Volunteering with Immigrant & Refugee Services Association (IRSA PEI)

by Heidi Riley

Immigrant & Refugee Services Association (IRSA PEI) provides short-term settlement services and long-term inclusion to the international community that has settled on PEI.

The main offices in Charlottetown and Summerside provide services Island-wide. Their mission is to be welcoming and inclusive, bring diverse communities together, and empower newcomers to build a future on PEI. They share the values of accountability, diversity, empathy, integrity, innovation, respect, and teamwork.

Clients of IRSA are immigrants and refugees who came to Canada by choice to search for a better life, or people escaping hazardous situations such as wars. They also provide services to temporary residents, international students, open work permit holders, and those with visitor visas. “We try to provide services to anyone facing challenges while settling or integrating into the Canadian lifestyle,” says Abril Guardado, Volunteer Coordinator.

Two long-term programs needing volunteers

English as a Second Language Tutor program – Volunteers support newcomers in learning English and enhancing their communication skills. One-on-one meetings are held once a week for two hours, usually at a public place such as the library. Scheduling is flexible – you can work around your availability, and you can always confer with the program coordinator.

Volunteer criteria:

• Tutors must have a minimum of Level 7 LINC English proficiency in all areas
• 18 years of age or older
• Be willing to commit to volunteer for at least six months

Training is provided in person in four sessions at the Charlottetown Learning Library. Training can also be taken online. Total training time takes about six hours to complete.

Canada Connects Program is friendship-based support for refugees and high-needs newcomers. Volunteers are matched with an individual, couple, or family, and meet once a week for two hours, based on your availability. Volunteers must have lived in Canada (preferably on PEI) for at least two years and make a six-month commitment. The main volunteer should be at least 18 years old.

Volunteers receive one hour of training and are provided with a volunteer manual for ongoing reference.

Volunteers help their match with the following:

Cultural orientation – learn about Canadian customs, culture and society

Local insights – Discover life on PEI and local community resources

Leisure activities – enjoy spending time together through shared activities

Moral support – provide emotional and social support

Language practice – practice English in informal settings

Community engagement – participate in fun, free events organized by IRSA

Support – continuous communication with the Canada Connects Coordinator

Short-term volunteer opportunities (dependent on funding, needs, and time of year)

• Holiday Host program encourages volunteers and newcomers to celebrate the festive season together. Volunteers must be established residents of PEI and be 18 years of age or older. They are matched with an individual, couple, or family for a one-day experience. Hosts typically organize one meal or seasonal activity around December 21 to January 1 for refugees or immigrants who want to learn about Canadian or other cultures, try different foods, and meet new people.

To become a holiday host, email host@irsapei.ca

• DiverseCity Multicultural festivals celebrate diversity on the Island through food, music, dance, arts, and crafts representing immigrant and First Nations cultures. Festivals are held in Charlottetown, Alberton, Summerside, Montague, Souris, and Kensington. Volunteers are welcome to showcase an aspect of their culture such as food, dance, or art.

The tentative date for the Charlottetown DiverseCity festival is June 22, 2025. Contact IRSA before the date if you are interested in participating.

• Cultural inclusion training – Help promote cultural diversity and anti-racism by leading tailored workshops. Volunteers should have high English proficiency, be comfortable speaking in front of audiences, and have experience creating PowerPoint presentations or similar materials. Training for this program is provided.

• Volunteers may also be needed for childminding and summer camps, special talents and occasional social activities. For more information, reach out to IRSA.

Requirements for all programs

• Complete the volunteer sign-up form at www.irsapei.ca/en/volunteer-signup-form
• Attend all required training sessions (if applicable)
• Submit a criminal record check (must be within the past two years)
• Sign a confidentiality agreement
• Sign a release form
• Maintain open communication with your program coordinator
• For long-term programs, sign up for only one program
• Direct any special requests from clients to IRSA