Our Story

Pacific Civic Works Society was incorporated as a registered non-profit society in British Columbia in 2009. What began as a small group of concerned residents organizing weekend park cleanups in East Vancouver has grown into a multi-program organization serving 12 neighbourhoods across the Greater Vancouver area.

Over the past 16 years, we have placed more than 28,500 volunteers, conducted thousands of neighbourhood cleanup events, and distributed over 200,000 meals and food hampers to individuals and families in need. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and impactful — from structured community service placements to emergency food assistance.

Our Mission

To strengthen Greater Vancouver communities through neighbourhood beautification, direct food assistance and charitable services to individuals in need, and structured, supervised volunteer opportunities that give people meaningful ways to contribute to and connect with their communities.

Our Vision

A Greater Vancouver where every neighbourhood is clean, safe, and cared for — where no one goes hungry, and where every individual has the opportunity to contribute positively to their community.

Our Values

Board of Directors

Pacific Civic Works Society is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of community leaders, professionals, and long-term residents of Greater Vancouver. The board provides strategic oversight, financial accountability, and ensures our programs remain aligned with our mission.

Program Overview

Our flagship program organizes weekly cleanup events across 12 Greater Vancouver neighbourhoods. Volunteers participate in litter collection, graffiti removal, garden planting, invasive species management, and general beautification of parks, streets, alleyways, and public gathering spaces.

Each cleanup is led by a trained PCWS coordinator who provides supplies, safety briefings, and documentation for volunteer hours. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to give back or completing community service requirements, every set of hands makes a visible difference.

What Volunteers Do

• Litter and debris collection in parks, streets, and waterfront areas
• Graffiti removal and fence/wall maintenance
• Seasonal planting, weeding, and garden maintenance
• Trail clearing and park bench restoration
• Community mural support and public art maintenance

Neighbourhoods We Serve

Our cleanup crews are active in East Vancouver, Downtown Eastside, Mount Pleasant, Strathcona, Grandview-Woodland, Hastings-Sunrise, Kitsilano, Marpole, South Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey.

Program Overview

Our food assistance program provides fresh groceries, non-perishable goods, prepared hot meals, and emergency food hampers to individuals and families facing food insecurity across Greater Vancouver. In 2024 alone, we distributed over 34,000 meals through our network of distribution sites and partner organizations.

We partner with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, local grocery retailers, restaurants, and farms to source quality food that would otherwise go to waste. Our volunteers sort, package, and deliver food directly to those who need it most.

Services Offered

• Weekly fresh food hampers for registered individuals and families
• Emergency food packages available same-day for crisis situations
• Hot meal service at community sites twice weekly
• Holiday meal packages for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter
• Nutritional education and cooking workshops

How to Access Food Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please contact us at +1(604)-750-7618 or visit our office at 700-838 W Hastings Street, Vancouver. No appointment necessary for emergency food packages. For weekly hamper registration, please bring valid BC identification.

Program Overview

Pacific Civic Works Society provides structured, supervised volunteer placements for individuals completing court-ordered community service hours. Our program is recognized by courts and probation officers across the Greater Vancouver area as a reliable, accountable, and meaningful placement option.

Participants are assigned to active community projects — from neighbourhood cleanups to food bank sorting — under the direct supervision of a PCWS coordinator. All hours are documented, verified, and reported according to court requirements.

How It Works

• Contact our office to schedule an intake appointment
• Bring your court documentation specifying required hours and conditions
• Complete a brief orientation session (approximately 30 minutes)
• Begin your placement with scheduled shifts that fit your availability
• Receive signed hour verification letters for your probation officer or court

Important Information

All placements require a valid intake appointment before hours can begin. We accommodate most scheduling needs including weekday, evening, and weekend shifts. Our program maintains strict attendance and conduct policies to ensure a safe, productive environment for all volunteers.

