VOLUNTEER WITH US
Your time can become someone's welcome.
A welcoming visit begins long before the doors open. Volunteers sort donations, stock shelves, prepare seasonal programs, collect essential items and help neighbours find their way through the Food Market and clothing areas. Every shift adds care, order and human connection to work the community depends on.
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly where you fit. Bring your reliability, curiosity and willingness to help. Our Volunteer Coordinator will help you find a role that suits your interests, your abilities and the time you have.
A SHIFT WITH PURPOSE
There is care in every part of the work.
Some volunteer roles happen face to face. Others happen in the warehouse, on the road or behind the scenes. Together they make every visit feel prepared, warm and personal.
Prepare
Receive, sort and organize donated food, hygiene items, household essentials and clothing so useful items are ready when they are needed.
Keep choice within reach
Restock shelves, arrange the clothing floor and keep everything easy for neighbours to see and choose.
Welcome and guide
Greet people as they arrive, support check-in and registration, explain what is available and help neighbours move through the space with confidence.
Bring the community closer
Pick up donated items and help special programs, events and group days run smoothly.
Roles change with what each shift needs. Some warehouse tasks involve lifting up to 50 lb, while many roles are light. Tell the Volunteer Coordinator what feels comfortable and accessible for you.
Ask about role fitCHOOSE YOUR PATH
There are three ways to begin.
Adults, students and groups each start a little differently, so we can plan the right forms, schedule and support. Choose the path that fits you.
Everyone starts with the same friendly orientation.
Adult applicants
Download the adult application package, complete it with two references and return it to us. The package also includes the permission, agreement, confidentiality and media release forms.
Download adult application package (opens in a new tab)Students
Students fill in a short form onsite instead of the adult package. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator before you come in, and if your school needs its own community service form, bring it ready on your first day.
Ask about student volunteeringGroups and workplaces
Group days are planned ahead so we can match the activity, timing and space to what is needed. We may also ask whether a food drive could be part of your day.
Plan a group volunteer dayEvery new volunteer starts with an onsite orientation and works alongside someone experienced at first. Once we review your application, we will talk with you about the best role.
APPLICATION HUB
Here is everything you need to get started.
Download the application package below, complete every section and return it with both references. Our Volunteer Coordinator will review it and contact you about next steps.
Reference CSH-0010-2026
Adult Volunteer Application Package
The package includes the application and media release, two confidential reference forms, the permission and release form, the volunteer agreement and your orientation instructions.
You can also drop it off at 1881 Fairview Street, Units 4 and 5, Burlington, while we are open.
Before your first shift
- Attend an onsite orientation and training session of about 1.5 hours.
- Begin alongside an experienced volunteer until you are comfortable with the role.
- Shifts usually run 3 to 3.5 hours, in the morning, the afternoon or on Wednesday evenings.
- Wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes everywhere in the building.
- Use the attendance computer to sign in and out whenever you volunteer onsite.
Please send applications and references to the Volunteer Coordinator, by email or in person.
FAQS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Get answers before your first shift.
Our Volunteer Coordinator answers the questions people ask most.
We welcome volunteers Monday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Special programs and events sometimes run outside these hours, including some weekends.
Shifts typically run about 3 to 3.5 hours. Choose a morning, afternoon or evening shift that fits your schedule, keep the same shift every week, or sign up for individual and special-event shifts as they come up.
Every volunteer attends a 1.5 hour in-person orientation before their first shift, then works alongside an experienced volunteer until they feel comfortable in the role.
A police check is not required at this time.
Wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes at all times, and dress in layers, since you may work in several parts of the building.
Some roles, particularly in the warehouse, involve lifting up to 50 lb. Let the Volunteer Coordinator know what is comfortable for you so a role can be matched accordingly.
Email volunteer2.compassion@gmail.com or call (905) 592-3722 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
Yes. Check with your school or district that your hours and any forms are in order before you start, and log every hour on our attendance computer so it counts.
Yes. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to arrange a group volunteer day. We will also ask whether a food drive or another contribution fits into your visit.
WHY VOLUNTEER
Volunteering helps your neighbours, and it helps you too.
Every shift brings much-needed help to families across Halton. Here is what it can give back to you.
Physical health
Sorting, stacking and moving through the Food Market and warehouse keeps you active on your feet.
Mental health
You meet people who care about the same things, ease stress by focusing on others and feel the pride of seeing the difference you make.
For students
Students build skills for a resume, such as accountability, grow their network and can earn a reference.