Volunteering

A group of people waving

Volunteering is a good way to meet new people, develop new skills, learn about Canadian culture, and become engaged in the community. Hospitals, libraries, schools and community organizations often offer opportunities to volunteer.

Programs

Ancaster Heritage Days Festival

Ancaster Heritage Days Board and Committee
 
300 Wilson St E, Ancaster, ON L9G 2B9, Canada

A festival held every June, celebrating the town of Ancaster and honouring its heritage. Includes a parade, soap box derby races, children’s area, local dining, and heritage exhibits.

Ancaster Horticultural Society Events and Programs

Ancaster Horticultural Society
 
310 Wilson St E, Ancaster, ON L9G 2B8, Canada

The Ancaster Horticultural Society offers volunteer gardening opportunities in Ancaster. They also offer annual memberships. They have hosted the Trillium Awards in Ancaster for gardens in Ancaster.

Art Gallery of Hamilton Volunteer Association

Art Gallery of Hamilton
 
123 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4S8, Canada

Volunteers at AGH foster interest in, promote the use of, and increase the support for the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Volunteer opportunities available for: education docent, festival, special events, retail, and visitor and member services.

Auxiliary of Volunteer Gardeners

Royal Botanical Gardens
905-527-1158 ext. 520, volunteer@rbg.ca
 
680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON L7T, Canada

Assist RBG gardeners with routine maintenance of the gardens on various mornings throughout the week. No experience necessary.

Canadian Parents for French, Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter

Canadian Parents for French Ontario
 

Local chapter of a volunteer organization that advocates for French as a second language programs and services in Hamilton schools. Offers programming for children to learn and speak French outside of the classroom and resources for parents and teachers to learn and teach the French language. 

Cancer Assistance Program Transportation Services

Cancer Assistance Program
905-383-9797 ext. 106, inquiries@cancerassist.ca
 
555 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 1A8, Canada

Transportation is available, free of charge, to and from cancer-related medical appointments. All rides coordinated through CAP’s Drive & Ride program are provided by compassionate and trained volunteers.

Carnegie Gallery (The) Exhibits and Events

Carnegie Gallery (The)
 
10 King St W, Dundas, ON L9H 1T7, Canada

A non-for-profit, artist-run gallery and shop operated by the Dundas Arts and Craft Association. The Gallery Exhibition space exhibits arts and crafts created by contemporary Canadian artists with exhibitions changing on a monthly basis.

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, including shop sale, exhibition food prep and serving, maintenance and painting, and fundraising. 

City of Hamilton Lodges Volunteer Program

City of Hamilton, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Lodges Division
905-546-2618 (Wentworth Lodge), 905-546-2800 ext. 1612 (Macassa Lodge), macassalodge@hamilton.ca
 
701 Upper Sherman Ave, Hamilton, ON L8V 3M7, Canada
41 South St W, Dundas, ON L9H 4C4, Canada

Volunteers assist residents in day-to-day activities, provide companionship, and raise funds. Volunteers can be involved in activities such as recreational programs, friendly visiting, and other special events and in-house services. High school co-op education placements are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Department of Volunteer Resources, Hamilton Health Sciences

Hamilton Health Sciences
 
88 Maplewood Ave, Hamilton, ON L8M 1W9, Canada
1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 2A5, Canada
1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 2A5, Canada
237 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
711 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2, Canada
711 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 1C3, Canada
325 Wellington St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 0A4, Canada

Volunteers serve throughout Hamilton Health Sciences’ hospitals and provide non-medical support and companionship to inpatients and outpatients.   

Determined Adults Reading and Education

Salvation Army Ontario Division
905-527-6212 ext. 226, rupindergill@lawsonministries.org
 
533 Main St E, Hamilton, ON L8M 1H9, Canada

Provides individualized one-on-one lessons for adult students looking to learn skills in reading, math, computers, or spelling

Distress Centre Halton Services

Distress Centre Halton
905-561-5800, info@dchalton.ca
 

Distress Centre Halton is a non-profit charitable organization that provides telephone and online support to people 365 days of the year. All services are confidential, anonymous, free and available to all age groups. They are staffed by volunteers who receive extensive training including communication, sensitivity, crisis management, and active listening.

