The volunteer positions included on this list were compiled by the Volunteerism sub-committee of the Age Friendly London Network. All of the volunteer opportunities listed below were identified by their respective organizations as meaningful opportunities for older adult volunteers. For more information or if you have a volunteer opportunity that you would like added to this list, please email AgeFriendlyLondon@London.ca or call 519-661-2489, ext. 8765.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex
In-home recreation volunteers
Looking for volunteers to assist clients living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (ADOD) and their families by providing companionship to the client, delivering personalized recreation interventions to stimulate memory, confidence and improve overall quality of life. This also provides relief and respite to the care partner. Volunteers will work with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who will build an individualized plan for each client, and train the volunteer how to introduce and facilitate these activities in the client’s home.
Volunteers must commit to 16 visits, providing one 2-hour visit per week. Volunteers must complete CSS Dementia Education Modules, Therapeutic Recreation Training and 3-sessions in our group recreation program as well as completing a vulnerable sector police check.
Contact:
Megan Fife, Manager of Volunteer and Social Recreation Services
519-680-2404, ext. 155
Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex
Homework Helpers, Friendly Visitors, Drivers, Special Events, Child Minding, Special Requests – all roles assist the children and families we work with
CASLM volunteers are considered valuable members of CASLM and experience volunteering as members of a diverse team. We have opportunities which promote satisfaction from helping children in need and giving something back to the community. You will have your matched with available volunteer opportunities. This is a chance to increase skills and experience through a variety of volunteer placements. You will receive a clear description of the expectations and the needs of CASLM, particularly in relation to assignments. You are connected with Supervisors and workers for the necessary contact, support and supervision to enable them to work effectively as part of the team. You will attend training in order to improve your knowledge and skills. Volunteers will be provided with an orientation package. You can be provided with a letter of reference from CASLM on request after at least one year of volunteering.
Must be 18 years of age or older. One year volunteer commitment minimally. Proof of dose two COVID-19 vaccination. For those who speak English as a second language, they must have achieved a Benchmark Level 6 in speaking, reading and listening as determined by the Canadian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. A Vulnerable Sector Police Check is required. Approved volunteers are reimbursed the fee.
Contact:
Joannie Pearson, Volunteer Coordinator
joannie.pearson@caslondon.on.ca
519-455-9000, ext. 2539
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Historic Interpretation Volunteer, Maintenance Volunteer, or Gardening Volunteer
Want to connect with your community and promote the remembrance, sharing and celebration of local history in a friendly environment? Why not volunteer at Fanshawe Pioneer Village! Volunteering at Fanshawe Pioneer Village offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and meet great people while supporting the museum's mission to preserve, promote and authentically recreate the rural history of London & Middlesex County. You can volunteer on your own, come as a family, or begin volunteering with a friend. Soon you will be making friends with the other Villagers and begin connecting with members of the community. Share your passion for history and help us preserve the past! Be a part of the Fanshawe Pioneer Village Volunteer Program, you’ll love taking a step back into the 19th century!
Note that Interpreters for our site, is what we call the people interpreting the history and are up in our buildings dressed in period costume, they are not language translators.
Contact:
Christina van Hardeveld, Public Programming Coordinator
programming@fanshawepioneervillage.ca
519-457-1296, ext. 811
Hutton House Association for Adults with Disabilities
Adult Learning Area
- Fridays 1 to 3 p.m. - 2 volunteers to help in the idea club.
- Fridays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. - 1 volunteer to help with 1:1 work in the learning club.
- Tuesdays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.- 1 volunteer to help with 1:1 working in the learning club.
- Several Tutors are needed for 1 hour per week with the same learner each week.
Hutton House Association for Adults with Disabilities is a registered charity with over 65 years' experience in facilitating the goals and aspirations of adults with disabilities. Within each program offered, individuals may customize their involvement to maximize their own capacity to learn, work, live and participate in the community. In turn, our vision will be realized by building community partnerships and opportunities that strengthen the inclusion of all citizens in society.
Volunteers will be required to have a criminal record check.
Contact:
Angela Delaney Volunteer Specialist
519-472-1541
London Health Sciences Centre
Gift Shops: Five retail gift shops between University Hospital (UH) and Victoria Hospital (VH), run by the LHSC Auxiliary.
Cancer Program (Victoria Hospital Only): Volunteers assist patients and help with patient flow.
