Volunteer with the Fruit Tree Project
Through the the Fruit Tree Project, we connect dedicated volunteers with fruit tree owners in the Greater Victoria region, to harvest and share fruit that would otherwise go to waste, ensuring fresh local produce reaches community members who need it most.
Our 2026 season in underway! Tree Assessor and Harvest Leader orientations are now done for this year. You can still join as a general picker volunteer.
To join, complete the general orientation. Jump to details ↓
Types of Volunteer roles
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do here at LifeCycles. They take on a variety of roles in the harvest process to help keep the Fruit Tree Project running smoothly.
Harvest Leaders
The backbone of the whole operation. These volunteers schedule when and what to pick, drive the LifeCycles van, coordinate volunteers onsite, document the harvest, and help pick the fruit.
Fruit Pickers
Our casual volunteers. These volunteers can choose when and where they want to harvest by joining one of the picks scheduled by Harvest Leaders in the Gleaning Hub.
Tree Assessor
They are trained to help us gather important information about trees in their neighbourhood to ensure a successful harvest. They’re also often the first point of contact between Tree Stewards and the LifeCycles volunteer team!
Fruit Sorters
They are the foundation of our Community Sharing Model. These volunteers come together twice a week during harvest season to grade the harvest and redirect it into the community.
What does the process look like?
Sign up on the portal
Create an account and select the projects you’d like to help with.
Attend an orientation
Get trained on the process. Please do the general orientation below to become a general picker volunteer.
Start volunteering
Browse upcoming events on the portal and register for the ones that fit.
Tree Assessor Training
Our team of Tree Assessors are vital to being able to pick fruit at its prime! Tree Assessors go out a few weeks before the estimated harvest date and ensure we have accurate estimates of the yield and ripeness. The role involves visiting beautiful backyards all over the region, chatting with Tree Stewards and is an excellent mix of low impact on your body and high impact on our program! Tree Assessor training involves attending one of our scheduled online orientations (45 mins) and then going out with a staff member to do some practice in the field. Tree Assessors are encouraged to share in the harvest, and your efforts will be rewarded with fresh fruit available for pickup once the season gets underway.
2026 Tree Assessor Training Dates
- Thursday, June 25, 2026 – 6pm
- Thursday, July 9, 2026 – 6pm
- Saturday, July 18, 2026 – 10am
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – 6pm
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – 6pm
- Saturday, August 15, 3036 – 10am
Harvest Leader Training
Harvest Leaders are the backbone of the Fruit Tree Project. Harvest Leaders are able to choose the time and date of outings, choose what and where they pick and can choose to either build their own team of pickers or create open picks. You’ll gain experience driving vans, get practice leading teams and be a key player in the Fruit Tree Project this season. If you are wanting to get out on more picks this season consider being part of the core team and help facilitate opportunities for others to get out and harvest the abundance. Becoming a Harvest Leader involves attending one of our scheduled online orientations (45 mins) as well as accompanying a staff member on an initial Buddy Pick.
2026 Harvest Leader Training Dates
- Thursday, June 25, 2026 – 6pm
- Thursday, July 9, 2026 – 6pm
- Saturday, July 18, 2026 – 10am
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026 – 6pm
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – 6pm
- Saturday, August 15, 3036 – 10am
On the Gleaning Hub: Join → Shifts
General Orientation
Our Fruit Tree Project General Orientation is required for all new volunteers, and those who have gone on less than 3 picks in the past 2 years.
Our General Orientation is now available online on demand! Watch the video (30 mins) and complete the short quiz. Our staff will review your answers and update your account within 24 to 48 hours so you will be set to pick fruit!
