Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Volunteerism has taken many forms in our history, and continues to evolve. For many Black people in Canada, volunteering has taken the form of fighting for human rights, advocating for equity, forging networks for mutual aid, and filling gaps in social services for Black communities, to highlight just a few.  Their stories are a part of Canada’s diverse history, as are the contributions of so many Black individuals that have been unjustly wiped from our historical records.

Read about 10 notable Black volunteers, advocates and community organizers who have helped shape Ontario and Toronto’s heritage below (Source: Government of Canada):

The Honourable Jean Augustine

Jean Augustine is a trailblazing politician, social activist, and educator. She was the first African-Canadian woman to be elected to the House of Commons, the first African-Canadian woman to be appointed to the federal Cabinet, and the first Fairness Commissioner of the Government of Ontario.

Born in 1937 in Happy Hill, Grenada, Augustine overcame personal and economic adversity from an early age to excel academically, and began her career as a teacher. After arriving in Canada in 1960, she advanced her education and career prospects, participated in grassroots organizations to strengthen minority and women’s rights, and served her community and the City of Toronto with great passion and charisma. Augustine carried her roots and convictions in community service, education, and advocacy as she entered politics in 1993 as a Member of Parliament. In 1995, her proposed motion before Parliament to recognize February as Black History Month passed unanimously, thereby establishing a lasting tradition of celebrating the important contributions of Black Canadians to Canada’s history, culture, development, and heritage.

Mary Bibb

Born a free person in Rhode Island, Mary Bibb became an abolitionist, teacher, dressmaker, activist and co-editor of the Voice of the Fugitive. In 1854, Mary Bibb also founded the Windsor Ladies Club, also referred to as the Mutual Improvement Society. Mary, along with her husband Henry, was also instrumental in managing the Refugee Home Society and distributing aid to incoming Underground Railroad travelers. They provided newcomers with food, clothing, housing, but also job training and protection from slave hunters. This was in addition to establishing a school for young people who were excluded from the local public school due to discrimination. It was in 2002 that Mary, along with her husband Henry, was recognized as a Person of National Historic Significance in Canada.

Lucie and Thornton Blackburn

Lucie and Thorton Blackburn, like many of the Underground Railroad refugees, headed for the towns and cities where they could find work and where they would help mould the character of their new homes.

The Blackburns were fugitives from Kentucky who escaped slavery and settled in Detroit. However, their former owner tracked them down there and tried to return them to slavery. In a highly publicized escape that left Detroit engulfed in riots, the Blackburns were able to make it to Canada. The Canadian Courts defended them against the threat of extradition. This was seen nationally and internationally as a symbol of Upper Canada’s role as a safe haven for Black refugees.

The Blackburns settled in Toronto and, in 1834, built their home on what are now the grounds of the old Sackville Street School. Thornton operated the first cab in the young city of Toronto. The Blackburns worked tirelessly in their new community for the abolition of slavery and to help other Underground Railroad refugees settle in Canada.

Dionne Brand

Dionne Brand is an accomplished poet, writer, filmmaker, educator and social activist. Born in Trinidad, Brand immigrated to Canada in 1970 and earned her BA in English and Philosophy at the University of Toronto and MA in the Philosophy of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Brand has published poetry, fiction, essays, and other writings exploring themes of gender, race, sexuality and feminism, white male domination, injustices, and the “moral hypocrisies of Canada.” She has also taught and continues to teach literature, creative writing, and women’s studies at various universities across North America.

Brand’s political and social work includes chairing the Women’s Issues Committee of the Ontario Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, helping to organize the Black and Native Women’s Caucus of the International Women’s Day Coalition, working for Toronto’s Black Education Project, and serving on the board of the Shirley Samaroo House, a Toronto shelter for battered immigrant women. She has also worked as a counselor at the Immigrant Women’s Center and an Information Officer for the Caribbean Peoples’ Development Agencies.

