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!

Designing social media content for our platform that are engaging with current trends and opportunities to increase brand exposure for our company.

• Collaborate in teams and or with other staff members and volunteers.
• Propose ideas to improve DFCC's social media platforms.
• Provide support for designing flyers, and posters while being informed of trending topics.
• Create and plan the contents of the volunteer and or youth monthly newsletter. It can incorporate feature articles, updates and highlights of DFCC's activities and achievements. 
• Create weekly quotes either inspirational or informative to engage followers.
• Writing blog posts about our initiatives and events 
• Identify community needs and recommend new topics

The Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario is looking for volunteers to support the seafarers when they arrive in our ports here in Oshawa.  Volunteers are needed to support seafarers in our centre by ensuring that we are open, coffee and snacks are available, assist seafarers in their needs and be a friendly face to those that are far from home.  We are also looking for volunteers to visit the ships to connect with the seafarers there and ensure that their welfare and needs are looked after.

Nature of the Position

This position offers practical and emotional support to Seafarers.

​Outline of Responsibilities

• Welcome seafarers to the Port of Oshawa

• Respond to emergency calls for assistance

• Offer practical, emotional support to seafarers

• Engage in conversation with and be a friendly ear to people far from home and family

• Journal visits

• Bring a “presence and welcome” to ship-bound seafarers

• Provide practical support to crews

• Requires CSA rated safety boots/shoes, to be provided by volunteer

• Requires proper personal protective wear, to be provided by MTSSO

• Attend volunteer meetings and training events as required

As a board member, you will be required to:
- Be an advocate for the organization.
- Attend quarterly board meetings – please note that currently most of the meetings are held online and when in person, they are held in the Oshawa area.
- Actively serve on at least one Board committee and support committee initiatives.
- Attend and support fundraising and project initiatives when possible.

We are particularly interested in board members with the following:
- Experience in finance and accounting; a licensed Chartered Public Accountant is an asset.
- Expertise and experience in Human Resources.
- Legal expertise, particularly in non-profit law.
- Fundraising experience and expertise.
- Lived experience that aligns with our mission, i.e., cultural education, community empowerment, and social justice.
- Any experience or expertise in DEIA is considered an asset.

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.

Join us as a Volunteer at the Christian Faith Outreach Centre's low barrier "one stop shop" HUB in Ajax, ON. Your role will be pivotal in providing support and assistance to individuals seeking a wide range of services in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Your dedication and compassion will help make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

- Greet and assist patrons with a friendly and non-judgmental approach, offering guidance on available services.

- Collaborate with referral partners to connect individuals with needed services and resources.

- Distribute basic necessities such as food, hygiene products, and clothing.

- Support resource organization and maintenance in the HUB, including restocking and cleanliness.

- Empower and advocate for patrons, encouraging self-advocacy and steps towards improvement.

- Maintain a safe and inclusive atmosphere, following established guidelines and protocols.

Qualifications:

- Essential qualities include compassion, empathy, and a nonjudgmental attitude.

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

- Ability to maintain confidentiality and respect privacy.

- Flexibility and adaptability to a dynamic environment.

Training and Support:

Receive thorough training covering de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, and HUB services. Ongoing support and supervision provided.

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

Provide positive one-on-one attention, guidance, and support to a child while at school; play sports, games, crafts, promote importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers 

Deliver food boxes on Fridays to clients' homes.  Food boxes contain a variety of healthy food essentials, locally made or grown.

Packers assemble food items, organize and fill food boxes on Thursdays.

Deliver meals along an assigned route usually designed to be completed in 1-1.5hrs * Deliver meals to the clients' door.  Have a few minutes for a brief chat.  Pick-up around 11am.

Pack meals in MOW bags in the morning hours

Clean out and sanitize returning MOW bags in the afternoon 
 

General volunteers do a variety of tasks including food service * dispensing pantry goods * monitoring washrooms * coat check * and various other odd jobs.

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

• Promoting our programs and workshops on social networks and monitor engagement (e.g. comments and shares)
• Creating and distributing marketing copy to advertise our projects
• Writing blog posts about our inititatives and events 
• Ultimately, you will help us reach our target audience by delivering both useful and appealing online information regarding our events, workshops and programs.
• Identify community needs and recomend new topics

Requirements:

• A student involved in the above areas of study, seeking to get hands on experience

   Or:

• Anyone with experience and a willingness to get involved with community work.

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

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

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 shoppers purchase new and gently-used womens, mens and childrens clothing * ensure tidiness of store * set up and take down displays * handle cash * sort clothing donations * promote, be able to talk to customers about Bethesda House

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

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.

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.