Every day we see the power of community: bringing together individuals who want to overcome a barrier with those who want to help out.
Our volunteers get as much from the process as do participants.
There’s a wide age-range of people sharing their talents via our charitable societies, from students through to retirees, and all sorts of skills and backgrounds. What’s common is people sharing something they love – access to leisure, social or employment opportunities – and a belief that communities can be fair and accessible. Contact us to talk more about opportunities.
Volunteers find solutions to everyday barriers
Over 200 volunteers across Canada power the Tetra program in communities from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s Newfoundland. Tetra volunteers work both independently and collaboratively to design and build innovative custom-assistive devices that enable people with disabilities to overcome physical barriers in their everyday lives.
Bringing diverse perspectives and skills, Tetra volunteers are united in their passion and commitment to find solutions where none may exist or are accessible. Working directly with clients and often sharing ideas with other volunteers, the process to design, build and complete projects is both rewarding and practical.
Quotes From Volunteers
- Vancouver Tetra volunteer
“Volunteering with Tetra has been a rewarding, enriching and humbling experience. There are dedicated and knowledgeable colleagues to work with, all willing and happy to share their problem solving skills. The gratitude from the clients gives much satisfaction, knowing we have made an improvement in their daily lives. Happy to see younger members coming into the group, with enthusiasm and fresh approaches to clients ‘ needs. This is worthwhile work in that there is benefit for clients and volunteers.”
Ernie Mills-Hodgins - Vancouver Tetra volunteer
“Volunteering with Tetra has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Every project is unique and offers new challenges and the clients are always eager to contribute ideas. It’s inspiring to see how sometimes very simple solutions can have quite a significant impact in a person’s life, and it’s amazing to be a part of that process.”
Radu Postole - Vancouver Tetra volunteer
“Helping somebody is just as much of a reward for me as the device is to the client.”
Harry Hardy - Vancouver Tetra volunteer
“My favourite part of volunteering is the problem-solving, meeting with somebody and seeing how I can help them.”
Glen Parker - Hamilton Tetra volunteer
“I enjoy designing and making useful things that hopefully helps others in need.”
Mike McNally - Surrey Tetra volunteer
“I really appreciate the opportunity to give back and help somebody and use my skills to make a difference”
Robin de Goutiere
Do you like to build things?
Whether you are a retired engineer or an engineer-in-training; an occupational therapist, a budding architectural designer; or a seasoned carpenter, there is room for you on our team. Come to a chapter meeting and hear about new requests for assistance or learn about projects that have been completed. Meet other volunteers and either lead a new project or offer to help out with an existing one. For more information, contact our head office and review frequently asked questions.
Do you connect with people?
Do you have a natural ability to connect with people and inspire teamwork? Come help us get the word out about Tetra solutions. We’ll train and provide you with materials to build Tetra connections in the community. Follow-up with our clients and help foster more solutions for people with physical disabilities. For more information, contact our head office and review frequently asked questions.
Commonly Asked Questions
How does the Tetra process work?
Tetra is committed to finding solutions through teamwork and collaboration. A person with physical disability (or their health professional, family member or care worker) contacts us requesting an assistive device to help overcome a particular mobility-related obstacle they are experiencing. A Tetra coordinator works with the individual to develop an RFA (request for assistance) or complete one online.
Tetra connects a volunteer to work with the client one-on-one to discuss the challenge and identify possible solutions. From design to build the volunteer (sometimes in a team with other volunteers) and the client work together to find a customized solution.
Who pays for the cost of materials for the devices?
Tetra raises funds to help ensure that volunteers are reimbursed for costs associated with materials (up to a maximum limit of $500) and travel associated with a client project. During your volunteer orientation we’ll walk you through the process of submitting receipts for reimbursement.
Download our PROJECT INVOICE FORM.
Am I covered by insurance?
Yes! All the projects created by our volunteers (built or mentored by a skilled professional) is covered by insurance from design to fabrication of assistive devices.
What if I want to take my Tetra creation to market?
Tetra volunteers retain all the intellectual property rights associated with the designs they produce while volunteering for Tetra and are free to obtain patents towards commercialization.
See examples of Tetra projects created by our volunteers on our Tetra Nation website.
Have more questions? Contact Eric Molendyk, National Tetra Coordinator to learn more about how the Tetra program works.
Ways to Help
Chapters Near You
Volunteer Resources
For current Tetra volunteers, please download our PROJECT INVOICE FORM when submitting receipts. If you have recently completed a project, please complete our PROJECT INFORMATION FORM.
For new volunteers, please download and sign our VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION AND LIABILITY WAIVER FORM