell River and a view of the pandemic’s end is in sight, we must remain vigilant and continue to follow public health guidelines, said de Champlain.
“It is more important than ever for people to wear their masks, avoid indoor social gatherings with anyone other than people in their households, and get tested if they have any signs of COVID-19,” she added. “We must keep each other safe until a majority of residents in our area have been able to get vaccinated.”
As COVID-19 case numbers rise across the province, stronger restrictions have been put in place, prohibiting indoor dining, indoor exercise classes and indoor religious gatherings until April 19.
