SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE: BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!
Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you enjoy writing friendly letters and want to join a virtual project? Are you looking for a team project or a meaningful event activity? Become a volunteer and make a meaningful difference for seniors in care homes and programs locally and across Canada.
WHAT WE DO
We’re a volunteer-run organization sending cheerful, personal, one-of-a-kind handwritten letters to seniors in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. Since April 2020, we’ve delivered joy in over 30 languages worldwide!
WHAT WE OFFER
➙ A chance to brighten a senior’s day.
➙ Flexible volunteering from anywhere, anytime, year-round.
➙ Community service hour verification for students (separate registration required).
➙ Tips for writing meaningful letters.
➙ An inclusive environment welcoming all ages and abilities.
IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS
➙ Write friendly, one-of-a-kind letters addressed to a “Friend.”
➙ Mail your letters to our partner facilities.
➙ Commit to a destination facility only after your letters are ready to mail.
➙ Facilities list refreshes every two weeks with new requests.
➙ Expenses include postage, writing materials, and envelopes (send multiple letters in one envelope to save on postage).
➙ Not a pen pal program—most seniors cannot reply.
➙ LAI has no staff, physical office or phone.
 Please email volunteer Lindsay for support.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
➙ Commit to writing letters regularly. Quality over quantity.
➙ Share personal stories to make your letters unique.
➙ Avoid sensitive topics like religion, health, politics and holidays.
➙ Focus on positivity and connection.
➙ Write in English or 30+ other languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese or Russian.
➙ Handcrafted cards are welcome but not required. Your handwritten message matters most!
➙ Organize group letter-writing activities or events with friends, coworkers, schools or libraries.
➙ Spread the word to friends, family and local senior centers.
➙ Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram.
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US
➙ Send smiles to seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
➙ Be part of a compassionate, inclusive community.
➙ Experience the satisfaction of knowing your words make a difference.
GET STARTED
➙ Visit https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose INDIVIDUAL, GROUP, EDUCATOR or STUDENT registration.
➙ Students seeking service credit: Review our guidelines, complete the student registration form and submit photos of your letters for verification. Earn one hour of credit for every four approved letters.
➙ Contact Lindsay if you have any questions.
Join us in spreading kindness and smiles to senior citizens. Your words will make all the difference!

EmpowHER is a dynamic leadership and mentorship program designed to equip young women and LGBTQ2+ individuals (ages 12–30) with the skills, networks, and opportunities to excel in their chosen fields. This hybrid program (both virtual and in-person) provides hands-on experiences with civic action.

EmpowHER is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected refugees who are passionate about civic engagement and making a meaningful impact in their communities. Participants will engage in real-world projects, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities that foster growth and empowerment.

The Katimavik National Experience challenges young people to make a positive impact in each of the communities while also developing a vast set of skills and competencies. The program brings together 11 young, diverse adults who share and manage a Katimavik house while living and doing meaningful volunteer work in two different communities. Throughout 22 weeks, participants are very busy and can expect to participate fully in the following: 

• Volunteering 32 hours a week at local non-profit organizations; 

• Learning about Indigenous peoples in Canada and engaging in meaningful truth and reconciliation initiatives; 

• Team building and collaboration; 

• Designing and implementing community projects; 

• Managing all aspects of the Katimavik house, including daily meal preparation; 

• Plan cultural discovery, group outings and fun activities during evenings and weekends. 

Katimavik National Experience is a fully funded, all expenses related to participation in the program are covered, including transportation to and from the communities, group activities, housing, and meals. Katimavik is funded by the Government of Canada through its Canada Service Corps initiative. 

Katimavik aims to help youth become engaged, caring citizens and capable contributors and leaders for a better Canada. We do this through the development of 21st century skills, experiential learning, and civic engagement. 

The National Experience is open to all young people aged 17-25 years old. Participants must be a Canadian citizen or be able to demonstrate that they are legally residing in Canada. 

Program cohorts start every January and July of each year.

To Apply, please visit our website https://katimavik.org/en/programs/national-experience/

Assist staff by helping out at community events in Durham Region work in shifts to help staff the CCD booth for a few hours pick up and/or return CCD booth and materials to the local Hub * booth set-up and/or tear down * greet and engage with visitors to the booth * converse with visitors in promoting volunteering, services and other CCD initiatives

• Recruit, screen, and onboard new volunteers
• Maintain a current database of volunteer contact information and availability
• Create and manage volunteer schedules for regular programs and special events
• Communicate clearly with volunteers about shift needs, updates, and expectations
• Coordinate orientation and basic training for new volunteers
• Provide ongoing support and encouragement to volunteers
• Promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members
• Collaborate with program lead to assess volunteer needs and coverage
• Track and report volunteer hours and feedback
• Help plan volunteer appreciation efforts and recognition initiatives