Volunteers are an essential part of our community. By sharing your time, skills, and experience, you can help newcomers build connections, develop confidence, and successfully settle into their new lives in Canada.
Being a volunteer has many benefits and allows you to:
- Gain valuable experience;
- Develop new skills;
- Learn about diverse cultures and experiences;
- Make a meaningful impact!
Our volunteer programs provide an opportunity to get involved with your local community by helping newcomers begin a new life in Waterloo Region!
Volunteer Opportunities
We are always looking for new ways to involve volunteers and include the community in what we do, so as a volunteer, you’ll always see new opportunities coming up (like special events). We do also have some recurring volunteer opportunities that are ongoing and typically always available!
Our volunteers help clients in many ways:
Interpretation/Translation
Language Support Volunteers offer interpretation during settlement activities and provide a warm welcome by communicating with individuals and families in their native language.
English Conversation Circles
Volunteers facilitate and participate in English Conversation Circles, creating a welcoming space where Reception House clients can practice informal English and everyday conversations, helping clients become fluent as quick as possible!
Mealtime Community Building
Volunteers share mealtimes with new clients staying in temporary accommodation. Mealtimes are a chance for volunteers to meet with families, provide a friendly smile or conversation, and ensure everyone is well fed.
Learning the Transit System
Bus Buddies Volunteers take clients on bus trips to help them learn to navigate public transit. This increases the confidence of clients who use the bus system, and helps them become familiar with their new neighbourhood and city.
The Volunteer Journey
What you can expect during the Volunteer Matching Process:
- Complete an online application.
- Note: If you don’t hear back from us within 1 month, we will likely not be moving forward with your application at this time.
- Attend a 15-minute phone interview.
- Complete screening requirements.
- Vulnerable Sector Check (Note: this process costs $20)
- Four online training modules (or proof of prior completion)
- In-Person Onboarding session (approximately 2 hours) which includes learning more about RH, our clients, and completing required paperwork.
- Begin volunteering!
FAQs
How much time do I need to commit?
We coordinate with each volunteer to create a schedule that works for them. There is no minimum or maximum number of hours that we require from volunteers. The average time commitment we see from most volunteers is roughly 2-4 hours/ week.
We do prefer that new volunteers commit to their volunteer role for at least 3 months.
Can students volunteer?
Absolutely! We are very happy to provide letters of confirmation for high school students collecting hours for graduation!
Are virtual opportunities available?
Occasionally, a virtual opportunity does become available; however, for the most part our volunteer roles are in-person.
Do I need previous experience?
For certain roles, previous experience may be an asset, but the majority of our roles do not require previous experience. In general, we are looking for volunteers who are reliable, kind, open-minded, and great team players!
Can I volunteer as part of a group or corporate team?
We do not have group or corporate team opportunities at the moment.
How long does the application process take?
The application process typically takes about 3 weeks between the time you interview to your first shift.