Volunteer Opportunities
Note: Volunteer opportunities are subject to availability.
| # | CATEGORY | WHAT | WHERE | WHEN |
| E1 | Environment | Community based environment group that protects and enhances a major watershed through education, bio-monitoring, ecological restoration & community involvement. Each year, volunteers plant more than 15,000 trees, shrubs and wildflowers. | Toronto | April - early November |
| E2 | Environment | Provide support for community based ecological monitoring and stewardship. Possibilities include office work, research and program assistants for field projects. | Toronto | All year. Field projects May - September |
| E3 | Environment | Botanical garden that offers themed gardens over several acres. Assist with summer gardening. | Toronto, outside Toronto | May - September |
| E4 | Environment / animals | This organization provides environmental shows and programs geared to inspiring children to protect the natural world. The Animal Care Assistant does not have direct contact with animals but assists with the care of the animal ambassadors. Animal husbandry duties include watering, cleaning, enclosure upkeep, behavioural modification, record keeping etc. Volunteers should not be afraid to touch insects. | Outside Toronto | All year |
| E5 | Environment | Eco friendly house sponsored by a major Ontario city. In addition to the house, there are organic gardens, flower gardens, idling free program, windmill, lightbulb program, earthworms for composting. | Outside Toronto | All Year |
| E6 | Environment | Large areas of a rich agricultural area are in need of re-forestation. The mission of this organization is to plant 150,000 tree saplings - the minimum needed to maintain good water quality and quantity. Volunteers assist at a tree nursery to plant and prepare seedlings. Learn about propagation of native trees and wildflowers, climate change and the role of trees, ecosystems. Possible interaction with school groups and public groups involved in this massive project. | Outside Toronto | All Year |
| E7 | Environment | This organization is committed to promoting an understanding of and appreciation for nature. Volunteers can help with summer camps (July and August) or educational programs for schools (spring and fall). They could also help maintain the ecological health of the area by maintaining trails, building displays and caring for the resident animals. | Outside Toronto | April - November |
| E8 | Environment | This ecology society provides stewardship for a major urban park through initiatives in education, research and conservation. Opportunities include assisting with programs for schools and the public, assisting at the information building and invasive species removal. | Vancouver | All year but 2 month minimum. Special programs for Halloween (1 month minimum through October 31) and Christmas (end November - December). |
| E9 | Environment | This nature park works in partnership with a city to deliver natural history programs for children and the public. Volunteers could help with school programs, special events and park operations (wildlife garden, trail maintenance, weeding, pruning and special projects). Short term placements in park operations are available for a minimum of one week. | Vancouver | School Programs late Sept. - early Jun. Park Operations Apr.- Oct. |
| E10 | Environment/Children | This organization provides programs for children to promote environmental awareness through science-based farm learning (sustainable farming). | Vancouver | School programs spring and fall. Summer camps in July & August. |
| E11 | Environment | This well respected wilderness preservation organization has opportunities in general office work, research, public outreach and trail club activities (e.g. build a trail or farm). | Vancouver & Outside Vancouver | 12 months for office work & research. Trail club activities are spring, summer and fall. |
| E12 | Environment | Volunteers work with the parks department of a major city to visit various city parks and assist the horticulture division. Watering, pruning, planting, weeding & fertilizing of ornamental plants and gardens. | Outside Vancouver | All year |
| E13 | Environment | This organization is a regional land trust. Their mission is to conserve natural habitats. Volunteer opportunities TBD. | Victoria and outside Victoria | TBD |
| E14 | Environment | This magnificant public garden welcomes volunteers to assist with gardening, greeting visitors at the garden and the gate, gift shop steward and tea room server. | Victoria | March - September |
| E15 | Environment | This major horticulture centre has 6 acres of gardens and 93 acres of woodlands. Volunteers help with gardening & special events. | Victoria | All year |
| E16 | Environment | This nature sanctuary is a nature education centre comprising two areas; a marshy lowlands around a lake and rocky, oak-forested highlands. Volunteers can help with trail construction, gardening with native plants, invasive species removal, bird watching, special events, summer camps or special projects for those who prefer to work inside. Short term placements available to assist with trail maintenance, habitat rehabilitation and invasive species removal. | Victoria | All year. Short or long term |
| E17 | Environment | Habitat assessment project of a watershed & stream. Learn about watersheds and what constitutes a healthy stream and what negatively impacts rivers and streams. | Comox (Vancouver Island-remote) | July & August |
| E18 | Environment | This organization focuses on environmental education through interpretive programs for the public and schools as well as community stewardship. | Tofino (Vancouver Island - remote) | Short term (2-3 days for invasive species removal Sept. - March). Festival August 23 for one week. Possibly school & other summer programs. |
