Welcome to Ontario! Whether you're new to the area or simply looking to get more involved, volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to the community, gain new skills, and make valuable connections. It involves offering your time, skills, and services to help others without expecting financial compensation. It provides numerous benefits for job seekers by allowing you to develop practical and soft skills in real-world settings. Volunteering offers opportunities to network with professionals and community members who can provide job leads and references, enhancing your resume by demonstrating commitment, filling employment gaps and gain Canadian work experience. It also allows you to explore different career paths and find mentors, boosting your confidence, preparing you for paid employment and making you a more attractive candidate to employers.
Here’s a guide to some great volunteering opportunities and strategies to help you get started.
Top Volunteer Organizations
Charity Village
A comprehensive resource for volunteer opportunities across Canada. Charity Village connects volunteers with non-profit organizations and offers training and support for both parties.
Volunteer Toronto or
Volunteer Ottawa
As Canada’s largest volunteer center, Volunteer Toronto connects people with volunteer opportunities that match their skills and interests, making it easier to get involved in your community. If moving to Ottawa, you can visit Volunteer Ottawa’s website.
YMCA Volunteer
The YMCA offers various volunteer opportunities in areas such as health and fitness, child care, and community services. It's a great way to support local initiatives and meet new people.
Habitat for Humanity
This organization helps build homes for those in need. Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity can involve construction work, fundraising, or administrative support.
Eventbrite
While Eventbrite is known for event planning, it also lists numerous volunteer opportunities for local events. Check out the site regularly to find short-term volunteer positions.
Ontario Network of Women in Engineering (ONWiE)
ONWiE promotes gender diversity in engineering. They offer volunteering opportunities to help support their mission through events, workshops, and mentorship programs.
Job Shadowing: Another Way to Volunteer
Job shadowing is a unique way to volunteer your time and gain valuable insights into a profession. By observing a professional in their work environment, you can learn about daily tasks, required skills, and workplace culture. To arrange a job shadow, you can email or cold call a company and inquire if they offer such opportunities. Many non-profits and hospitals are open to this idea and welcome enthusiastic learners.
Volunteering as a Path to Employment
Volunteering for a target company can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door. For instance, companies like IBM offer volunteer programs that can help you build a network within the organization. Additionally, professional licensing bodies such as CPA Canada, PEO, Professional Geoscientists Ontario, and the Law Society of Ontario have volunteer opportunities that can provide industry-specific experience and connections.
Municipal Volunteering
Volunteering for a municipality, whether in an office or another department, can provide you with access to internal job postings and a deeper understanding of how city departments operate. Cities often have a wide range of volunteer opportunities, which can be a stepping stone to future employment within the municipal system.
University Volunteering
Universities are vibrant communities with a multitude of volunteer opportunities. Volunteering at universities such as York University, the University of Guelph, Ontario Tech University, and the University of Waterloo can offer unique experiences, networking opportunities, and access to academic events. To explore more opportunities, check out the list of all the universities in Ontario.
Conclusion
Volunteering is a rewarding way to contribute to your community while developing new skills and connections. Whether you're interested in non-profits, corporate volunteering, or educational institutions, there are countless opportunities available. Start exploring today and find the perfect fit for your interests and goals! Your Build On employment consultant is also here to chat about volunteering opportunities!