CURRENT Opportunities with A Better Life Foundation:

  1. Work Experience Positions, Paid, Temporary
  2. Indigenous Cook, Lead
  3. Indigenous Cook, Apprentice
  4. Donor Stewardship & Fundraising Manager

See below for more information on each role.

work experience, PAID

Location: Vancouver, BC | Compensation: $20/hr | 200 Hour Placements | Training & Support Provided

A Better Life Foundation (ABLF) is excited to offer temporary, paid work experience placements through the Work Experience Opportunities Grant (WEOG). These roles are designed for people who may be facing barriers to employment and want to gain new skills, confidence, and hands-on experience in a supportive environment.

These placements are temporary and capped at 200 hours. After your placement ends, the program is designed to support you in finding your next opportunity – through training, references & helping connect you with future work to the best of our ability.

Where You’ll Work

  • Save On Meats – 43 West Hastings – Transit Pass will be provided 

What You’ll Get

  • $20/hour pay for 200 hours of work (roughly 6-8 weeks, depending on schedule).
  • Potential Training and certifications (FoodSafe, WHMIS, First Aid, as necessary etc.) to build your resume.
  • Transit and equipment costs may be covered.
  • A supportive workplace where you’ll be shown each step and encouraged to learn at your own pace.
  • Real work experience that helps open doors to future jobs.
  • Food! – plenty of delicious meals on site and that you can take home. 

Role Options (Choose the one that fits you best)

1. Recovery Kitchen Assistant (typical shift is 8am – 2pm – but flexible)

Help prepare meals for our community while learning kitchen basics.

  • Food preparation, packaging meals, light labour.
  • Sorting rescued food donations and helping reduce waste.
  • Kitchen experience is definitely an asset.
  • Perfect for folks interested in working in kitchens and pursuing a career in cooking 
  • Training available
2. Indigenous Food Program Assistant (typical shift is 8am – 2pm – but flexible)

Be part of our Indigenous Food Programming team.

  • Assist with preparing culturally relevant meals.
  • Learn about Indigenous traditions, ingredients, and cooking methods.
  • Support the sharing of food and culture in community.
  • Perfect for folks from indigenous backgrounds and an interest in cooking 
  • Training available
3. Plenty of Plates Community Ambassador (flexible hours)

Be the welcoming face of our community dinners.

  • Greet guests and distribute tickets.
  • Help create a warm, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Support the team in hosting memorable community meals.
  • Perfect for outgoing personalities who love to help their community and smiling 

Who Can Apply

These positions are open to anyone legally able to work in B.C. who is receiving (or eligible for) supports such as:

  • BC Employment Assistance (BCEA), Disability Assistance (PWD), Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers (PPMB), or Hardship Assistance.
  • Indigenous-administered or federal equivalents.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, we can help you check.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We welcome applications from all people of all abilities, races, genders, and backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as simple and accessible as possible. If you need support applying, let us know.

We Support You With What You Need

At A Better Life Foundation, we want everyone to feel comfortable and able to do their best work. That means we’ll do our best to provide reasonable accommodations if something would help you succeed.

Here are some examples of what that could look like:

  • Mobility supports – like lighter tasks, help moving items, or tools to reduce strain.
  • Hearing or visual aids – or using training materials in large print, audio, or visual formats.
  • Step-by-step learning – extra time, clear instructions, or working with a buddy at first.
  • Language support – plain language instructions, translation, or interpretation where possible.
  • Ergonomic equipment – like a supportive chair or adjusted workstation.
  • Scheduling flexibility – adjusted hours, shorter shifts, or extra breaks if needed.
  • Sensory accommodations – noise-cancelling headphones, quieter space for breaks, or different lighting.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) – gloves, masks, or other items suited to your needs.

If there’s something we’ve missed, just let us know – we’ll work with you to find solutions.

How to Apply

Send us a short note with your name and how to contact you. A resume is welcome, but not required.

  • Email: info@abetterlifefoundation.ca

About A Better Life Foundation

A Better Life Foundation has been serving Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside since 2013, providing over 5 million meals with dignity, love, and care. We believe food is more than nourishment – it’s connection, opportunity, and hope.

As a recognized supportive employer, we create jobs and training for people facing barriers to work, while also running programs that fight food insecurity, recover food waste, and build community. Joining us means being part of a team that believes food is love – and that everyone deserves a seat at the table.