| E19 | Environment | Major research reserve works to preserve the natural resources and environment of a region. They offer programs about flora, fauna, hydrology, agricultural practices and geology. Volunteers will assist in the community gardens. Other possible opportunities with trail maintenance and possibly school programs / special events. | Outside Toronto | May - September |
| E20 | Environment | This grassroots organization engages people in local environmental action for a cleaner, greener city. Help in one of the local community Gardens; with programs for children and the public or in the office. | Toronto | June - September |
| E21 | Environment | Urban agriculture. This organization is seeking youth who are interested in environmental, social justice, not-for-profit issues. Plant, prune, mulch & weed at local community gardens or help in the office. Get your hands dirty, or not - but be prepared to make a difference! | Vancouver | All Year |
| E22 | Environment / fisheries | This fish hatchery & education centre plays a vital role in sustaining fish stocks and creating fish habitat which have been declining since the construction of a local dam. It is located in a beautiful conservation reserve. Volunteers should have an interest in fish and their environment. Help restore the river! | Vancouver | All Year |
| C1 | Children | After school programs & drop-in centres including recreational, sports, games, reading, arts & crafts, computers, music, cooking, homework & many others. Day care programs for pre-school children. March break and summer camp programs. | All locations | After school programs early September to 3rd week of June. Day care all year. |
| C2 | Children | Assist in classrooms Kindergarten through grade 8, also with gym class and lunch monitoring. This will be of interest primarily to teachers. Limited availability - special request only. | Outside Toronto, Toronto, Outside Vancouver | Mid September - Mid June, excluding Christmas and March break holidays. |
| A1 | Animals | Provide shelter and care for homeless, abused and abandoned domestic animals until they can be adopted. Duties could include animal socialization, cat cuddling, grooming, dog walking, cleaning, helping with special events e.g. adoptathons, accompanying the animals to vet visits etc. | Toronto, outside Toronto, Vancouver, outside Vancouver, Vancouver Island (outside Victoria) | All Year |
| A2 | Animals | Assist at a pet hospital. Duties could include observing examinations and surgeries, monitoring animals in recovery, cleaning and assisting staff. | Outside Toronto, Victoria | All Year |
| A3 | Animals | This children's farm provides an educational form of entertainment for the whole family. Helps children develop a respect for farm animals including goats, miniature horses, donkeys etc. Duties include clean-up, raking pens, food & water, grooming. | Victoria | March - early October |
| A4 | Animals | This horse ranch offers riding lessons, boarding, March break and summer camps and trail rides. Opportunities depend on experience level but include cleaning, grooming, feeding, water etc. | Outside Vancouver | January to November |
| A5 | Animals - Wildlife | Unique opportunity to learn about Canadian nature and wildlife / birds. Help care for small birds, owls & bats as part of their research breeding program. Gather data on Bald Eagle nests. Help develop public programming or web based data entry. | Outside Vancouver | All year. Two months minimum prefered. |
| CS1 | Seniors | Seniors in-residence retirement homes. Duties could include walking, visiting, helping with meals, transport via wheelchair, assisting with recreational activities including games, bingo, social events etc. TB test required. | Toronto, outsideToronto, Victoria | All Year |
| CS2 | Seniors | Assist more active seniors with recreational programs at community centres including, exercise, sports, special events etc. | Toronto, Outside Toronto | All Year |
| CS3 | Disabled children & adults/Animals | This organization enhances the quality of life for disabled children and adults through equestrian therapy (horse riding for the disabled). Duties depend on experience but could include horse care (cleaning, feeding, grooming, tacking), leaders (working with the horses), sidewalkers (working with the riders). | Outside Toronto, Outside Vancouver | All Year |
| CS4 | Children with special needs | This organization provides programs for children with spina bifida, downs, cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, speech impairments, hearing loss. Volunteers can provide support to therapists and families, assist with special events, admin support, equipment. Mandatory proof of immunization is required along with TB test (contact Red Leaf for list of specific immunizations required). | Outside Toronto | All year - Short term preferred |
| CS5 | Youth Selter | Social work, community outreach, teens at risk, young mothers. Volunteering with homeless and troubled youth as well as young mothers. | Outside Toronto | All Year |
| CS6 | First Aid and Injury Prevention | This humanitarian organization offers community outreach programs in first aid, CPR, injury prevention, babysitting, youth programs, water safety, health equipment etc. Assist with research projects and with community program/events. This placement will be of interest particularly to those interested in the health care field (ie. becoming a paramedic, nurse, doctor...) | Outside Toronto | May 1 - September 30. Three Month Minimum |
| CS7 | Services for the Deaf | This organization offers services and educational programs to promote self-reliance within the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing community. They welcome both deaf and hearing members of all ages. Volunteers could help with the literacy program. A little sign language would be helpful, or the willingness to learn. Required English level: Intermediate. | Outside Toronto | All year |