Children’s Hospital: Volunteers engage children in different activities (i.e. games, crafts).
Inpatient Areas: Volunteers visit patients and assist staff and patients in various capacities.
Outpatient Clinics: Volunteers help with the patient flow of an outpatient clinic.
Peer Support: The London Regional Cancer Program Peer Support Program offers in-person or virtual one-to-one peer support at any point in the cancer journey.
Waiting Rooms: Liaise with family and staff, help with the patient and visitor flow.
Wayfinding: Wayfinding volunteers welcome the public and provide information and directions for LHSC in a friendly and assistive manner.
If you are 18 years of age or older, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check is required as a condition of placement. Once accepted for a volunteer placement, you will be given a form for requesting the record check.
Once accepted for a volunteer placement, you will be asked to submit a health review form.
You can start collecting documentation for completion of the form, but you are not required to move forward with any immunizations/tests at this time.
Successful candidates can have outstanding requirements completed by our Occupational Health and Safety department.
Our volunteer position requirements include:
- Effective communication
- Willingness to accept direction within the parameters of the volunteer role
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Understanding and maintaining privacy and confidentiality
- Practices professional boundaries
- Is flexible and adaptable to change
- Refrains from volunteering when unwell
- Being empathetic while providing service excellence
- Follows LHSC’s Policies and Procedures
Considerations:
- Volunteers provide one shift per week.
- Shifts are three to four hours in length, and typically on weekdays, with very limited weekend positions.
- Post-Secondary Students: There are several direct buses from Western University to Victoria Hospital, which take approximately 30-40 minutes. Please factor this additional time in when providing your availability for volunteering.
- A minimum of six months commitment is required (except high school summer program).
- Volunteers are not placed in areas in which family members or close friends work, nor in areas of previous employment.
- A commitment to reliable attendance and punctuality must be a priority, as our patients, visitors and staff depend on our volunteers.
LHSC looks for volunteers who are committed to enhancing the patient experience.
Volunteers are one of the most important resources within London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Children's Hospital (CH). Their time, compassion and commitment to helping others ensure that our hospital can provide quality care for our community.
By becoming a volunteer, you help with the specific needs of our patients, visitors and staff. We are sure that you will feel fulfilled as a member of the LHSC Team.
Contact:
519-685-8112
London Public Library
Usher
Help the public during films, concerts, lectures and community events. Volunteer Ushers get to enjoy these presentations while also helping people to and from their seats, ensuring safety guidelines are followed, greeting visitors, handing out programs and remaining in the Hall during a performance. Training provided.
Adult Program Volunteer
Work with staff to welcome participants, they have a skill that they can share, and enjoy being social by nature. Volunteers may also help count attendance, take tickets, set up and clean up and prepare materials in advance, depending on the program.
English Conversation Mentor
Our English Conversation Mentors provide support and encouragement to an adult who wants to practice their new English skills in a casual, social situation. The emphasis is on social conversation, not on teaching so our pairs talk about their families, food, London and whatever else they may have in common.
Volunteers are asked to attend the library's monthly information session to understand program specific eligibility.
The volunteer program of London Public Library was created to support the value-added programs and services that are vital to our community.
Our volunteer program helps strengthen people and neighbourhoods by creating connections that enrich lives, inspire discovery, foster creativity, and expand possibilities.
Contact:
Kristen Loblaw
519-661-2300
https://www.lpl.ca/about-my-library/volunteer/become-volunteer
London Symphonia
- Admin (paperwork and data entry)
- Event help
- Fundraising
- Income tax clinic in March and April 2024
- volunteers need to get approval the Canada Revenue Agency
- IT support
- Resource Centre (help with job search, cover letters and resumes)
London Symphonia would love to have you join us!
Volunteering with London Symphonia is a terrific opportunity to meet new and interesting friends and be part of one of London’s most dynamic arts organizations.
Whether you are a lover of classical music, or just looking to give back to your community, we have a position for you! We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic and reliable individuals with outstanding customer service skills.
Contact:
Louise Good
226-270-0910
Make-A-Wish Southwestern Ontario
Wish Granter
A Wish Granter Volunteer may choose to meet with the wish child and their family members to help identify the child’s wish ideas during the discovery phase or may choose to be involved with brainstorming and planning special enhancements once a wish has been decided to create an unforgettable wish experience. Works in teams of two under the supervision of Make-A-Wish staff to ensure every eligible child’s wish comes true.
Special Events
Provide onsite assistance at one of the many fundraising events held across the country to raise funds to support granting wishes.
General
Participate in a wide variety of events, including but not limited to event support, hosting an information booth, fundraising, and much more!
There are no set hours for a typical volunteer opportunity. The amount of time depends on the nature of the wish or event. However, volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of two wishes or events per year. Due to the nature of our work, all volunteers must successfully complete a criminal background check as part of the initial onboarding process and every three (3) years thereafter.
At every level of the organization, volunteers are critical to our mission. Your time and unique talents are an essential part of bringing strength and hope to wish kids when they need it the most. In fact, our volunteers are at the heart of every wish experience.
Make-A-Wish Canada (MAWC) volunteers consider their work impactful and meaningful. Their efforts are rewarded – not in dollars or cents – but in the incredible difference they make in the lives of our wish kids. Volunteers even have the freedom to choose when and how they would like to help transform lives in our community.
Contact:
Patricia Kwan
647-368-6170 x6346
Meals on Wheels London
Regular Daily Meal Delivery
You can volunteer to deliver a regular meal route to our clients in need.
Regular Frozen Meal Delivery
You can volunteer to deliver frozen meals to our clients in need once per week on Thursday mornings.
Spare Meal Driver
Drivers are called when a route needs to be filled due to an absence of regular route driver. Spare meal drivers are asked to take on regular routes when they become available.
Transportation Driver
Select a particular time of the week to drive clients to medical appointments. Min. 1 ride a week for 1-3 hours.
A Vulnerable Sector Check through London Police Services is required for all volunteer positions where there is direct client service. MOWL staff will call you to complete the registration. All successful applicants will undergo an orientation at our office. Must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Use of own vehicle required. Bring your current driver's license and car insurance to the orientation. All necessary training will be provided by MOWL. You will be placed in chosen role as quickly as possible!
At Meals on Wheels London, we are more than a volunteer opportunity, we are a community. We depend on friendly, dedicated volunteers to fill many roles. Many positions are needed during our daytime office hours of 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Contact:
Melissa Robinson
519-660-1430
Museum London
TOUR GUIDE
This role has a minimum commitment of one year. Weekly mandatory meetings are required from September to June every Monday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. These meetings are aimed to be on-site but may be virtual if required. Tours occur at least once a week (a half day – either a morning or afternoon, as needed). July to August guides do not meet or tour. All new tour guides must complete four training modules, running two hours each, in addition to the Monday morning meetings. Training usually takes place in a group setting in person with dates and times confirmed with our Curator of Education. 2-3 months training required. Training consists of exhibition briefings by curators, workshops on touring methodology, speakers on art topics, visits to artists’ studios and other galleries. Training focuses on school curriculum, experiential learning, designing tours and teaching studio programs. Experienced tour guides mentor new volunteers until they are ready to tour on their own. This is a volunteer position for which an honorarium of $10 will be paid per hour-long tour completed. A parking pass will be supplied for mandatory Monday morning meetings and on-site tour shifts, you will receive a 15% discount in the Shop at Museum London and after one year, you become part of the Tour Guide Association for a small fee.
Background or interest in visual arts and/or teaching. Skilled in public speaking and facilitating groups including young school children, high school students, adult, and special-needs individuals. Work as team-players when facilitating and planning large group tours, but also independently when dealing with smaller groups. Valid Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector Check). Complete mandatory Volunteer Orientation Session including health & safety training. Must be 16 years of age or older.
Contribute to a friendly, inviting atmosphere and exceptional visitor experiences as a Museum London Volunteer Tour Guide! As a Volunteer Tour Guide, you will be facilitating and planning virtual and on-site tours for school-aged children (elementary and high-school), adults and special-needs individuals. Come join us at Museum London as we educate the next generation in art, culture, and heritage!
Contact:
Jordan Brennan, Volunteer Coordinator
519-661-0333, ext. 4263
Nokee Kwe
- Data Entry & Filing
- Event Help for Job Fairs and Special Events at Nokee Kwe Booth
- Fundraising
- Grant & Proposal Writing
- Help with Intakes
- Resource Centre at Nokee Kwe Office (help with job search, cover letters and resumes)
Nokee Kwe is a charitable non-profit organization delivering employment, training and transitional services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and adults in London and the surrounding community. Nokee Kwe services are geared to individuals experiencing unemployment or difficulty with career and life transitions.
