You will find as you look back upon your life, that the moments when you have truly lived,
are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love.
Henry Drummond
Join Our Team - Ways to Get Involved
Volunteers are the heart of supporting our community
Please note that during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of the volunteer roles are currently virtual. We hope to return to in person volunteer service soon, though we may continue to offer some virtual services to meet community needs.
Hospice Care Companions (formerly In-home Hospice Volunteers) provide direct support (telephone, virtual or in person) to individuals who are living with a life- limiting/threatening illness and their caregivers, helping them to remain at home and enhancing their circles of care. Duties vary based on client need and may include offering companionship and emotional support, providing short-term caregiver relief, and assisting with practical day-to-day tasks such as homemaking, cooking, grocery shopping, appointment accompaniment and hands-on care. Core Hospice Training (35+ hours) and a commitment of 4 hours per week for a minimum of one year is required.
Day Hospice Program Volunteers bring their unique gifts and talents to our daily programming for people living with a life-limiting illness. Club Connection is designed to support people through their illness and give them a chance to “take some time off” to simply enjoy connection with others, learning and fun. Current offerings include Mindfulness and relaxation sessions, music and movement, expressive arts, information series and peer support. Currently offered on ZOOM, we hope to return to in person programming and resume offering palliative massage and complementary therapies.
Complementary Therapy Volunteers provide symptom relief to clients through various modalities. Practitioners at following levels/status are welcome to apply: Reiki (Level 2 required), Therapeutic Touch (Recognized Practitioner (RP), Healing Touch, Reflexology, and Registered Massage Therapy (RMT). Volunteers must hold current certification and membership in good standing with the association or regulating body that applies to their therapy and must have a minimum of one year of practice. Core Hospice Training (35+ hours) and a commitment of 2 hours per week for a minimum of one year is required.
Bereavement Care Volunteers will provide one to one and group support to people who have experienced the death of someone close to them. Peer support volunteers provide companionship to others on the grief journey. Core Hospice Training (35+hours) and additional training specific to the bereavement role as well as a one-year commitment is required. Priority space in training will be given to people who have experienced the loss of a spouse/partner, parent, sibling, or child.
Expressive Arts Therapy (EXAT) Volunteers provide group or one-on-one, virtual or in-home support for adults, children and families under the supervision of our Expressive Arts Therapist. Modalities the include creative arts and writing, music, movement, guided imagery, relaxation, meditation and mindfulness. Experienced graduates of an EXAT program are required. Core Hospice Training (35+ hours) and a commitment of 2 hours per week for a minimum of one year is required.
Creating Caring Communities (CCC) Neighborhood Helpers are part of an innovative community development approach in which residents of the St. James Town community support their fellow residents through a collaborative and community-based process. CCC Neighborhood Helpers reach out to neighbours and those who may be isolated, who are coping with chronic and progressive life-limiting illnesses. A 15+ hour training program is provided, and ongoing support and mentorship is provided by the CCC Community Development Coordinator. The hours/length of time commitment is established with the Coordinator.
Young Carers Program Volunteers assist staff with facilitation of social and recreational programs (currently being offered on Zoom) throughout Toronto for young carers between the ages of 5 and 18. Volunteers engage youth in group activities and help promote a fun and safe atmosphere. A strong interest in working with children in a team environment, Young Carers Volunteer Training (one day) and a commitment of 2-4 hours per week for a minimum of six months is required.
Young Carers Homework Helpers assist young carers with weekly one-hour virtual sessions of homework help on Tuesdays between 3pm and 7pm. Help is especially needed with French Immersion, Math, Sciences and Geography.