Volunteer
Why Volunteer?
People choose to volunteer for many reasons. Some want to give back to their communities or make a difference; others are looking to develop new skills or build on existing experience. Either way, here are places to find opportunities—from national databases to local organizations.
Canada-Wide Sources
- Volunteer Canada — searchable database of opportunities
- Volunteer Centre Database — find your local volunteer centre
- Cadets Canada
- Canada Service Corps
- Browse events on Eventbrite (many are virtual)
Municipal / City Opportunities
Check these close-to-home options:
- Community centres
- Public libraries
- Schools
- Faith-based organizations
- City Hall programs
- Parks & conservation areas
- Downtown / BIAs and one-off city events
- Youth organizations
Youth of Canada & Other Programs
- Ten Thousand Villages
- United Way Canada
- Arthritis Society Canada
- Compassion Canada
- Diabetes Canada
- Breast Cancer Canada
- Terry Fox Foundation
- Canadian Cancer Society
- YMCA Canada
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- The Salvation Army Canada
- Heart & Stroke Foundation
- Plan International Canada
- World Vision Canada
- Canadian Red Cross
Peel Region
- Volunteering Peel — transportation provided for many events from John Fraser Secondary School
- Volunteer MBC
- Polycultural Community Services
- Peel District School Board — volunteer listings
- Local opportunities often include arts, sports, heritage, neighbourhood centres, and community festivals.
Toronto
Tip: For ongoing youth-led grassroots initiatives, join youth-oriented Facebook groups—many recruit there.
United States Resources
Are you in the United States?
- USA.gov — Volunteer
- Serve.gov — sign up to volunteer and create projects
- Peace Corps — volunteer abroad in education, health, environment, and more
- Citizen Corps — emergency response & disaster relief
- Volunteer.gov — opportunities in national parks and public lands
- VA Volunteering — support Veterans Affairs facilities
- Become a Poll Worker
- Earth Team Volunteers (USDA NRCS)
International Organizations & Platforms
- UN Volunteers (UNV) — on-site and online roles worldwide
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
- Habitat for Humanity International
- Doctors Without Borders / MSF — professional roles; strict requirements
- Translators without Borders (CLEAR Global)
- Crisis Text Line — remote volunteer counseling (select countries)
- Oxfam
- WWF — conservation volunteering (varies by country)
- Idealist.org — global database of volunteer roles and social impact jobs
- GVI — global programs (note: fees may apply)
- AFS Intercultural Programs — exchange & community programs
We’re continually updating this page—check back for new opportunities. Thanks, and best of luck on your volunteer journey!