Are you passionate about nature and looking for meaningful ways to support the urban forest? Join the LEAF volunteer community as we celebrate our 30th anniversary and help us grow what comes next!

Get started by attending our interactive virtual Volunteer Orientation where you will learn how to support your local environment by getting involved with LEAF programs in Toronto, York Region and Durham Region!

We invite you to register for one of our upcoming Virtual Orientations through the links below.

      Sat, March 14 Virtual Volunteer Orientation (10:30am to 11:30am)

      Thurs, April 9 Virtual Volunteer Orientation (6:30pm to 7:30pm)

During the orientation, you will learn how to support your local environment by getting involved with LEAF programs. Together, we will explore the many volunteer opportunities available so that you can find the best fit for your skills, interested and availability. Opportunities include:

• Getting your hands dirty as a Community Tree Planting Volunteer
• Maintaining pollinator habitats as a Garden Steward
• Educating the public as an Outreach Team Member
• Capturing the fun at a tree tour as an Event Photographer
• Assisting behind the scenes as an Office Volunteer

Please note that volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Registrants will be provided a Zoom Meeting link to access the orientation.

• Share Your Story: Provide an engaging overview of your career journey
• Explain Your Path: Discuss the steps you took, challenges you faced, and key moments that shaped your career
• Encourage Interaction: Invite student questions and foster reflective discussions
• Offer Practical Insights: Share advice and lessons learned to help students navigate their own career exploration

During the morning shift, the meal is prepared for service later in the day.
Tasks for this shift include:

• Buttering buns
• Rolling cutlery
• Plating desserts
• Sorting food
• Peeling and/or cutting vegetables
• Making salad
• Making fruit salad
• Bagging food to-go
• Washing, drying, and/or putting away dishes
• Doing laundry

During the afternoon shift, guests are served a meal.
Tasks for this shift include:

• Serving guests at their tables
• Busing tables
• Wiping tables and chairs as guests leave 
• Scraping plates 
• Preparing drinks (coffee, tea, juice, and water)
• Plating meals from the steam table
• Washing, drying, and/or putting away dishes
• Handing out food to guests to go

The Board of Directors represents the leaders of our agency and serves as a working board that oversees the long term strategic vision and overall health of the organization. Directors approve the organization’s philosophy and continually review the management’s performance while working toward agency goals. The Board of Directors will also annually review and approve plans for funding in view of organizational goals. Board members have a list of responsibilities that they renew every year during the annual election at our Annual General Meeting.

• Strategic Leadership: Participate in the development and approval of the organization’s strategic direction, goals, and policies.

• Financial Oversight: Ensure the financial health of the organization by reviewing financial reports, overseeing budget processes, and ensuring responsible fiscal management.

• Fundraising and Resource Development: Assist in fundraising efforts and network with potential donors, partners, and stakeholders to support the organization’s funding needs.

• Governance and Compliance: Ensure the organization adheres to legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements, and maintain high standards of governance.

• Risk Management: Monitor and evaluate potential risks to the organization and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.

• Board Engagement: Attend and actively participate in Board meetings, committee work, and other key events, providing valuable input and support.

• Advocacy and Representation: Represent the organization at public events, in the community, and with potential donors or partners.

• Evaluation and Improvement: Regularly assess the organization’s performance and contribute to discussions on continuous improvement.

• Assist with event planning, client support, data entry, fundraising activities, etc.

• Collaborate with staff and other volunteers to achieve project goals

• Attend and support community outreach programs or events

• Help with administrative tasks as needed (e.g., phone calls, emails, filing)

• Represent Terra Nova in a positive and professional manner

• Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of individuals and families served by the organization

• Participate in volunteer meetings, training, or orientation sessions as required

Mentors meet with skilled immigrants who have been in Canada less than 5 years to give local insight and access to professional networks in their occupation * Help Mentees gain a better understanding of the Canadian workplace, develop effective job search strategies, build local professional network

Role model to child in in-school program * provide guidance, attention, praise and advice * promote importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers

Facilitate Game On,program for young men 12 to 14 * promote Literacy program, self-esteem and sports activities * provide guidance, attention, praise and advice * promote importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers

One-on-one mentor to child aged 6-16 * meet, plan weekly outing * provide guidance, attention, praise and advice * promote importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers

Facilitate Go Girls, program for girls 10-14 to learn about food and nutrition * provide guidance, attention, praise, and advice to instill trust and self-confidence * promote the importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers