We are in urgent need of help maintaining the outdoor property. We are hoping to find a volunteer or two that could help trim the grass weekly - biweekly and water some of the new plants and trees. We have a lawn mover and watering cans.

GOAL for this position:

As a Housekeeping volunteer, your role will be to provide hands-on support to our busy animal centre.

Although this role does not directly work with the animals, this role does contribute to their health and wellbeing. The ripple effect of ensuring these tasks are achieved extends far beyond the immediate results of your efforts, to have a lasting impact on creating healthy environments for our furry friends, staff and the volunteers who care for them.

Volunteer Role:

• Clean and disinfect identified areas of the animal centre
• Perform laundry tasks, folding, sorting, and storing.
• Wash dishes, toys, bottles, bowls, leashes and collars
• Assist with stacking and storing deliveries, such as food and litter.

Skills Requirement:

• Bending, standing, reaching, along with occasional lifting up to 30lbs.
• Ability to follow specific centre cleaning protocols 
• Desire to learn how to use commercial equipment, such as a washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

Personal Benefits:

• Direct impact on our ability to further extend our resources for animals in need in your community.
• Learn about best practices in animal shelter environments.
• Make like-minded friends, furry and non-furry!
• Behind-the-scenes access to our centres
• Access to our knowledgeable staff and wellness resources.
• Ability to customize your schedule, choose your assignments and update your profile through our online community.

Time Commitment:

We recognize your time donation to being a volunteer. Therefore, we support a customized approach to your schedule to best suit your availability. During our onboarding process, we will capture your time preferences and availability.  We are always looking for individuals who are dependable and responsible. This particular role is offered every day for 2-4-hour shifts.

Orientation and Training

Before you start your journey with us, our organization will provide you with the following training.

• Infection control
• Commercial equipment training- washer, dryer, dishwasher
• Fear Free
• AODA
• WHMIS
• How to access our online community.

We will indicate which training will be required prior to your commencement, and which training we encourage you to participate in at your earliest convenience.

Supervision and Support

As a volunteer, you will be supported by animal centre staff. This staff partner will provide you with training for your specific role, your schedule, and any required feedback or updates. The Volunteer Development Team will always be available to offer support and guidance.  You will also have direct access to our online community, where you can find organizational updates, posted information and contact information for your staff partners.

The Adopt-a-Garden program is ideal for volunteers who enjoy gardening and want to make a meaningful, ongoing impact in their community.

Adopt-a-Garden volunteers are matched with one school garden, typically located in their neighbourhood, and help with basic garden care throughout the growing season. Volunteers work alongside the school’s summer care team, meaning they are not the sole individuals responsible for garden maintenance.

We Grow Food will help set up communication between volunteers and schools to support collaboration and ensure everyone is aligned throughout the season.

What the role involves

• Light garden maintenance (watering, weeding, general upkeep)
• Approximately 1-2 hours per week, on a flexible schedule
• Commitment runs from May to September/October, with flexibility if conflicts arise during a particular week

Experience & Training

• No gardening experience is required
• Training sessions will be offered on April 9 and April 11 to review expectations and basic maintenance tasks

Who this role is best for

• Adults and community members interested in gardening
• Volunteers interested in gardening and are looking for flexible, independent opportunities

Students seeking volunteer hours are encouraged to volunteer at their own school through their school’s garden lead. In special cases, students may contact the Volunteer Coordinator at wgfcoordinator@gmail.com to inquire about additional opportunities.

Looking for long-term Volunteers (minimum of 6 months, required to attend 2 hours minimum per week) to assist with every day programs, events, outings, entertainment and much MORE! Please apply online on our AgeCare website! 

• Assisting in preparation of new garden beds
• Planting seeds & seedlings
• Assisting or facilitating community teaching events & student workshops
• Helping with crafts and interactive activities
• Occasional maintenance such as watering or tidying
• Some moving of soil (Volunteers will be notified in advance, and participation will be optional)

• Assist with event planning, client support, data entry, fundraising activities, etc.

• Collaborate with staff and other volunteers to achieve project goals

• Attend and support community outreach programs or events

• Help with administrative tasks as needed (e.g., phone calls, emails, filing)

• Represent Terra Nova in a positive and professional manner

• Maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of individuals and families served by the organization

• Participate in volunteer meetings, training, or orientation sessions as required