Volunteering is about giving your time to a good cause. You do not get paid, but you learn new skills, meet new people, and experience what it means to make a difference in the life of others and your own!

Volunteering is a great opportunity to explore causes, roles, and organizations you align with and care about. Start with what you like, and make a difference.

Although you are required to complete Employment Assistance activities, you can make volunteering beneficial and rewarding for yourself. There are a number of great reasons to get involved as a volunteer, some of these include:

• Giving back to your community.
  
• Sharing your skills and talents with non-profit organizations.
• Participating with local causes that are important to you. 

You can find roles in the Search Opportunities section of our website. We offer both virtual and in person roles across Toronto. Use the dropdown menu to look for specific types of roles or enter a keyword to look for roles that align with your goals as a volunteer!

There are 3 R's to consider when you are looking for a role are Reflect, Research, and Reach Out. These three R's can help guide you to the perfect volunteer role.

Reflect: What are your strengths? Interests? Skills and Talents? Volunteer doing something that you love!

Research: Visit our “Search Opportunities” page! Our search portal hosts hundreds of current volunteer roles that are open and searching for volunteers!

Reach Out: Reach out, apply, and wait to hear back! Application processes differ from role and role - this means you can expect different wait times, rules and regulations, and other differences as you apply to different organizations. Keep an eye on your email and reach out..

Book An Appointment 

If you are receiving Ontario Works or ODSP benefits and your volunteering is approved as an Ontario Works activity you may be able to receive help with costs through your Employment and Social Services Centre. However, to be assessed for extra financial benefits, here are some things you should know:

• Your volunteer activity should support your employment goal.
• Volunteering must be with a non-profit organization.
• The maximum number of hours for volunteering is 70 per month.
• Volunteer activities are approved for up to six months; however this may be extended in some circumstances. In most cases, you must be at least 18 years of age.
  

As a condition of eligibility for Ontario Works basic financial assistance, participants are required to participate in employment assistance activities. In addition, participants are required to make reasonable efforts to accept and maintain employment that the participant is physically and mentally capable of undertaking, and to make reasonable efforts to seek, accept and maintain employment. Volunteering is an employment assistance activity as you gain skills and knowledge for your time. Click below to learn about volunteering with the City of Toronto!

Learn More

Our friendly and knowledgeable team of remote Volunteer Advisors are here to help you navigate your search for a volunteer role. Volunteer Advisors are a great resource for youth, or those who may not be as familiar with the process of volunteering.

During your 30-minute 1-on-1 telephone appointment, advisors will assist you by:

• Advising on how to effectively search for role postings using our online search engine.
  
• Recommending volunteer roles based on your skills, experience, interests, goals, schedule, and location.
• Advising on the unique application process for each role.

• Volunteer Toronto Events
• How to Connect with Others Using Empathy Strategies
• The Continuum of Civic Engagement
• What's New About Requesting Police Checks?