Programs include:

  • Distress Line: providing emotional support and encouragement, suicide risk assessment and prevention, as well as community resource and information referrals.
  • TeleCheck: outbound call program offering telephone support and friendly social connections through regularly scheduled check-in calls to individuals experiencing isolation, and emotional and mental health concerns.
  • Speaking Engagements: available to speak with a club, class, or group about the services provided by Distress Centre Halton, or to teach courses on active listening skills, de-escalation techniques, and mental health in general.
  • Volunteer Opportunities: see website for information.

Downtown Hamilton Walking Tours

Lady Hamilton Club
 
28 James St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A1, Canada

The Lady Hamilton Club offers free walking tours of downtown Hamilton from May to October each year from 28 James Street North’s Lister Block.

This volunteer run organization is open to new members volunteering to help with these tours.

Dreamlight Studio Theatre Classes and Performances

Dreamlight Studio Theatre
 
230 Anchor Rd, Suite 6, Hamilton, ON L8W 3R2, Canada

Provides recreational, low-pressure dance and acting classes year round for all experience levels.  Produces three community theatre musicals per year.  Volunteer opportunities are available onstage, backstage, or in the administration department. 

Dundas Community Services Friendly Calling

Dundas Community Services
 
2 King St W Suite 3A, Dundas, ON L9H 6Z1, Canada

Friendly callers offer companionship and quality conversations through weekly calls. Clients will also have access to other helpful resources and information within the community. Calls usually last 15-30 minutes. Trained volunteers are matched with a client by similar interests and background. Please note that this service does not include in-person friendly visits.

Dundas Community Services Friendly Visiting

Dundas Community Services
 
2 King St W Suite 3A, Dundas, ON L9H 6Z1, Canada

Provides companionship and support to help seniors or persons with disabilities remain independent in their homes. This programs aims to enrich the social interaction of individuals by connecting them to the community and other helpful resources. Visits last around one hour and usually take place in the client’s home (including retirement residences) once per week. 

Each friendly visitor volunteer is carefully matched with a client by similar interests and background. All volunteers are required to provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening Check, take part in the interview process, pass the reference check, and participate in a training session. 

Dundas Community Services Volunteer Opportunities

Dundas Community Services
 
2 King St W Suite 3A, Dundas, ON L9H 6Z1, Canada

Offers volunteer opportunities within Dundas, including:

  • Friendly calling
  • Friendly visiting
  • Assisted transportation drivers
  • Meals on wheels delivery
  • Frozen meals sorting

Dundas International Buskerfest

Downtown Dundas Business Improvement Area Association
289-775-1620 (BIA Office), info@downtowndundas.ca
 

Annual event held during the first full weekend of June.  Buskers from all around the world perform, including jugglers, stilt-walkers, comedians and other various performers.  Volunteer opportunities for this event are available. 

Dundas Little Theatre Performance and Events

Dundas Little Theatre
 
37 Market St S, Dundas, ON L9H 3B3, Canada

An amateur group performing dramatic works at the Garstin Center for the Arts. Volunteers are welcomed as ushers, ticket takers, and in backstage production.

Dundas Museum & Archives Exhibitions and Programs

Dundas Museum & Archives
905-627-7412, mail@dundasmuseum.ca
 
139 Park St W, Dundas, ON L9H 1X8, Canada

Community museum showcasing how Canadian history and geography has unfolded in the Dundas Valley.

Offers a variety of exhibits and educational programs.

Also offers hall rental with a capacity of 90 people at a standing reception and 60 seated at tables. Chairs and tables are included in the rental.

A number of volunteer opportunities are available ranging from archival work to clerical and hospitality.

Flamborough Drives Volunteer Program

Flamborough Connects
 
163 Dundas St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7, Canada

A volunteer driver program for eligible residents who do not drive or have access to public transit to ensure individuals can get to stores for shopping and to run errands in the Flamborough area including: Waterdown, Carlisle, Freelton, Milgrove, Lynden, Greensville, and Rockton.

Please contact Flamborough Connects at least five business days before your trip to allow time to arrange transportation.

Volunteer opportunities available.

