Looking for volunteers to create and facilitate virtual games for our Zoom groups. One hour sessions can be weekly, biweekly or monthly. Games like, Matching, jeopardy, wheel of fortune and spot the difference can be shared with the group.

To apply visit https://bttr.im/7u5e1

SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE:

BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!

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, our dedicated volunteers have sent countless letters and cards in 30 languages, spreading joy and connection around the globe!

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! 

IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Ideal volunteer: Writes unique, friendly, conversational letters to connect with the reader and make them feel special. We offer ideas and sample letters on our blog and social media.
• You’ll mail your handwritten letters to one of our partner facilities. After you register with us and write some letters, log on to our user portal to choose a destination.
• We operate on a two-week cycle; please don't sign up for letters until you have the time and supplies to mail them. Every two weeks - e.g. September 15, September 29, October 13, etc. - our mailing list resets, and new requests for letters become available for you to claim.
• Expenses: Postage, writing materials, envelopes. You can send multiple letters in one large envelope to save on postage.
• You won’t know the name of the reader. Address letters as “Dear Friend.”
• This is not a pen pal program; while you may occasionally receive a response, most seniors don’t have the physical ability or resources to write back to you.
• We have no staff, physical office, or phone. Please email volunteer Lindsay for support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Join our team of volunteers and commit to writing letters on an ongoing basis.
• Focus your message on sharing a bit about yourself to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that these personal stories are their favorite part of the letter!
• Limit affirmations and general well wishes, as they can come across as impersonal when overused.
• Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, holidays, health and politics.
• Keep your message positive!
• While handcrafted cards are welcome, they are not required; your handwritten message is what matters most. It doesn't need to be fancy.
• 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, employees, co-workers, classroom or club members.
• Team up with a public library to host a letter-writing event.
• Post our flyer on social media and community bulletin boards at libraries, cafes, bookstores, stationery and craft stores, and apartment complexes.

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

1. Register with us on our website at https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose the registration option that applies to you:

• individual
• student (for students requesting community service hour verification, including student clubs)*
• group

2. Contact Lindsay if you have any questions.

3. THE FUN PART: Write some friendly letters!

4. When you're ready to mail them, log into our web portal and choose a destination facility.

5. Keep an eye out for our email newsletter every Sunday, and connect with us on social media: LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook 

*Students and professionals requesting official documentation for community service credit should review our Community Service Guidelines and then complete our Registration Form. You’ll work 1:1 with a member of our Student Liaison Team. You will be asked to submit photos of your work for verification. We award one hour of community service credit for every four letters written & sent that meet our guidelines.

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

You can Apply to any of the three departments! 

Content Creation:

• Create and experiment with different design templates for posts and stories

• Brainstorm and thoroughly plan out new content each week, including opportunity posts and weekly feature posts

• Quality control of design content

• Creating our monthly newsletters

• Adding blog posts and content to our website!

External Operations:

• Conduct research and implement different social media engagement strategies for YHYO based on social media analytics & Instagram Advertising

• Respond to DMs about opportunities from our followers

• Networking with organizations for sponsorships/collaborations

• Organizing any in-person or virtual events that we have

• Researching opportunities available for youth in Ontario for our newsletter and Instagram

Human Ressources:

• Create a culture of self-improvement by facilitating and managing performance evaluations

• Coordinate recruitment and off-boarding, and keep the team organized

• Incharge of taking notes and attendance in all org wide meetings

• Following up with all members for deadlines and reporting if they are being completed on time

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.

To participate in the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s 1:1 Peer Support Program as a Peer Mentor, delivering emotional support to other caregivers as they navigate their caregiving journey * be familiar with OCO’s mission, vision and programs and supports * facilitate peer support programs in a confidential, non-judgmental and friendly atmosphere * expertly guide conversations that allow caregivers to meet others with similar and dissimilar caregiving experiences * offer support and guidance on matters that help caregivers in their journey * provide feedback on OCO’s programs and resources that can help shape the ongoing delivery of OCO’s support and resources for caregivers * maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues as per OCO’s confidentiality agreement * communicate in a timely matter any concerns or issues to OCO staff liaison * follow all policies and procedures outlined in OCO’s volunteer handbook * understand and accept the roles and responsibilities of the peer support program * successfully complete all peer mentor training

The volunteer program is currently running on-line  
 
Assist grade one-to-three students improve reading skills * listen to child read, help with sounds or pronunciation if needed * reinforce reading for enjoyment

Get involved at one of the locations of Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ * many volunteer opportunities to choose from * administration, committee member * support services, education, community relations * recreation, special projects, fundraising, virtual volunteering 
 
Click here to fill in an OSCC Volunteer Application Form