Rosemary Brown

Rosemary Brown came to Canada from her native Jamaica in 1950 to attend McGill University in Montreal. First elected to the British Columbia legislature in 1972, she served until her retirement in 1986. She also ran for the leadership of the federal New Democratic Party in 1974.

A feminist and public advocate, Rosemary Brown dedicated her life to helping others. Over the years, she served her fellow citizens as the Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission (from 1993 to 1996), and was a founding member of the Vancouver Status of Women Council and the Canadian Women’s Foundation. 

Senator Anne Clare Cools

Senator Anne Clare Cools was born in 1943 in Barbados, West Indies. She was educated at Queen’s College Girls School, Barbados, Montreal’s Thomas D’Arcy McGee High School, and McGill University, from which she holds a Bachelor of Arts.

Senator Cools is a Senator from Ontario. Recommended by Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, she was summoned to the Senate in January 1984, becoming the first Black person in the Senate of Canada. Senator Cools was a social worker in innovative social services in Toronto. A pioneer in addressing domestic and family violence, in 1974 she founded one of Canada’s first women’s shelters, Women in Transition Inc., and was its Executive Director.

Afua Cooper

Afua Cooper is a distinguished and internationally recognized educator, historian, performance artist, and poet. In her poetry, she incorporates African rhythms and vibes of the Black diaspora which carry a strong sense of history and place, as well as an underlining feminist sensibility. Cooper is a founding member of the Toronto Dub Poets’ Collective, founder of the Black Canadian Studies Association (BCSA), and the third James Robinson Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology at Dalhousie University.

Born in Jamaica to a family of nine children, Cooper immigrated to Canada in 1980 during a period of great political unrest in Jamaica. She proceeded to become one of the most influential and pioneering voices in the Canadian dub poetry and spoken word movement. She currently resides in Toronto, and teaches sociology at Ryerson University.

Kathleen “Kay” Livingstone

Kathleen “Kay” Livingstone (1918-1975) was born in London, Ontario, in 1918. During the Second World War, Kay Livingston worked at the Dominion Bureau of Statistics in Ottawa. It was in Ottawa that she began a career as a radio host with "The Kathleen Livingstone Show." In 1942, she married George Livingstone, and they moved to Toronto where they raised their children.

Livingstone worked to break down prejudice and promote equality of individuals of all origins and contributed to the development of a more tolerant society. She was deeply involved in expanding a collective awareness and pride in the Toronto Black community in the post-Second World War period. As well, she worked with the United Nations Association – Toronto Branch Women’s Auxiliary, the local YWCA Foreign Affairs Committee, the National Black Coalition of Canada, the Canadian Council of Churches, the Legal Aid Society, and Heritage Ontario.

Livingstone was a founder of the Canadian Negro Women’s Association (1951). An early Canadian Negro Women's Association (CANEWA) undertaking, and one which would continue throughout the group's existence, was the provision of scholarships to deserving Black students. Later activities included the organization of the Calypso Carnival (forerunner of the Caribana Festival) as a fundraiser for other service projects.

Mary Ann Shadd Cary

Born free in Delaware, Mary Ann Shadd became the first Black woman to publish a newspaper in North America when she established the Provincial Freeman. She was also a teacher, who established a racially integrated school for Black children in Windsor, in addition to writing educational pamphlets promoting settlement in Canada, including A Plea for Emigration; or Notes of Canada West which was written in 1852. Mary was also an activist for numerous causes including the abolition of slavery, temperance and education. She also became increasingly vocal about women’s rights, becoming a women's suffragist. Not only did she promote these issues in the Provincial Freeman, she also spoke about them on lecture tours.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman, a formerly enslaved individual from Maryland, became known as the “Moses” of her people and the “conductor” who led hundreds of enslaved Blacks to freedom along the Underground Railroad. In 1850, when the far-reaching United States Fugitive Law was passed, she guided runaway enslaved people further north into Canada. When angry slave owners posted rewards for her capture, she continued her work despite great personal risk.

