Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) has a variety of volunteer opportunities for 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. 

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!

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

Volunteers needed to exercise their expertise in the following areas:

• receive and sort donations
• greet and help assist customers 
• cashier duties
• electronics/small appliance fixer and tester
• put together creative, pleasing displays
• handyman around the building 
• clean and price items for the following departments:  housewares, books, jewellery, sports, furniture, clothing, shoes, linens, purses and luggage, toys, electronics and high-end collectables/sports memorabelia

Facilitate one hour/week of music for a small group of adults with developmental disabilities. Singing, playing instrument etc. an asset. This position ca be filled by an individual or small 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!

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

A Central Ontario is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to support students through JA's signature learning experience, Company Program.

JA Company Program Advisors inspire a new generation to dream big and reach their goals. This unique learning experience that empowers young people in grades 9-12 with the skills, connections and confidence to build something incredible - a business, a community and a bright future.

Company Program is a hands-on entrepreneurial experience for high school students. As a team, students are guided through innovation processes and design thinking. Together with peers and mentors, they produce a prototype, product or service, organize the production and marketing, interact with customers, handle money, and meet deadlines. Company Program combines in-person after-school meetings, online learning and exciting events.

How it works
Working alongside a team of business professionals, advisors act as mentors, role models and facilitators to a group of 10-20 high school students during an 18-week entrepreneurial journey to create, run and liquidate a business.

Over 18 weeks, Advisors support teams of students as they create a company, choose a product or service and run their very own business. You will meet with your team once a week for 2-3 hours, after school, at a specified location.

Program Summary:
In-Person: The program will be running in-person across Central Ontario.
Number of advisors: Each advising team will consist of 1 to 2 lead advisors and 3 or more advisors.
Number of students: With your advising team, you will be supporting a team of 10 to 20 high school students. You will be mentoring the same group of students for the entirety of the program.
One business: The group of students you work with will come up with one business to create and run over 18 weeks.
Curriculum: Resources, training and support for all volunteers are provided by the JA Central Ontario Company Program team.

About JA Central Ontario
Here at JA Central Ontario, we prepare youth for life, for meaningful work and for an opportunity to do good in the world. We help young people go from saying ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’ through our immersive, digitally-enabled learning experiences. Students learn practical skills like budgeting, saving and starting a business - but they also learn adaptability, creativity, problem-solving and a host of interpersonal tools too. They also meet industry experts and mentors - adult allies who can help them envision their future. We’re all about skill building – minus sleeping through the boring parts. Because with JA, there are no boring parts.

JA Central Ontario is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated in-school volunteers to empower the next generation through financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.

Volunteers join a classroom of eager students to facilitate an exciting JA learning experience. Working with students in grades 3-12 (the age range depends on the experience you're teaching), volunteers bring the program content to life and use their real-world experience to help students learn all about these important life skills.

Through our highly interactive learning experiences you will support students in developing the business and life skills they need to build an exciting future. Acting as a resource, facilitator, motivator and role model you will teach a JA learning experience in the classroom. You can volunteer on your own, you and a colleague/friend can sign up together, or we can match you with a partner. We have multiple programs to choose from, depending on your interests and skills.

JA will also provide all necessary training and support to help you you empower the next generation as an in-class volunteer.

The program lasts 6 hours per session, and volunteers can take part multiple times. 

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.

This program allows high schools students to be a mentor and get the 40 hours required to graduate from High School. Ages 13 – 18 years old.

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.

Volunteer one to two hours of your time to help out young moms in the Durham religion by delivering free food bags.

Food delivery days are every Tuesday, where our volunteers meet up at our Ajax office around 12:00 pm to pick up the food bags. They then deliver the bags to pregnant/new moms, and their families in Durham.

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

• 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

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

Attend assigned charity bingo sessions on our behalf * 2 hour bingo sessions that work with your schedule * duties involved include light cleaning and providing customer service