SEND SMILES AND SUNSHINE:

BECOME A VOLUNTEER LETTER-WRITER TODAY!

Are you passionate about spreading joy and brightening someone's day? Do you have a knack for writing heartfelt letters? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in aged care homes in the area and across Canada.  

WHAT WE DO 

We’re an all-volunteer organization that mails cheerful, personal, handwritten letters and cards to elders in care facilities and senior programs. Since April 2020, our dedicated volunteers have sent countless letters and cards in 30 languages, spreading joy and connection around the globe!

WHAT WE OFFER 

• A chance to make a direct and positive impact on the lives of seniors.
• Flexibility to volunteer from anywhere, anytime, year-round as an individual or with a team.
• A special program to verify service hours for students and professionals seeking community service credits. (Separate registration is required.)
• Tips and guidance for crafting personal and meaningful letters available on our website and social media platforms.
• An inclusive environment where volunteers are encouraged to share their own uplifting stories and experiences without making assumptions about the recipient's background or abilities.
• All ages and abilities are welcome! 

IMPORTANT DETAILS FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Ideal volunteer: Writes unique, friendly, conversational letters to connect with the reader and make them feel special. We offer ideas and sample letters on our blog and social media.
• You’ll mail your handwritten letters to one of our partner facilities. After you register with us and write some letters, log on to our user portal to choose a destination.
• We operate on a two-week cycle; please don't sign up for letters until you have the time and supplies to mail them. Every two weeks - e.g. September 15, September 29, October 13, etc. - our mailing list resets, and new requests for letters become available for you to claim.
• Expenses: Postage, writing materials, envelopes. You can send multiple letters in one large envelope to save on postage.
• You won’t know the name of the reader. Address letters as “Dear Friend.”
• This is not a pen pal program; while you may occasionally receive a response, most seniors don’t have the physical ability or resources to write back to you.
• We have no staff, physical office, or phone. Please email volunteer Lindsay for support.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Join our team of volunteers and commit to writing letters on an ongoing basis.
• Focus your message on sharing a bit about yourself to make each letter unique and special. Seniors tell us that these personal stories are their favorite part of the letter!
• Limit affirmations and general well wishes, as they can come across as impersonal when overused.
• Avoid sensitive topics such as religion, holidays, health and politics.
• Keep your message positive!
• While handcrafted cards are welcome, they are not required; your handwritten message is what matters most. It doesn't need to be fancy.
• Our partner facilities in Canada are requesting letters in 10 different languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian.
• Create a group activity for your friends, employees, co-workers, classroom or club members.
• Team up with a public library to host a letter-writing event.
• Post our flyer on social media and community bulletin boards at libraries, cafes, bookstores, stationery and craft stores, and apartment complexes.

WHY VOLUNTEER WITH US

• Make a direct and tangible difference in the lives of seniors who may be feeling isolated or lonely.
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive community dedicated to spreading kindness and compassion.
• Experience connection and satisfaction that comes from knowing your words have the power to bring joy and comfort to someone you've never met.

GET STARTED

1. Register with us on our website at https://www.lettersagainstisolation.com/ and choose the registration option that applies to you:

• individual
• student (for students requesting community service hour verification, including student clubs)*
• group

2. Contact Lindsay if you have any questions.

3. THE FUN PART: Write some friendly letters!

4. When you're ready to mail them, log into our web portal and choose a destination facility.

5. Keep an eye out for our email newsletter every Sunday, and connect with us on social media: LinkedIn • Instagram • Facebook 

*Students and professionals requesting official documentation for community service credit should review our Community Service Guidelines and then complete our Registration Form. You’ll work 1:1 with a member of our Student Liaison Team. You will be asked to submit photos of your work for verification. We award one hour of community service credit for every four letters written & sent that meet our guidelines.

Join us in spreading kindness and smiles to senior citizens. Your words will make all the difference!

Poppy Campaign, decoration committee, Colour Party (walking, holding flags and attending multiple events), meat rolls, fundraiser support, and working in the kitchen 

Katimavik’s National Experience is an opportunity for any Canadian citizens, permanent residents or landed refugees aged 17 – 25 who are looking for 22 weeks of creative learning, community engagement, Truth and Reconciliation, and self-discovery. Participants will live in a group setting with up to 10 of their peers in two separate communities across Canada throughout the course of the program. During the program, participants engage in 32 hours of valuable volunteer work a week, learn how to manage a house, make lifelong friends, and gain confidence that they themselves can make an impactful difference in our country.  
 
This is a fully funded opportunity where participants’ travel expenses, living accommodations, food costs, and daily needs are covered. Participants will need to bring is their dedication, empathy, and commitment to making a better world! Katimavik aims to help young folks become engaged, caring citizens and capable contributors and leaders for a better Canada through the development of 21st century skills, experiential learning, and civic engagement.