St. Catharines, Ontario (a town close to the border with the United States) was on the route and offered employment opportunities, making it a common destination for the former fugitives, including Harriet Tubman, who lived there from 1851 to 1857. Many of the people she rescued were relatives of those already in St. Catharines including her own parents, brothers and sisters and their families.

Later, Harriet Tubman became a leader in the Abolitionist movement. During the Civil war she worked as a nurse and served as a spy for the Union forces in South Carolina.   

Read the biographies of more notable Black individuals who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity here.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes / Written by Nicole Lewis, volunteer blogger

Volunteering can be an amazing experience that exposes you to new things and introduces you to new people. As a student, If you’re looking to gain work experience, network with others, and learn more about yourself, you’ve come to the right place—here are some great options to get you started:

Habitat for Humanity Great Toronto Area
Gathering nearly 9000 volunteers every year, Habitat promotes responsible home-ownership and works to break the cycle of poverty by providing homes to people in need. Work side-by-side at a build site with a home’s recipient or join a deconstruction team. Not interested in swinging a hammer? You can still help out in the ReStore, where merchandise is sold to cover Habitat’s costs.

Canadian Cancer Society
Volunteers are the bedrock of the Canadian Cancer Society and they make it their mission to provide meaningful roles where you’ll have more impact, against more cancers, in more communities, than anywhere else. Support research by taking part in one of their many fundraising drives. Or get more involved as a member of YouthTroop—where your voice will be heard in planning events and awareness campaigns. You can even lead a project of your own as part of a Youth4Action team.

City of Toronto’s Special Events Office
Toronto is a busy city known for its festivals and parades. These events run on volunteer power and are always looking for smart, enthusiastic people who can help with the logistics and organization needed. Taking part is also a great way to expose yourself to the diverse cultures that call Toronto home. Reach out to the Special Events Office and they’ll tell you what to do.

Toronto Wildlife Centre
Do you like animals of all shapes and sizes? Volunteering with the professionals at Toronto Wildlife Centre you’ll be able to make sure Toronto’s wildlife are safe and healthy. There are lots of ways to help, from spreading awareness and educating the public to caring for and rehabilitating the animals.

Toronto Public Library
The Toronto Public Library is one of the best library systems in the world. Thousands of people visit it weekly to borrow books, movies, CDs, and more. There is a lot that you can do when you are volunteering for the Toronto Public Library. You can guide visitors, become a role-model as a reading buddy, or help struggling students with homework assistance or by recommending tools, like essay writing services in Canada  such as EduBirdie. This opportunity is amazing if you’re looking to improve you’re reading and personal skills—and of course, for anyone who loves being surrounded by books.

Evergreen Brick Works
Want to volunteer surrounded by nature? Look no further, Evergreen Brick Works is nestled in the beautiful Don Valley and has some of the coolest initiatives around. Positions range widely—You can guide hikes and bike rides, lead a day camp, garden, and more.

Harbourfront Centre
This spot is particularly busy during summer time. People who visit Toronto for various festivals, movie screenings, shows, and parades, will most probably visit the harbour to enjoy a unique experience. Volunteers make sure that everyone is having fun, that things are running smoothly, and that everyone is safe.

Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto
Community-based, this non-profit provides support, educational resources, and medical services to indigenous women. There are lots of ways to help—you can help raise funds and spread the word, lend a hand organizing and running events, or guide young learners as a tutor.

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests)
A rewarding volunteer experience to nature lovers, LEAF aims at cleaning up forests, restoring plants, and making sure that Toronto’s greenery gets the TLC it needs. You can get hands-on planting and caring for new green spaces and with community outreach, or you can work behind the scenes helping at their home office or writing a guest blog.

You can find these opportunities on our website — search by “Organization” to find the non-profit you’re most interested in. Once you find an opportunity you like apply using the instructions at the bottom of the posting.

