JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITING TEAM!

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you have a knack for writing heartfelt letters? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in aged care homes in the area and across Canada.  

WHAT WE DO 

We're an all-volunteer organization that mails cheerful, personal, handwritten letters and cards to elders in care facilities and senior programs. Since April 2020, tens of thousands of volunteers have sent nearly one million pieces of correspondence in 30 languages!

WHAT WE OFFER 

• A chance to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of seniors.
• Flexibility to volunteer from anywhere, anytime, year-round as an individual or with a team.
• A special program to verify service hours for students and professionals seeking community service credits. (Separate registration is required.)
• Tips and guidance for crafting personal and meaningful letters available on our website and social media platforms.
• An inclusive environment where volunteers are encouraged to share their own uplifting stories and experiences without making assumptions about the recipient's background or abilities.
• All ages and abilities are welcome! 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Join our team of volunteers and commit to writing letters on an ongoing basis.
• While handcrafted cards are welcome, they are not required; your handwritten message is what matters most.
• We encourage volunteers to limit affirmations and focus on sharing a bit about themselves to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that these personal stories their favorite part of the letter!
• Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, holidays, health and politics.
• Our partner facilities in Canada are requesting letters in 10 different languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.
• Create a group activity for your friends, coworkers, students or club members.
• Partner with a public library to host a letter-writing event.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US

• Make a direct and tangible difference in the lives of seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive community dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion.
• Experience connection and satisfaction that comes from knowing your words have the power to bring joy and comfort to someone you've never met.
  
  

GET STARTED

• Register on our website as an individual, student, or group to receive our weekly newsletter with updates and access to our web portal. 
• STUDENTS: Please complete the separate student registration using a personal email address. 
• Write some friendly letters. When you're ready to mail them, log into our web portal and choose a destination facility.
• Find us on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.

Join us in spreading kindness and smiles to senior citizens. Your words will make all the difference!

Poppy Campaign, decoration committee, Colour Party (walking, holding flags and attending multiple events), meat rolls, fundraiser support, and working in the kitchen 

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is looking for volunteers in the Durham region, to help with our donation dog program. You would be responsible for placing new donations dogs in businesses, making the collections and deposits, sending reports, and generally ensuring the donation dogs are kept tidy. This position is great for retirees and those looking to volunteer a few hours a month, with a flexible schedule. If you are interested in joining this national fundraising effort, email Jeff at events@guidedogs.ca.

BINGO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Help out our animals in a fun & social way by helping us out at charity bingo! Bingo happens in the afternoons at the Red Barn in Oshawa. Duties include counting bingo card inventory, handling cash and selling bingo cards.

We could not do what we do without our amazing volunteers. Join a dynamic and diverse group of people who are making an important contribution to improving the lives of people with kidney disease.

Volunteering with us is a positive and rewarding experience. Use your skills and talents to help others while exploring opportunities for personal growth in a respectful and supportive environment.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease through funding and stimulating innovative research; providing education and support; promoting access to quality healthcare; and increasing public awareness and commitment to advancing kidney health and organ donation.

We are looking for event day volunteers for our 2024 Kidney Walk that will be responsible for registering walk participants, set-up/take-down of the event, and route marshaling at Lakeview Park (Lakeview Park Ave, Oshawa ON L1J 7Z9) on September 29th, 2024.

Why this is a great opportunity for you: Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those with kidney disease; personal growth and professional development; hours towards community involvement; networking with volunteers, employees, and other professionals across Ontario.

Essential Skills: Exceptional commitment to the mission while understanding the purpose of the Foundation; takes initiative; ability to engage, motivate, and inspire people; works collaboratively with team members.

Requirements: Carrying and lifting; Dexterity and agility; Walking and/or standing; Communication; Reading and writing; Works collaboratively with Chapter and or Branch staff; Works as part of a team; Must be able to work with minimal supervision. Previous volunteer experience at a special event is an asset.

Minimum age: 13

Suitable for: Groups of volunteers; Family; Students/Classes or individuals

Commitment: September 29th, 2024, from 8:00am-2:00pm.

Training: Information including the meeting spot and staff lead will be provided to all volunteers in advance of the event day. Staff members on-site provide additional orientation and training during the event.

Benefits: Hours of community involvement; Recognition letters of service provided; Free parking; Light refreshments (variety of snacks and drinks); Seeing the impact of volunteer efforts while supporting individuals and their families affected by kidney disease; personal growth and professional development; networking with volunteers, staff across Ontario.

Our weekly event requires:  A Marshall - to help direct the runners at turnpoionts

A Timer - will need a smartphone and be able to download the timing app which will be used to time the prticipants for their 5K wlak/run/jog

A scanner - will need a smartphone to use the app to scan barcodes at the end of the event

A tailwalker - will be walking the course, following the last participant. Will act as course 'sweep' as well as pick up signage.

Looking for long-term Volunteers (minimum of 6 months, required to attend 2 hours minimum per week) to assist with every day programs, events, outings, entertainment and much MORE!

Be a part of a team of museum village gardeners * assist in the research, planning, planting, and maintenance of the heritage gardens

Write friendly, personal letters in Italian to senior citizens in aged care homes and programs. Spread joy to someone in their native language!

• Demonstrate empathy and kindness, connect with elders and help them realize that they are special and appreciated.

• Supply your own stationery and ensure adequate postage to mail your letters, or arrange to hand-deliver them.

• Your words will be read and cherished by elders who likely won’t have the physical ability or resources to respond to you.

• This is a remote opportunity. You’ll volunteer from home on your own schedule as your own pace.

Get started whenever you're ready by registering on our website as an individual, student, or group. We offer a program for students and student clubs requesting verification of their letters for community service credit.

A variety of volunteer opportunities available to assist with weekly timed 5 km run on the Duffins Trail * marshal, photography * setup, tear-down * timer, scanning, finish tokens * other tasks as needed

Looking for volunteers to assist with the workshops and edible garden installations at schools

If you have a special volunteer interest, please specify

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

Assist at food bank * sort food donations and pack food bags for clients * gather and pack frozen meat, produce and dairy bags for clients.

Supporting members throughout a variety of events including:

• Art Workshops
• Dances
• Cooking Classes
• Weekend Cabin Retreats - at Camp Samac
• Bowling Nights 
• Dinner & Movie Nights

Duties during events include

• engaging with members during their friends in a friendly socializing role
• promote appropriate life and social skills
• encourage members to participate in events through positive energy 
• assisting members to ensure they're included in programs i.e., holding knife while member places hand over top of yours to assist with cutting food items
• supporting staff in set up and clean up of events including: whiping down tables/counters, dishes, decorating, moving furniture, changing garbages etc. 

JA Central Ontario is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to support students through JA learning experiences* JA engages volunteers from the local business communities to add value to the student experience by sharing industry insights and expertise* Using our highly interactive education programs you will aid students in developing necessary business and life skills, to enter tomorrows’ workforce* Acting as a resource, facilitator, motivator, and role model you will facilitate a JA learning experience in the classroom for a half a full day.

 Support the visitors' program experience by assisting with crafts and activities, way finding, building interpretation, setup/take down.  

Provide excellent customer service to all Whitby Courthouse Theatre patrons in roles such as ushering, concessions sales, ticket scanners, etc.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) has volunteer and non-paid work experience opportunities for a variety of volunteers such as secondary and post-secondary students,  corporate opportunities,  festival events (Durham Children's Watershed Festival and Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival) and the Conservation Area Trail Stewards (CATS) program.