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Acknowledgements

POINT would like to thank all of the agencies and organizations that contributed to the guide. POINT gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support of the POINT Endowment Fund toward the development of this guide.

The Student Volunteer Resource Guide was revised by Karen Qi, a POINT summer student, and edited by Diane Werner, Executive Director.

Remember

Before starting your community involvement activities, you may want to read the following steps.

Online Volunteer Opportunities

VOLUNTEER CENTRE OF TORONTO
www.volunteertoronto.on.ca
Go to the youth volunteer section for specific 40 hour volunteering programs.

CHARITY VILLAGE
www.charityvillage.com
Website supporting Canada's non-profit organizations and charities. Go to the volunteer section to search listings.

ONLINE VOLUNTEERING DATABASE
www.e-volunteering.org
Matches your interests with volunteer opportunities.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES EXCHANGE
www.voe-reb.org

Volunteer Opportunities in the City of Toronto

This list does not contain all of the student volunteer opportunities in the City of Toronto. It should also be noted that for agencies/organizations outside of the North Toronto area, it is necessary to call the agency/organization to obtain specific information about categories such as type of volunteer opportunities available, minimum age, and available dates. When calling the agency/organization it is a good idea to ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator or Manager of the Volunteer Program. Address, websites, phone numbers and email addresses have been provided.

Volunteer Opportunities in North Toronto

Volunteer Opportunities in North Toronto

Student Volunteer Responsibilities and Rights

Some responsibilities include:

  • Choosing an organization you respect and support and being sincere in your offer of service.
  • Consulting your parents or guardians if you are under 18 before selecting your community involvement activities.
  • Accepting a volunteer position you believe in and feel will meet your skills, interests, and available time.
  • Understanding and following the agency's designated policies and procedures.
  • Acknowledging the need for training and participating fully within the organization.

Statistics about Youth Volunteers

The Motivation

Most (93%) agreed that the desire to make a contribution to their community was an important reason for their volunteering (Chart 2.13).19 Other frequently reported reasons were the desire to make use of personal skills and experiences (77%) and having been personally affected by the cause that the organization supports (59%). Around half of all volunteers reported that they volunteered to explore their own strengths (50%), to network or meet people (48%) and because their friends volunteered (47%).

Common Questions and Answers

Where do I volunteer?

People mostly but not exclusively volunteer at not-for-profit or charitable agencies or organizations. These places provide services in arts, health, education, social services, sports and many more.

Eligible and Ineligible Activities

Eligible Activities

  • Fundraising - walk-a-thons, celebrity games, gift wrapping, galas
  • Sports/recreation - coaching, track meets, summer games, working with a buddy, organizing special Olympics in the community
  • Community - helping to organize winter carnivals, parades, summer fairs, community events
  • Community projects - helping out at a food bank, support services for community groups
  • Religious organizations - programming for children, child-minding, helping with special events, cler

The Ministry of Education Community Involvement

As you probably already know!



In 1999, the Ontario Ministry of Education announced that students entering high school are mandated to complete 40 hours of volunteer community involvement to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The purpose of the community involvement requirement is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities.

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