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Volunteering is a great way to show young children how important it is to give back to the community but sometimes finding a role for the whole family can be challenging. Most non-profits require children under 14 years old to be accompanied by an adult while volunteering and some may not have suitable roles for children.

If you’re someone who’d like to volunteer with a child you’ve come to the right place, check out these family-friendly roles to help you get started!

Friendly Visiting

Long-term care homes and other senior-serving agencies are constantly on the lookout for volunteers to engage with seniors that would otherwise be isolated. Friendly visiting is an excellent opportunity for those who want to truly make a difference in someone’s life with the power of social interaction and friendship. Most care homes and retirement residences offer similar programming—find one nearby and give them a call to see what’s available.

Meals on Wheels

If friendly visiting isn’t up your alley but you’d still like to help seniors in need, Meals on Wheels is another invaluable program run by many organizations throughout the city. With the help of a car, you and your family can become nutrition heroes for those who are unable to make their own meals. Some organizations even provide a vehicle if you have a valid license and clean driving record! Volunteering has never been so easy!

Community Gardens

Planning to volunteer in the spring or summer? A community garden is the perfect way to spend quality family time together under the sun! You’ll learn about urban agriculture and sustainability and the entire community will be able to enjoy seeing your garden grow. Plus, unlike other volunteer opportunities, your work is edible at the end of the season. Find a garden near you!

Event Assistance

Do you want all the fun of volunteering without making a long-term commitment? Special events offer one-day volunteering options and are often held during evenings or on weekends, when it’s most convenient for families. Search on our website using the event assistance category to check out volunteer opportunities for festivals, fairs, and all kinds of one-time events.

Food Banks

Food banks are always looking for volunteers to lend a hand and are great environment for families. Daily Bread Food Bank is a popular volunteering option, but there are many other organizations and community centres around the city running small food banks that also need your support. Visit 211Ontario to see what food banks operate in your neighbourhood.

You can find these opportunities on our website—search by keyword to find the role you’re most interested in.

Excited to volunteer as a family but not interested in any of these organizations? You can find more opportunities by choosing “2. Suitable for Families” from the “Category” list. Once you find an opportunity you like apply using the instructions at the bottom of the posting.

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Mental health affects people from all walks of life and in countless ways. While confronting mental health can be overwhelming, there are many ways to support mental health as a volunteer and make an impact in other’s lives. Check out these Toronto organizations and find out how you can give your time, skills and abilities to support mental health programs across Toronto:

Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood and Community Health Centre is a multi-service agency in Toronto’s West End, providing health and community support services for infants, children, youth and seniors.

• Location: Davenport Road and Old Weston Road 
• How you can volunteer: As a Community Dining Assistant, you’ll help with set-up, clean-up and cooking for Wednesday community dinners.

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto is a crisis support call centre available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They provide emergency support, emotional support, suicide prevention, and more.

• Location: Yonge Street and Adelaide Street 
• How you can volunteer: Provide immediate support to others in their time of need as a help line operator.

Family Service Toronto helps people facing a variety of life challenges, by assisting families and individuals through counselling, community development, advocacy and public education programs.

• Location: Numerous sites across Toronto
• How you can volunteer: As an Options Program Tutor and Life Skills Coach, you’ll maintain a supportive, friendly relationship with individuals who face mental health challenges. 

Abiona Centre is an infant and early childhood mental health organization supporting pregnant and parenting adolescents, aged 13-25, and their babies. Their programs include pre-and-post natal residential care, primary health care and maternal infant mental health.

• Location: Broadview Avenue and Danforth Avenue
• How you can volunteer: Parent Relief Volunteers provide basic child care while young mothers take much-needed breaks or run errands. 

Senior Persons Living Connected (SPLC) provides programs and services that meet the diverse needs of older adults and their caregivers. Services include seniors housing, counselling and social, recreational and fitness programs.