Program Overview

Beyond food and cleanups, PCWS runs year-round charitable outreach programs that address a range of needs in our community. We coordinate warm clothing drives in the fall and winter, distribute hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness, assemble and deliver seasonal holiday hampers, and provide referral services connecting people with partner agencies for housing, employment, and mental health support.

Current Outreach Initiatives

• Winter Warmth Drive — collecting coats, blankets, and warm accessories (October–February)
• Hygiene Kit Program — monthly distribution of personal care essentials
• Holiday Giving — Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter hampers for 500+ families annually
• Community Referrals — connecting individuals with housing, employment, and health services
• School Supply Drive — back-to-school kits for children in low-income families

Program Overview

Launching in Spring 2026, our Youth Civic Engagement program is designed for young Vancouverites aged 14–24 who want to make a difference in their communities. The program combines hands-on volunteer projects with leadership workshops, mentorship from community leaders, and skill-building opportunities.

Program Components

• Monthly leadership workshops covering communication, project management, and civic responsibility
• Hands-on community improvement projects designed and led by youth participants
• One-on-one mentorship with experienced PCWS coordinators and board members
• Graduation certificate recognized for high school volunteer hour requirements
• Annual Youth Community Impact Award for outstanding participants

Year-Round Community Events

Pacific Civic Works Society organizes a full calendar of seasonal events that bring communities together, raise awareness about local issues, and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism. These events are open to everyone and serve as wonderful entry points for new volunteers and supporters.

Upcoming & Annual Events

• Spring Cleanup Series (April–May) — Our largest cleanup initiative of the year across 12 neighbourhoods
• Summer Block Parties (July–August) — Free family-friendly events in parks with food, music, and community booths
• Fall Harvest Drive (September–October) — Collecting non-perishable food and warm clothing for winter distribution
• Holiday Giving Campaign (November–December) — Assembling and delivering holiday hampers to 500+ families
• Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night (January) — Celebrating our incredible volunteers with awards and community dinner

Make a Donation

Pacific Civic Works Society is a registered non-profit organization in British Columbia. All donations of $20 or more receive an official charitable tax receipt. Your generosity makes our programs possible.

Other Ways to Give

• Monthly Giving — Become a sustaining donor with automatic monthly contributions of any amount.
• Corporate Sponsorship — Partner with PCWS to sponsor specific programs or events. Contact us for sponsorship packages.
• In-Kind Donations — We accept food, clothing, hygiene products, gardening supplies, and cleaning materials.
• Legacy Giving — Include Pacific Civic Works Society in your estate planning.

Donate by E-Transfer, Cheque, or In Person

E-Transfer donations can be sent to DONATE@PACIFICCIVICWORKS.ORG. Cheques can be made payable to "Pacific Civic Works Society" and mailed or delivered to our office at 700-838 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6. For in-person donations, please visit during office hours.

Your Privacy Matters

Pacific Civic Works Society ("PCWS," "we," "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our volunteers, donors, program participants, and website visitors. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your information.

Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you register as a volunteer, submit an inquiry form, make a donation, or contact us. This may include your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and volunteer type preference.

How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for the purposes of coordinating volunteer placements, processing donations and issuing tax receipts, communicating program updates and event information, and responding to your inquiries. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at INFO@PACIFICCIVICWORKS.ORG or +1(604)-750-7618.

Website Terms of Use

By accessing and using the Pacific Civic Works Society website, you agree to comply with these terms. This website is operated by Pacific Civic Works Society, a registered non-profit society in British Columbia, Canada.

Use of Content

All content on this website, including text, images, logos, and graphics, is the property of Pacific Civic Works Society and is protected by applicable copyright laws. You may view and download content for personal, non-commercial use only.

Volunteer Placements

Volunteer placements, including court-ordered community service placements, are subject to PCWS policies and procedures. Participation requires completion of an intake process and adherence to our code of conduct.

Limitation of Liability

Pacific Civic Works Society makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information on this website but does not guarantee that content is error-free. We are not liable for any damages arising from the use of this website.

Contact

For questions about these terms, contact us at INFO@PACIFICCIVICWORKS.ORG.