Shelter, guidance and hope for women and children fleeing violence.
We are so lucky to have over 100 volunteers come join us every year. On this page, we feature just a few of our regular super stars. Click on each picture to learn more about them and their contributions to Dixon!
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What is your role with Dixon as a volunteer?
I do weekly grocery delivery and recently I’ve been an advocate for the House in helping to acquire and organize donations.
For how long have you been volunteering with Dixon?
Since November 2016
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
I couldn’t put into words how rewarding this is, all I can do is say thank you to Dixon for the amazing opportunities.
What quote, ideology or theme inspires you to continue to do what you do?
I’ve only asked for three things to get me through the good and bad times: peace, grace, and strength.
What is your role with Dixon as a volunteer?
I am a Master Gardener trained through the VanDusen Master Gardener program. I currently volunteer every Tuesday morning at Dixon House for a few hours of work in the garden alongside my furry companion Maya!
How long have you been with us?
10 years
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
I love interacting with the house and seeing the staff, women, and children each week. I get to see residents engage with the garden by helping us water and even, pick and arrange flowers for staff. I can see how it adds a sense of peace, rest, and safety to the house.
What keeps you volunteering with us?
I’ve seen the importance of volunteering and I’ve been raised to give back to our communities. Raising 3 boys, I’ve always been volunteering throughout my adult life especially after retirement. I find it is meaningful and I like to keep active and engaged.
What is your role with Dixon as a volunteer?
I come every Monday morning to help upkeep Bea’s Boutique – the donations room where the residents come to find clothing, bags, shoes, and other treasures.
How long have you been with us?
5 years. I was connected through my work TELUS through the Day of Service since around 2013.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
I enjoy the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the house. I like to see that women being able to find things that they need to continue to rebuild their lives from violence.
What keeps you volunteering with us?
I like to get out and help others! Especially as a career woman of 41 years, I But I find I also benefit by engaging myself in work that is meaningful and with purpose.
What is your role with Dixon as a volunteer?
My role is to keep my owner Megan and the Dixon House staff, women and children some company.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
My favourite thing is when I get to play with the kids
What keeps you volunteering with us?
I love the carrots that the humans feed me!
What is your role with Dixon as a volunteer?
I tutor some of the fantastic women and children at the Transition House in mainly English but also math, science, Spanish, and more! I have also helped a couple with their citizenship test preparation.
For how long have you been volunteering with Dixon?
Since October 2016
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
My favourite thing is seeing the constant positive outlook most of the residents have on life and how I can try to help make their day maybe a bit brighter by a kind smile and attitude.
What quote, ideology or theme inspires you to continue to do what you do?
You never know what anyone has gone through in the last minute, hour, day, or year of their life and all it takes in one second to extend a smile and change someone’s day if even for a minute.
What is your role with Dixon as a volunteer?
I am a Master Gardener, a Certified Horticultural Therapist and the Coordinator of the Dixon House Garden Project (one of a number of community projects with the VanDusen Master Gardeners). I currently have 7 volunteers who join me every Tuesday morning at Dixon House for a few hours of work in the garden.
For how long have you been volunteering with Dixon?
I started the project in 2001.
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
We work in the garden to create beauty and a sense of refuge for staff and residents. We like to encourage residents to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of horticulture and the natural world by joining us in the garden.
What quote, ideology or theme inspires you to continue to do what you do?
“A garden is a teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” – Gertrude Jekyll
