My son is looking for a gap year project in Canada. We will be based in Vancouver island and he will be spending time from this August travelling in Europe and Canada before starting uni in September 2017. He is very IT literate and would like to work with kids. Anybody know of anything?

I think it would really depend on whether he is legally able to work - is this based on the presumption that your PR will come through by then?

Oh not paid work. He wants to do some charitable stuff or voluntary work. Most of the schemes I am aware of are in warmer climes and he hates the heat.
Sorry didn't make myself clear.
Our PR will definitely not be through by then.

You will need to check CIC's page about what kind of volunteering positions don't require a work permit - I was going to link to it but CIC's website is ridiculously slow right now.

Here's a few places he could look at:

I Want to Volunteer | Volunteer Canada
get volunteering
CADIP - Volunteer Programs in Canada and Abroad

Thank you
That's very helpful

Suggest he has a look at HelpX and Workaway. They are a sort of scheme where you stay with a host family who give you board and lodging and in return you give them 4 or 5 hours per day of your time as unpaid work. We've had some great people stay with us over the years. They've just had to hang out with our kids, take them to the lake, entertain them. In return we have a guest suite they can stay in. It's only generally for 1 - 4 weeks though. It shouldn't be seen as a semi permanent arrangement. Although how anyone would know.....

Is he already 18?

If so, it might be worth him considering putting a profile in for the IEC Working Holiday program in case he gets a spot which would enable him to apply for a Work Permit. Then there wouldn't be any "is it okay to do this?" concerns. He might be lucky and get invited to apply.

Determine your eligibility – International Experience Canada

You'd have to be quick though. The places are going fast.

S