I’m Deborah, a lifelong volunteer in dementia and end-of-life care, now building the first Sanctuary on Wheels in Calgary – a mobile comfort and companioning space supported by my trained Briards (therapy and service dogs). Volunteers help with the bus conversion (carpentry, painting, insulation, organizing) or with gentle animal care, depending on their skills and comfort level. I will arrange full accommodation and all meals, along with a calm, supportive environment and flexible hours under 20 per week. Volunteers have two days off weekly to explore Calgary or rest. Key rules are simple: kindness, respect for the dogs, and a willingness to contribute to a meaningful community project.

What category best describes your hosting arrangement? 🏡

• Private home / family

Location (city/town, region, country) 📍

• Calgary, Alberta, Canada

What are you looking for help with?

• Building 🛠
• General Help 💁‍♀️

What’s the mission of your community? 🎯

Our mission is to create a mobile sanctuary that brings comfort, dignity, and compassionate presence to people facing dementia, end-of-life, grief, or crisis. We combine community support with the grounding presence of trained therapy dogs to offer a calm, human-scaled space where people feel safe, seen, and cared for. Volunteers help build the first Sanctuary on Wheels unit, contributing to a project that will serve vulnerable individuals and families across Alberta and beyond.

At its core, this mission is about kindness, connection, and showing up where people need it most.

Volunteers age restrictions 🔞

• 18+ only (required)

Volunteers with disabilities ♿✅

• Yes, we can host volunteers with disabilities (please explain in the note below) ♿

Volunteers should be comfortable around large, gentle dogs, as the Briards are an active part of the project. Light to moderate physical tasks may be involved in the bus build, but volunteers can choose duties that match their abilities. My home is calm and sensory-friendly, but not fully wheelchair accessible due to stairs. No smoking or vaping inside the home or around the dogs. Kindness, respect, and a willingness to contribute to a peaceful environment are the only essential requirements.

How many volunteers could you host? 🎎

• 6–10 volunteers

When do you usually need volunteers? 📅

• This summer (2026)

How many hours of help per day? ⏱

• 2–3 hours/day

How many days of help per week? 🌒

• 5 days/week

Notes about the work, schedule, and house rules

Work is light to moderate and volunteers can choose tasks that match their abilities, such as painting, organizing, basic carpentry support, or helping with the Briards’ daily care. The schedule is flexible with under 20 hours per week, and volunteers can arrange their hours around mornings or afternoons, with two days off each week. My home is calm, respectful, and scent-sensitive, so no smoking or vaping is allowed inside or around the dogs. Volunteers are expected to be kind, responsible, and comfortable living with large, gentle therapy dogs.

Quiet hours are observed in the evenings to maintain a peaceful environment for everyone.

Are accommodation and food included? 🏠🍜

• Yes, food and accommodation are included

What type of accommodation can you provide? 🏕

• Private home (host family) 🔑
• Tent 🎪

Diet – nutrition information 🥗🥤

All meals are provided, and I’m happy to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. I cook simple, healthy meals and can adjust for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or other sensitivities. Volunteers are also welcome to use the kitchen if they prefer to prepare their own snacks or meals.

The goal is to make sure everyone feels nourished, comfortable, and cared for during their stay.

Fee transparency (required) 💳

• NO FEE

What volunteers receive (in addition to food/accommodation) 🏆🏅

In addition to food and accommodation, volunteers receive hands-on experience in a real bus-to-sanctuary conversion, guidance in basic carpentry and design tasks, and the opportunity to work closely with trained therapy dogs. They also have plenty of free time to explore Calgary, enjoy local parks and trails, or rest. I provide a calm, supportive home environment and am available for local orientation and help navigating the city. Volunteers are welcome to share their own skills, learn new ones, and be part of a meaningful community project.

What are the available activities during free time? 🚴🚣🦒

Volunteers can explore Calgary’s parks, riverside pathways, and nearby nature trails, or visit local cafés, museums, and markets. The city has excellent transit, making it easy to reach downtown, the Bow River, and cultural attractions. On quieter days, volunteers are welcome to relax at home, read, spend time with the Briards, or enjoy the peaceful neighbourhood. Weekend trips to the mountains (Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis) are also possible for those who want to explore further.

Languages spoken on site 🗣 🗣🇬🇧

• English

Geography 🌳

Volunteers can explore Calgary’s parks, riverside pathways, and nearby nature trails, or visit local cafés, museums, and markets. The city has great transit access to downtown, the Bow River, and cultural attractions. On quieter days, volunteers are welcome to relax at home, read, spend time with the Briards, or enjoy the peaceful neighbourhood. Weekend trips to the mountains- Banff, Canmore, or Kananaskis- are also possible for those who want to explore further.

How to get to your site ✈ 🗺

Volunteers can fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is the main airport for the city. From there, it’s easy to reach my home by public transit, rideshare, or taxi. I can provide detailed directions once travel plans are confirmed, and I’m available to help volunteers navigate their arrival. The project is based in a quiet neighbourhood in Calgary with good access to transit, parks, and local amenities.

Is there internet access? 🌐

• Yes, reliable Wi-Fi

CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