 

Flamborough Shops

Flamborough Connects
 
163 Dundas St E, Hamilton, ON L8N 2Z7, Canada

Offers shopping services every other week for Flamborough residents who are unable to get to the grocery store. Clients provide their grocery list and a volunteer will do their shopping and deliver their groceries to their home.

Giving Closet Thrift Shop

Crown Point Community Church
 
1162 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8H 2V6, Canada

A thrift store selling gently used clothing and household goods. Profits are used by the church to create positive change in local neighbourhoods. Donations can be dropped off anytime during store hours and must be smoke-free and bug/pest-free. 

Good Shepherd Centres, Volunteer Services

Good Shepherd Centres
905-528-6565 ext. 3333, volunteer@gsch.ca
 
400 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3R1, Canada

Community members can volunteer to assist in the operations of Good Shepherd programs and services. A list of volunteer opportunities is available on the website, including reception, program assistance, and serving meals, as well as special event volunteers for Christmas Wonderland, community events, and food drives.

Hamilton and District Extend-A-Family Buddy Program

Hamilton and District Extend-A-Family
905-383-2885, eaf@execulink.com
 
1022 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 3E4, Canada

Matches children and teens with volunteers from the community. Pairs meet regularly, sharing interests and activities while building friendships, and the caregivers benefit from additional respite.

Buddy Program: The volunteer takes the child or teen on outings in the community for 6-8 hours each month.

Virtual Buddy Program: The volunteer and the child or teen meet regularly over online platforms, engaging in a variety of social activities including chatting, reading, singing, or playing games.

Hamilton Aviary Services

Hamilton Aviary, The
 
Teaching Gardens, 85 Oak Knoll Dr, Hamilton, ON L8S 4C2, Canada

The Hamilton Aviary hosts community events to promote awareness and foster a love of birds. The Aviary is open on Sundays for an open house. Volunteer opportunities are available in daily care and enrichment, tidy up, tour guides, special committees, events assistance, plant care, and the board of directors.

Hamilton Fringe Festival

Hamilton Festival Theatre Company
289-698-2234, info@hftco.ca
 
41 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A2, Canada

An annual 12-day unjuried event presenting live theatre in an informal, accessible, and inexpensive environment. Strives to break down traditional boundaries between audience and artist, encouraging open dialogue between theatre-goers and theatre-creators.

Hamilton Museum of Mental Health Care, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
905-381-5601, 905-522-1155 ext. 35512, museumpc@stjoes.ca
 
100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8P 3R2, Canada

The Hamilton Museum of Mental Health Care is committed to the collection, interpretation and continued preservation of the history of mental health care at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Margaret and Charles Juravinski Centre for Integrated Healthcare. This collection represents artifacts and information from the earliest days when the hospital was known as Ontario Hospital Hamilton until the present. The museum seeks to provide a place to learn and share knowledge and understanding of mental health care. Staffed by volunteers during open hours.

Huntington Society of Canada Events

Huntington Society of Canada
1-877-573-7011, 905-787-1645, info@hdtoronto.org
 
P.O. Box 31335, Bayview, 16th Av, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0V7, Canada

The Huntington Society of Canada offers support groups, events, and chapter meetings. 

Newcomer Learning Centre

Hamilton Public Library
905-546-3444, nlc@hpl.ca
 
55 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K1, Canada

The Newcomer Learning Centre, located on the fourth floor of Central Library, serves people who are new to Canada.  

Services include:

  • English language tutoring
  • English programming for seniors
  • Newcomer book club
  • Conversation circles
  • Print and non-print material for learners and tutors
  • Volunteer opportunities in partnership with Newcomers to Canada

Snow Angels Snow Removal Subsidy

City of Hamilton, Planning and Economic Development Department, Transportation Planning and Parking Division
 
71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5, Canada

A financial subsidy to help Hamilton seniors and disabled residents meet the requirements of City of Hamilton Sidewalk Snow Clearing By-law. The subsidy can be used to pay for snow removal needed to clear the sidewalk and to provide safe walking access to the front door and through the snow-plow windrow. This subsidy is not to be used for whole driveway snow clearing.

