Table 3.

Characteristics of existing online volunteer training programs.

Organization	Program name	Aim/Purpose	Volunteer role/Criteria for volunteers	Inclusion criteria for volunteers	Years delivered
Calgary Seniors Resource Society	Seniors connect- caregivers	To keep seniors healthy, independent and safe in their homes as long as possible	Volunteer “connectors” ensure seniors are connected with people who care on a regular basis and receive the support they need when they need it	Over the age of 18, commit to the program for a minimum of 6 months	Organization has been in operation for “over 20 years”
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association	Hospice palliative care volunteers: A training program—online version	CHPCA is the national leader in the pursuit of quality hospice palliative care in Canada through: public policy, education, knowledge translation, awareness, and collaboration.	A Training Program has been developed to help hospice palliative care programs across the country ensure that volunteers receive the consistent training and information they need to provide high quality services	Not reported	Manual is dated 2012 (2012–Present)
Circle of Care	Friendly visitors	Dedicated to supporting independence at home and enhancing quality of life for people in the community	Friendly visitor—visiting him or her in their own home. Clients and volunteers are matched with someone of similar interests and location is prioritized based on your requirements	Not reported	Not reported
Red Cross Alliance	Health TAPESTRY	Health TAPESTRY works to help people stay healthier for longer in the places where they live. The health goals of our clients are the basis for engaging people in meaningful ways. We are doing this through an adaptable model of health care that connects people, their health care team, volunteers and their community, through the support of technology.	Visiting clients where they live, along with a fellow volunteer; gathering information using a tablet and Health TAPESTRY technology, like the TAP-App; helping clients set-up a personal health record (PHR) with the online kindred PHR; helping motivate clients to reach their health goals; connecting clients to community resources.	Be at least 18 years of age	2017- Present
Hospice Toronto	Hospice Toronto	Enables access to appropriate care and support for those with serious illness and their caregivers when they need it, where they need it, and whoever they are. We achieve this through our culture of caring and discovery that is fueled by passionate, dedicated volunteers, imaginative partnerships, and a focus on research and innovation.	Various: complementary therapy volunteers such as massage therapists or Reiki, Expressive arts therapist; or home help volunteers and creating caring communities helpers	Over the age of 18, and interviewed to be deemed a “good fit” for the volunteer program	2020- Present (Training became online for COVID)
YeeHong Center for Geriatric Care	Friendly visitors	To enable Chinese Canadian and other seniors to live their lives to the fullest, healthy, independent and dignified, through our continuum of excellent, culturally appropriate care.	Visit and chat with residents in the nursing home or isolated seniors in the community.	Be over the age of 18, have a negative vulnerable sector check and TB test	10+ years according to 2020 version of volunteer handbook.