Contact:
Tish Hihn
519-667-7088, ext. 241
Pillar Nonprofit Network, Innovation Works
Welcome Desk Volunteer Program
The Welcome Desk Program is a work-exchange. You give us 8 hours a week of welcome desk support and we give you unlimited access to Innovation Works Flex Desk space, Pillar Nonprofit Network’s dynamic coworking community, and all the other benefits of being a co-tenant of Innovation Works!
Requirements will be requested based the individual and will be requested by the organization.
Contact:
Sienna Jae Taylor
SARI Therapeutic Riding
Assisting with therapeutic riding lessons - grooming, leading and sidewalking in lessons
Volunteers do not need to have past horse experience, but they do need to be comfortable with horses. All volunteers must attend an orientation that includes instructions, demonstrations and hands-on practice.
SARI is a caring community of volunteers, donors, Board members, parents, staff and horses working interdependently to serve people with special needs and others. We provide a supportive atmosphere conducive to networking, sharing and learning. We value and celebrate the wonderful diversity represented in this community and through our actions, words and representations we promote the fundamental dignity of all. We seek to create and maintain a stimulating environment and foster the distinct contributions of all individuals within the SARI community.
Contact:
Terry Power, Volunteer Coordinator
519-666-1123
VON Middlesex-Elgin
Dining volunteer
Help cook and serve a healthy meal to our clients once a week.
Volunteer Visiting
Call or visit (in person) a lonely senior or disabled person once a week for an hour.
Blood Pressure volunteer
Take blood pressure and record it must be willing to travel to various locations in the city of London, 1 hour once a week.
Telephone Reassurance
Make a daily phone call (morning or evening) to check on a few clients as to their safety because they live alone.
Eligibility and requirements – 19 years of age or older, must attend training, provide 2 personal references (not family and email is preferred), willing to get a police and vulnerable sector check.
Join our team of VON volunteers who help make communities healthier. If you would like to give back to your community by sharing your time and caring for others, we have a role for you!
Contact:
Delia Wassing, Coordinator of Volunteers
519-659-2273, ext. 22226
WILL Employment Connections
Mock Interviewers
As a part of its Employment Preparation Program for Internationally Trained Individuals, WILL Employment Solutions offers clients the opportunity to experience a mock interview to practice interview skills and to receive constructive feedback from experienced interviewers. These clients are well-qualified internationally trained professionals, and the mock interview is a powerful and positive experience for them.
In order to make this as realistic an experience as possible, we recruit volunteer mock interviewers from the community. We like to have people with hiring authority from businesses/organizations in Southwestern Ontario or experience in a position of hiring influence, but ultimately, we are looking for people with experience as a Canadian interviewer.
Mentorship Program
Our mentorship program brings together job-ready immigrants with volunteer mentors who work in their desired field in Southwestern Ontario. Upon referral to/commencement of the program, our mentees are considered “job ready” and therefore assists in ensuring that the mentorship is focused on high-level professional development. This includes responsibilities for the mentor such as: sharing industry-specific knowledge and expertise, providing advice and tips for job searching in Ontario, sharing their own pathway and career development story, and helping the mentee to network. It is not expected of the mentor to find or offer the mentee a job. The purpose of the mentorship is for the mentee to learn more about the industry, build relationships and gain confidence - related to the Canadian workplace.
Requirements for Mock Interviewers:
Hiring and interviewing experience
Requirements for Mentors: Our mentors must have Canadian experience in their field and must be able to commit to meeting with their mentee for a total of 24 hours over a four-month period. The program is designed to be flexible, thus leaving both parties to decide on the frequency and method in which the meetings take place (virtual, in person, weekly, bi-weekly etc.)
The 4-month period serves as the timeframe which the mentorship team is available to provide support as needed. Additionally, the mentorship advisor will conduct a formal mid-way check-in and a wrap-up debrief post completion of the program. Mentors are provided with orientation session and a handbook to help them as they mentor the mentee.
WILL Employment Solutions’ clients are internationally trained professionals seeking jobs relative to their professional backgrounds and experience. We will be thrilled connect employers with our talented clients which will hopefully be beneficial for both the parties.
Contact:
Marzena Brygier