Program cohorts start every January and July of each year.

Purpose of the role

JA Central Ontario is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to support students through JA Events. JA engages volunteers from the local business community to add value to the student experience by sharing industry insights and expertise. If you’re passionate about helping youth in your community, this opportunity will be a valuable volunteer experience!

How it works

Joining a JA educational event, you'll share your career journey and experiences with student participants. During these events, students in grades 9-12 will hear from a range of speakers from a whole host of industries and backgrounds. You'll share your stories, outline your career path and answer student questions. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire young people as they are thinking about their futures.

What do you wish you had known in high school? What advice would you give to your younger self? What is the most exciting thing about the world of work? Help students answer these questions and much more by volunteering with JA Central Ontario!

You will have the option of attending either a virtual or in-person event.

About JA Central Ontario

Here at JA Central Ontario, we prepare youth for life, for meaningful work and for an opportunity to do good in the world. We help young people go from saying ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’ through our immersive, digitally-enabled learning experiences. Students learn practical skills like budgeting, saving and starting a business - but they also learn adaptability, creativity, problem-solving and a host of interpersonal tools too. They also meet industry experts and mentors - adult allies who can help them envision their future. We’re all about skill building – minus sleeping through the boring parts. Because with JA, there are no boring parts.

A Central Ontario is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers to support students through JA's signature learning experience, Company Program.

JA Company Program Advisors inspire a new generation to dream big and reach their goals. This unique learning experience that empowers young people in grades 9-12 with the skills, connections and confidence to build something incredible - a business, a community and a bright future.

Company Program is a hands-on entrepreneurial experience for high school students. As a team, students are guided through innovation processes and design thinking. Together with peers and mentors, they produce a prototype, product or service, organize the production and marketing, interact with customers, handle money, and meet deadlines. Company Program combines in-person after-school meetings, online learning and exciting events.

How it works
Working alongside a team of business professionals, advisors act as mentors, role models and facilitators to a group of 10-20 high school students during an 18-week entrepreneurial journey to create, run and liquidate a business.

Over 18 weeks, Advisors support teams of students as they create a company, choose a product or service and run their very own business. You will meet with your team once a week for 2-3 hours, after school, at a specified location.

Program Summary:
In-Person: The program will be running in-person across Central Ontario.
Number of advisors: Each advising team will consist of 1 to 2 lead advisors and 3 or more advisors.
Number of students: With your advising team, you will be supporting a team of 10 to 20 high school students. You will be mentoring the same group of students for the entirety of the program.
One business: The group of students you work with will come up with one business to create and run over 18 weeks.
Curriculum: Resources, training and support for all volunteers are provided by the JA Central Ontario Company Program team.

About JA Central Ontario
Here at JA Central Ontario, we prepare youth for life, for meaningful work and for an opportunity to do good in the world. We help young people go from saying ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’ through our immersive, digitally-enabled learning experiences. Students learn practical skills like budgeting, saving and starting a business - but they also learn adaptability, creativity, problem-solving and a host of interpersonal tools too. They also meet industry experts and mentors - adult allies who can help them envision their future. We’re all about skill building – minus sleeping through the boring parts. Because with JA, there are no boring parts.

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is looking for volunteers in the Durham region, to help with our donation dog program. You would be responsible for placing new donations dogs in businesses, making the collections and deposits, sending reports, and generally ensuring the donation dogs are kept tidy. This position is great for retirees and those looking to volunteer a few hours a month, with a flexible schedule. If you are interested in joining this national fundraising effort, email Jeff at events@guidedogs.ca.

Responsibilities:

1. Document Editing and Communication:

   • Edit and proofread documents related to the operations and initiatives of the Carion Fenn Foundation.
   • Facilitate communication both internally and externally, ensuring clarity and consistency of messaging.

2. Online Advertising Management:

   • Oversee the implementation of online advertising strategies, including SEO, SEM, and ad placement through Google Ads.
   • Monitor and analyze the performance of online ads to optimize campaigns and maximize ROI.

3. Social Media Management:

   • Manage social media accounts across various platforms for the Carion Fenn Foundation.
   • Track and analyze social media metrics to assess engagement and inform content strategies.

We are seeking volunteers to help out at the adoption centre in Pickering at Petsmart .  Duties include:

• cleaning cat cages, litter pans, ensuring cats have fresh food and water
• keeping centre clean
• brushing, socializing and playing with cats 
• Spending time interacting and socializing shyer cats
• talking to public about cats, and potential adopters about adoptable cats 
• assisting with the adoption process for cats approved for adoption 
• communicating with fellow volunteers about any information needed and arranging coverage for any absences

Our weekly event requires:  A Marshall - to help direct the runners at turnpoionts

A Timer - will need a smartphone and be able to download the timing app which will be used to time the prticipants for their 5K wlak/run/jog

A scanner - will need a smartphone to use the app to scan barcodes at the end of the event

A tailwalker - will be walking the course, following the last participant. Will act as course 'sweep' as well as pick up signage.

