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!

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

The Peer Support Volunteer plays a vital role in providing compassionate, empathetic support to individuals and families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Volunteers offer a listening ear, shared understanding, and companionship on the grief journey, creating a safe space for bereaved individuals to express their feelings, share memories, and receive validation from someone who “gets it.” By joining our team, you’ll help ensure that no one has to grieve alone.

Responsibilities:

• Provide emotional support through one-on-one phone calls, online meetings, or in-person (as appropriate) to individuals who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.
• Listen actively, showing empathy and compassion, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to share their grief.
• Share your own experiences in a supportive and respectful manner, when appropriate, to help normalize and validate the individual’s feelings.
• Support participants in finding resources and encourage self-care practices that align with their unique grief journey.
• Communicate and collaborate with PAIL Network staff, sharing updates as needed while respecting the privacy and confidentiality of participants.
• Complete initial and ongoing training to enhance skills, including workshops on grief, trauma-informed care, and cultural sensitivity.

Qualifications:

• Personal experience with pregnancy or infant loss and a desire to support others going through similar experiences.
• Excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to provide empathetic, non-judgmental support.
• Respect for confidentiality and boundaries, with an understanding of the importance of privacy in peer support relationships.
• Ability to commit to regular volunteer sessions, showing reliability and consistency.
• Willingness to participate in training, supervision, and support meetings as needed.

Training and Support:

• Comprehensive training on topics such as grief, trauma-informed care, effective communication, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ongoing support from PAIL Network staff and access to additional training opportunities.
• Regular check-ins and debriefing sessions to support volunteers in their role.

If you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and feel called to support others on their grief journey, we encourage you to apply. By sharing your understanding, compassion, and empathy, you can help ensure that bereaved individuals know they are not alone.

Volunteer Interpreter for Youth Programs

Location:  Remote (Zoom) or in-person at BGC Durham (433 Eulalie Avenue in Oshawa)

Overview:  We are seeking compassionate and dedicated volunteers to join our roster of interpreters for various youth programs.  These programs are designed to support and empower youth, and your interpretation services will ensure that language barriers do not hinder effective communication and participation.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide interpretation services during youth program activities, ensuring clear and accurate communication between all parties.
• Be available to be contacted and scheduled on an as needed basis- advance notice will be provided and we will work around your personal schedule.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the principles and values of the organization.

Requirements:

• Fluency in English and at least obe other language.
• Excelent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain impartial and unbiased.
• Reliable and punctual with a commitment to attending scheduled sessions.
• Prior experience in interpretation or translation in beneficial but not required.
• Must be 18 years or older.

How to apply:

If you are interested in adding your name to our roster of volunteer interpreters, please click HERE to fill out the application and upload a resume.  We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and language proficiencies.

Contact Information: For more information or if you have any questions, please contact: 

Jill Dallaire, Youth Services Director at (905)404-5700 or jdalliare@bgcdurham.com

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Hiring will be dependant on providing a clear Vulnerable Sector Check.

• Conduct guided tours for visitor groups of all ages, sharing stories and insights about our exhibits.

• Conduct gallery interpretation and interact with visitors during public events, including March Break and Doors Open Oshawa. Engage with visitors, provide interpretation on the collection, and answer questions to enhance their museum experience.

• Interact with tour groups, school classes, car clubs,  and individual visitors, tailoring your communication to suit different age ranges and backgrounds.

• Be on-call to be onsite at minimum 2 hours a week, spending time circulating in the galleries when not giving tours. Work with museum staff to ensure a welcoming and informative environment for all visitors.