Volunteer Vancouver

Volunteers: Cob House Popcorn Volunteers
Event: Astra Lumina Vancouver
Organization: Stanley Park Ecology Society
Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver BC

Stanley Park Ecology is looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to join our Cob House team during the Astra Lumina at Stanley Park event. Based in the charming Cob House beside the Miniature Train Plaza, you’ll sell fresh popcorn, chat with visitors, and help raise funds that directly support environmental education and conservation programs in Stanley Park.

Whether you’re looking to gain customer service experience, meet new people, or spend your summer in one of Vancouver’s most beautiful parks, this is a fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity.

As a Cob House volunteer, you’ll:

• Prepare and sell fresh popcorn to Astra Lumina visitors
• Process card payments
• Help open and close the popcorn stand
• Follow food safety and sanitation procedures
• Keep the stand stocked and organized
• Chat with visitors and answer questions about Stanley Park Ecology and our programs

Requirements

• Enjoy interacting with the public and able to communicate in a friendly and polite manner;
• Good English-speaking skills;
• Able to take directions and work as a team in a busy environment;
• Willingness to work in a semi-outdoor environment;
• Reliable transportation to and from Stanley Park (note that the number 19 bus stop is right next to the miniature train area);
• Be a minimum of 16 years old;
• Foodsafe Level 1 is an asset but not required.

Training

No previous experience is necessary – we will provide training!

Training sessions will be offered in advance of or during the first volunteer shift and will cover:

• Preparing popcorn
• Operating the payment system
• Food safety and cleaning procedures
• Customer service expectations
• Sharing information about Stanley Park Ecology

Time Commitment

The Astra Lumina at Stanley Park event runs from October 22nd through to December 2026. The event operates from Wednesday-Sunday weekly.

We’re ideally looking for volunteers who can commit approximately to one regular shift per week, though we’re happy to discuss alternative availability.

Typical shifts are from 5:30-9:30pm. Shifts may begin later, depending on the event start time. We’re also happy to accommodate shorter or longer shifts where possible.

Free parking is available for volunteers at the lot beside Astra Lumina.

Benefits

• Gain customer service, fundraising, retail, and food service experience
• Build confidence interacting with the public
• Spend your summer outdoors in Stanley Park
• Meet other volunteers and become part of the Stanley Park Ecology community
• Receive a reference letter after completing 25 volunteer hours
• Attend volunteer appreciation events
• Access volunteer perks, including discounted Stanley Park Ecology memberships

Application Procedure

To apply, please complete this application form: Cob House Popcorn Vendor – Application Form – Fill out form.

If you have any questions, please email Harper, Volunteer Coordinator, at vols@stanleyparkecology.ca .

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