 

APPLY FOR WORK EXPERIENCE ROLE NOW

United Way BC Work Experience Grant is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. 

 

indigenous Cook Lead & Indigenous Apprentice Cook (PT/FT Options)

Location: Vancouver, BC | Compensation: Cook Lead $20–$25/hr | Apprentice $18–$22/hr (based on experience) | Hybrid PT/FT

About the Program

A Better Life Foundation (ABLF) is launching a dedicated Indigenous Food Program that celebrates the culinary traditions of Turtle Island and reconnects urban Indigenous youth with cultural foodways. Rooted in the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk), this program weaves Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to foster healing, food sovereignty, and empowerment.

We are hiring for two complementary positions within this program:

1. Indigenous Cook Lead

The Indigenous Cook Lead will bring lived experience and familiarity with traditional ingredients, recipes, and methods that celebrate Turtle Island practices. Working primarily with the ABLF kitchen team — who will support with ordering, logistics, and day-to-day cooking operations — this role will focus on producing Indigenous meals, guiding apprentices, and collaborating respectfully with Knowledge Keepers and advisors to honour teachings and create opportunities for intergenerational learning.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the preparation of Indigenous meals (2x per week) for community partners.
  • Mentor apprentice cooks, providing guidance in traditional cooking skills, practices, and values.
  • Collaborate with advisors and Knowledge Keepers to ensure meals are culturally relevant and teachings are honoured.
  • Develop and adapt recipes that highlight seasonal and traditional ingredients of Turtle Island.
  • Support community events and youth-focused learning seminars.
  • Ensure food preparation meets ABLF’s standards of safety, hospitality, and dignity.

Qualifications

  • Lived experience and deep familiarity with Indigenous food traditions, ingredients, and cooking methods.
  • Experience leading in a kitchen — training, teaching, or mentoring others.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills; able to coordinate across a team.
  • Passion for food sovereignty, youth empowerment, and community healing.
  • Food Safe certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Flexibility to work evenings/weekends for community events as needed.
2. Indigenous Apprentice Cook

The Indigenous Apprentice Cook position is designed for someone who wants to learn, grow, and contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous food traditions. This is an opportunity to work closely with a Cook Lead, Knowledge Keepers, and advisors to prepare meals for community members and youth. Apprentices will gain hands-on kitchen experience while also learning the deeper significance of ingredients, recipes, and methods that connect us to land, culture, and community.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with the preparation of Indigenous meals (2x per week) for community partners.
  • Learn traditional cooking methods and recipes under the mentorship of the Cook Lead and Knowledge Keepers.
  • Help prepare and support community events, youth workshops, and cultural seminars.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen environment.
  • Support ingredient sourcing and food recovery efforts in alignment with program values.

Qualifications

  • Interest in learning Indigenous cooking practices and commitment to cultural revitalization.
  • Some experience in food preparation or kitchen work (professional or personal).
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills.
  • Reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn.
  • Food Safe certification (or willingness to obtain).
  • Flexibility to work evenings/weekends for community events as needed.

How to Apply

Send us a short note with your name and how to contact you. A resume is welcome, but not required.

  • Email: info@abetterlifefoundation.ca

About A Better Life Foundation 

A Better Life Foundation provides critical meals, training, and community support to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). Every year, we serve 500,000+ meals, run high-impact employment programs, and create pathways to food justice. Our Indigenous Food Program, developed in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and guided by community knowledge, is grounded in dignity, respect, and inclusivity.

We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous candidates, as well as those with lived experience of poverty, colonization, or marginalization. We also welcome applicants with disabilities and are committed to creating an accessible, supportive, and inclusive workplace.

 

APPLY FOR INDIGENOUS COOK ROLE NOW

 

DONOR STEWARDSHIP & FUNDRAISING MANAGER

Location: Vancouver, BC | Compensation: $70,000-$80,000/yr | Hybrid FT

Great fundraising isn’t just about the ask — it’s about connection, trust, and long-term relationship building. You’ve been part of a team that’s built something great, and now you’re looking for your next opportunity — a chance to shape a growing donor program, foster meaningful supporter relationships, and contribute to a mission where you can witness the impact of your work first-hand.