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!

Be a part of a team of museum village gardeners * assist in the research, planning, planting, and maintenance of the heritage gardens

Write friendly, personal letters in Italian to senior citizens in aged care homes and programs. Spread joy to someone in their native language!

• Demonstrate empathy and kindness, connect with elders and help them realize that they are special and appreciated.

• Supply your own stationery and ensure adequate postage to mail your letters, or arrange to hand-deliver them.

• Your words will be read and cherished by elders who likely won’t have the physical ability or resources to respond to you.

• This is a remote opportunity. You’ll volunteer from home on your own schedule as your own pace.

Get started whenever you're ready by registering on our website as an individual, student, or group. We offer a program for students and student clubs requesting verification of their letters for community service credit.

Volunteers needed to exercise their expertise in the following areas:

• receive and sort donations
• greet and help assist customers 
• cashier duties
• electronics/small appliance fixer and tester
• put together creative, pleasing displays
• handyman around the building 
• clean and price items for the following departments:  housewares, books, jewellery, sports, furniture, clothing, shoes, linens, purses and luggage, toys, electronics and high-end collectables/sports memorabelia

General volunteers do a variety of tasks including food service * dispensing pantry goods * monitoring washrooms * coat check * and various other odd jobs.

TCEP is all about GOOD food, so we depend on the culinary skills of Durham area chefs to help make sure all our food programs are as delicious as possible. Volunteer Chefs may support cooking classes, feature at a dinner event, or support event food.

 We believe that food has the power to bring people together!

We will provide more information on specifics regarding how often you’ll be needed including dates and times. 

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

TCEP hosts both public and private special events including receptions and seated dinners. Event Support volunteers will assist with event preparation including cleaning the facility, decorating, setting tables/​moving furniture, and promoting (if applicable). Skilled Event Support volunteers may also assist at an event to either host, serve tables, do dishes, or tend the juice bar – depending on volunteer training and event requirements.

We believe that food has the power to bring people together!

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

Volunteer Food Educators support the TCEP staff team in delivering food literacy programs at our food education center and around the community. Food educators may supervise and assist in cooking activities, lead group discussions, and participate in all other aspects of program delivery from set-up to clean-up. Volunteer food educators are also welcome to contribute to program planning to ensure our curriculum contains exciting activities, and promote food system sustainability.

 We believe that food has the power to bring people together!

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

Committee members take ownership of fundraising and contribute significantly to TCEP corporate sponsorship, personal giving, fundraising events and other campaigns. They leverage personal or professional networks, practice event planning skills, and help get people excited about healthy wholesome food! The committee convenes once every 4 to 6 weeks, and members are expected to attend at least 75% of those meetings.

 We believe that food has the power to bring people together!

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

TCEP is looking for an enthusiastic person to provide support with organizing and starting a garden including helping with ongoing garden maintenance. As well as offer educational programs in the garden. Our aim is to offer quality fresh foods to the community whenever possible.

We believe that food has the power to bring people together!

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

If you speak more than one language we would love to have you become part of this exciting venture!  

·         If you’re interested in volunteering for any position and you have other language skills that’s wonderful!

·         However, we would still need your language abilities even if you’re not volunteering for another position.

So, please reach out to us!

We believe that food has the power to bring people together!

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

If you have a special volunteer interest, please specify

The links below will provide more information on our organization:

Instagram:
https://instagram.com/theculturalempowermentproject?utm_source=qr&igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg%3D%3D

Assist at food bank * sort food donations and pack food bags for clients * gather and pack frozen meat, produce and dairy bags for clients.

Volunteer Board Members Welcome

FOOTPRINTS 4 Autism is a nonprofit registered charity serving Durham Region. We offer respite and recreational programs for families with children and youth on the autism spectrum.  We are currently growing from a Steering Committee to a Governance Board, and looking for new members to join our Board.

We need Board members in the following areas: Marketing, Communications, Fund Development, Finance and Secretary. For a 2-year commitment.

Board meetings are held once-a-month in Whitby. We have a virtual option as well. Members can choose roles in Marketing & Communications, Fund Development, Finance, Human Resources and ad-hoc Project sub-committees.

These roles can be rewarding to anyone from lawyers, insurance agents, marketing and advertising to accountants, fundraisers, administration, and community minded people, to name a few.  

Interested in volunteering?  We would love to hear from you.  Please send resume to:

chair@footprints4autism.org

Have questions?  Call Sandra at 905-420-0388   ext. 1

one-to-one or group volunteer opportunities available

• Palliative Care Volunteer
• Grief & Bereavement Volunteer
• Fundraising Initiatives, Events and Community Awareness Volunteer
• Administrative Support Volunteer
• VON DHS Community Corporation (VON CC)