St. Joseph’s Villa, Volunteer Services

St. Joseph’s Villa
905-627-3541 ext. 2240, jcroy@sjv.on.ca
 
56 Governors Rd, Dundas, ON L9H 5G7, Canada

Matches community members to volunteer opportunities at St. Joseph’s Villa long term care facility based on candidate’s interest and personal goals.

Opportunities include:

  • Chapel Volunteer
  • One to One Friendly Visitor
  • OTA/PTA Program Assistant
  • Meal Companion
  • Pet Therapy Visitors
  • Therapeutic Recreation Assistant & Adult Day Program Assistant
  • Tuck Shoppe Attendant

Supercrawl

Supercrawl Committee
 

Hamilton’s largest annual free music and arts festival, held on James Street North every September. Features a diverse lineup of music, art, fashion, performance, talks, crafts, food, and fun.

Van Hamilton Program

AIDS Network
905-317-9966 (Text or call to arrange a meet-up), van@aidsnetwork.ca
 

Offers free, on-call delivery of unused needles, condoms, and other harm reduction supplies, to people who use substances by injection and/or inhalation.  Service users are encouraged to return used needles for disposal.  Staff offer confidential support, education, and referrals to clients for services including addictions support, detox, health care, and shelter.  

Other harm reduction supplies include:

  • alcohol swabs
  • sterile water
  • cookers
  • ascorbic acid
  • filters
  • sharps containers
  • overdose prevention kits
  • safer inhalation supplies

This program operates in partnership with City of Hamilton Public Health Services and Wesley Urban Ministries.  Contact the AIDS Network to complete an application if you are interested in volunteering for this program.

Victorian Order of Nurses Volunteer Visiting Program

Victorian Order of Nurses Hamilton
905-522-0053
 
414 Victoria Ave N, Hamilton, ON L8L 5G8, Canada

Trained volunteers provide companionship and personal assistance to isolated seniors or adults with chronic illnesses or physical or cognitive disabilities. Visits are one to two hours long and occur on a regular weekly or biweekly basis. The compatibility of clients and volunteers is determined through a careful interview process.

Village Theatre Waterdown

 
317 Dundas St E, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0, Canada

A community theatre group in Waterdown that offers two productions each year. 

Volunteer Association, Hamilton Health Sciences

Hamilton Health Sciences
905-521-2100 ext. 76584, hhsva@hhsc.ca
 
237 Barton St E, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2, Canada
711 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2, Canada
711 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 1C3, Canada
1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 2A5, Canada
1200 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 2A5, Canada
88 Maplewood Ave, Hamilton, ON L8M 1W9, Canada
690 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1A4, Canada
169 Main St E, Grimsby, ON L3M 1P3, Canada
300 Wellington St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 8E7, Canada
325 Wellington St N, Hamilton, ON L8L 0A4, Canada

Supports patient care at Hamilton Health Sciences through the operation of cafes, cafeterias, parking facilities, Give Shops, and retail services across the organization. All profits generated across Hamilton Health Sciences Volunteer Association shops and services are donated to enhance patient care. 

Volunteer Resources, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
905-308-7203, 905-522-1155 ext. 31435, voluntee@stjoes.ca
 
50 Charlton Ave E, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
2757 King St E, Hamilton, ON L8G 5E4, Canada
100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON L8P 3R2, Canada

Volunteers support and enhance the patient experience at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and are assisted with choosing a placement that fits personal goals and personality.

Volunteer Visiting, Kemp Care Network

Kemp Care Network
905-387-2448, info@kemphospice.org
 
277 Stone Church Rd E, Hamilton, ON L9B 1B1, Canada

Specially trained volunteers offer companionship, respite for caregivers, connection to palliative resources, and/or outings for adults and children. Support is provided through one-on-one visits with residents. 

Wheels of Hope Transportation Services

Canadian Cancer Society for Hamilton, Brant-Norfolk Community
1-866-786-3934, 1-888-939-3333, transportation@cancer.ca
 
328 Mountain Park Ave, Hamilton, ON L8V 4X2, Canada

Assists eligible clients with their short-term travel to attend their cancer-specific medical appointments or supportive care services delivered by a professional recognized by Ontario’s Health Care System.  Services available to individuals or a whole family.  Opportunities for volunteer drivers are available and drivers are reimbursed for their expenses.