• Location: Warden Avenue and Finch Avenue
• How you can volunteer: Friendly Visitors spend time with seniors, engaging in conversation and leisure activities. 

SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health (formerly The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre) combines prevention, treatment, research and education to support children, youth and families facing mental health challenges.

• Location: Keele St. and Sheppard Avenue West or Jarvis St. and Wellesley St. East
• How you can volunteer: Research Assistants contribute to CCMH’s inter-disciplinary, evidenced-based mental health treatment and support system. 

The Gatehouse provides support, community and resources for individuals impacted by childhood sexual abuse, including an Investigation Support Program, Art Therapy and the Transforming Trauma Conference.

• Location: Lakeshore Blvd. and Kipling Avenue
• How you can volunteer: Give your time as a Peer Support Group Facilitator, supporting those impacted by childhood sexual abuse. 

Victim Services Toronto provides immediate crisis response, intervention and prevention services to individuals, families and communities affected by crime and sudden tragedies. Programs include The Trauma Dog Program, High Risk Support Services and Teens Ending Abusive Relationships (TEAR).

• Location: Yonge St. and College St.
• How you can volunteer: Crisis Counsellor Volunteers work alongside professional crisis counsellors to support victims in Toronto. 

Yorktown Family Services is dedicated to providing effective, accessible, quality mental health treatment, prevention and outreach services to children, youth, women and families. The agency is divided into a Child and Family Centre and a Shelter for Women and their children, fleeing abusive relationships.

• Location: Dufferin St. and Eglinton Avenue West 
• How you can volunteer: Walk-In Clinic Counsellors bring their professional counselling experience to the Family Centre and Shelter, on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. 

CAMH is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world's leading research centres in its field.With a dedicated staff of more than 5,000 physicians, clinicians, researchers, educators and support staff, CAMH offers outstanding clinical care to more than 38,000 patients each year.

• Location: Queen Street West
• How you can volunteer: Apply as a volunteer!

Is your perfect volunteer role not in this list? Most of these organizations have multiple volunteer opportunities, so make sure you visit their websites to find out more.

If you still can’t find the right fit, search Volunteer Toronto’s database, selecting the "Health and Mental Health" category, or contact a Volunteer Advisor at 416-961-6888 x 232 or advisors@volunteertoronto.ca.

Hello Volunteer Toronto,

My name is Jian and I am in grade 10. I want to volunteer and get my 40 hours, but I am unsure where to start especially because I’ve never worked or volunteered anywhere before. What is the best way for me to find a volunteer position? I’ve noticed some places ask for resumes, but since I don’t have any experience, what can I send in?

- Jian

Hello Jian,

Thank you so much for your letter and your question! We're really glad to hear you want to volunteer and get your 40 hours! Volunteering can be fun, a great way to meet new people and it could give you some experience to put on your resume. 

The best way for you to start looking for positions is to go to our website at www.volunteertoronto.ca/opportunities and search by Category “1. Suitable for Youth (14-17)”. That will bring up any positions that are looking for youth volunteers. Please know that new positions are being posted every day!

When you find a position title that appeals to you, click on it and you’ll find more information about the position. At the bottom you’ll find a section that says “How to Apply/Contact” follow those instructions to contact the organization directly.

You are right that sometimes in the “How to Apply/Contact” section, an organization will ask for a resume. Since you don’t have any experience, we would encourage you to draft a document that highlights your major achievements, your top skills and the things you are interested in. Or if you’d like to try writing a resume, this article gives some fantastic tips for high school students with no experience. Remember, just because you don’t have formal experience, you still have a lot to offer! Make sure to make it look professional and check for spelling and grammar.

In your application, we encourage you to also include a paragraph or cover letter that explains your interest in the position and the skills you have to offer. Why do you want to volunteer for that organization in particular? What are you great at?

If you need any additional help, Jian, feel free to contact one of our volunteer advisors who will be more than happy to help.