About A Better Life Foundation

A Better Life Foundation (ABLF) provides critical meals, training, and community support to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). Every year, we serve 500,000+ meals, run high-impact employment programs, and create pathways to food justice. Our work is chef-driven, community-focused, and built on dignity and inclusion.

We’re looking for a Donor Stewardship & Fundraising Manager to expand our donor community, drive major fundraising campaigns, and secure transformational funding. You’ll join and be supported by a strong and nimble team that has experienced year over year growth despite industry trends.

We have deliberate plans to expand, create opportunities for advancement and growth all culminating in stronger, food secure communities. Build on our community and donor success, and engage with our diverse stakeholders.

The Role

Donor Stewardship & Engagement (50%)
  • Develop and implement a donor stewardship strategy that strengthens relationships and drives long-term retention.
  • Ensure donors feel connected and valued through personalized impact updates, curated touchpoints, and high-touch relationship management.
  • Build tailored engagement plans for individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations, ensuring they see the impact of their giving.
  • Create compelling donor journeys that deepen involvement and increase retention among recurring and major donors.
  • Coordinate and help design donor appreciation events, site visits, and behind-the-scenes experiences that connect all stakeholders of our community.
  • Oversee CRM and donor database management, ensuring accuracy, segmentation, and insights-driven strategy.
Fundraising & Revenue Generation (25%)
  • Launch multi-channel fundraising campaigns (digital, direct mail, P2P, social) to increase recurring annual donor retention.
  • Identify, write, and win competitive grants, increasing support for existing and innovative programing.
  • Leverage AI, donor CRMs, and analytics to refine fundraising strategy and increase ROI.
Strategic Communications & Storytelling (25%)
  • Develop compelling partnership, programming and future opportunity updates  that drive donor action across email, social media, and print.
  • Own the donor experience—craft impact reports, personalized touchpoints, and strategic updates.
  • Connect directly with our community to build personal narratives, compelling KPIs and deliver real life examples that communicate our impact. 
  • Represent ABLF as an ambassador at community events, donor meetings, etc.

The Perfect Candidate

  • Mission-Aligned – You’re passionate about food security, social equity, and community-driven change – an unrelenting optimist who believes in change.
  • Fundraising Experience – You’ve been part of a team that has sustained and grown significant budgets through diverse revenue streams.
  • Relationship-First Fundraiser – You build trust, loyalty, and lifelong donor commitments by focusing on empathy and transformative impact.
  • Strategic & Data-Driven – You use metrics, AI, and analytics to optimize donor engagement and fundraising performance.
  • Innovative & Adaptable – You’re always exploring cutting-edge fundraising approaches, from digital giving to impact investing. You value creativity and working in environments where you can be creative.
  • Data-Confident – You’ve worked with donor CRMs (e.g., Keela, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and know how to segment, track, and leverage donor insights.
  • Expert Communicator – Storytelling and compelling narratives are part of your personal and professional life. You understand that to be heard effectively you also need to be an active listener. 
  • Detail-Oriented & Organized – You love tracking engagement, personalizing donor outreach, and ensuring no touchpoint is missed.
  • Self starter – you’re able to work collaboratively on a team but also excel when your goals are set and the opportunity to shine independently is provided. 

Requirements

  • Minimum 3-5 years in a business development, fundraising, stewardship or other applicable experience. 
  • A bachelor or college degree in a relevant field. 
  • Ability to commute to our location in the Downtown Eastside multiple times per week including some evenings. 

The Offer 

  • Competitive Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 (performance-based incentives available)
  • Full Benefits: Comprehensive & robust health, dental, life insurance, and wellness supports
  • Professional Growth: Leadership development, industry conferences, mentorship 
  • Flexible Work: Hybrid model (mix of in-office, remote, and donor-facing events)
  • Impact-Driven Work: Your efforts will directly fuel food security, employment programs, and community transformation in Vancouver’s DTES

How to Apply

Submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter (don’t be afraid to tell a story) to info@abetterlifefoundation.ca, addressing:

  1. How have you helped build donor relationships that led to long-term impact?
  2. In your opinion, what are the main contributing factors to donor retention and engagement?
  3. Please tell us about what resonates with you about ABLF’s work and impact?

We are proud that our team represents the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, and individuals whose lives have been impacted by poverty, mental health, addiction, colonization or marginalizing factors first-hand. 

APPLY FOR DONOR STEWARDSHIP ROLE NOW