Volunteer
Current volunteering opportunities
Short-term
Thank you for your interest in Yonge Street Mission’s short-term “Special Events/In-A-Pinch” volunteer opportunities! Our Special Events/In-A-Pinch volunteers sign-up online and come out to provide short-term, sometimes last minute, support. Some of these roles include support positions at the Food Bank, Double Take Store and Evergreen Kitchen.
Click here to visit our Special Events/In-A-Pinch website and sign up for shifts!
Long-term
Click here to view all our regular longer term volunteer opportunities, with a time commitment of 6 months or longer. As part of the application process for these roles you will be required to:
Attend a virtual/in-person interview
Provide 3 references (professional/volunteer related)
Provide a Police Reference Check (PRC/VSS)
Corporate groups
Are you part of a corporate team looking to volunteer as a group? Join Project: GENERAT1ON.
Click here to learn about and sign up for our Project: GENERAT1ON team volunteer opportunities.
Looking for something else?
Didn’t find a volunteer position that you connected with? Please come back to this website page soon, as we post new positions daily.
Also, please click here go to Volunteer Toronto’s website to see what other volunteer opportunities are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I start volunteering with YSM?
We have two types of volunteers at YSM: Short Term (also known as”In-a-Pinch”) Volunteers, and Long Term Volunteers. Opportunities for both options can be found on our website.
For Short Term, your first step is to click the link and create an account on our VolunteerHub platform. From there you can learn about what’s available and register for shifts. Please note the requirements of the role BEFORE registering.
For Long Term roles, your first step is to review the position descriptions listed on the website and apply as directed for any that meet your skills, interests and availability. You will be contacted for an interview if your qualifications meet the requirements. For long term volunteer roles we will check references and conduct a mandatory police check.
What if I can’t make my volunteer shift?
Make sure to cancel your shift on VolunteerHub if you are unable to attend. We rely on volunteers to run our programs. When volunteers don’t show up and don’t cancel their shifts there is a gap in our programs
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
All of our volunteer roles require you to be 18 years of age or older. While some roles are filled by 15-17 year olds, they are only available to active YSM program participants.
Do you have volunteer opportunities for high school students?
All of our volunteer roles require you to be 18 years of age or older. While some roles are filled by 15-17 year olds, they are only available to active YSM program participants.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of hours I must commit to?
Shifts vary from 2 to 4 hours in length, 7 days a week. We recommend that you start with one shift per week and then increase your commitment as you learn the role.
Can I complete a post-secondary placement/practicum at YSM?
Volunteer Resources coordinates post-secondary placements for a variety of programs and positions. We start the application process 3-4 months in advance of the start of placements, so be sure to get in touch as soon as you can. For general inquiries regarding student placements and practicums, please email: volunteer@ysm.ca
Can I volunteer in whatever area I want?
Volunteers are placed in areas in which staff have expressed a need for volunteer assistance. There are short term/In-a-pinch roles, as well as longer term roles. For short term roles, you are welcome to sign up for any shifts you meet the requirements for once you create an account online. For longer term roles, your interest, skills and availability will be discussed during the interview to ensure a successful placement.
I would like to volunteer by offering my professional skills. How can I get started?
We are always looking for health care professionals. On occasion other professional skills are required. Keep an eye on our long-term positions to see what we are looking for.
Can I take holidays from my volunteer role?
Yes, of course! We simply ask that volunteers inform us in advance of the dates they will be away.
What should I wear to my volunteer shift?
It’s important to note the appropriate clothing for your volunteer role. Cleanliness is paramount for the health and safety of our buildings, food services, and the community we serve. There are also requirements for closed-toed shoes for several roles. Please note the suggested clothing on the shift description you have registered for.
Once I apply for a long-term role, how long will I wait to hear back from you?
We receive many applications for our long-term roles. Applicants should apply online as indicated by the posting and we will respond as soon as we are able. Selected applicants will be contacted by telephone or email to book a personal interview. All successful applicants will receive updates on the status of their application.
I am an active or past volunteer. Can I receive a letter to confirm my hours?
Yes! There are two types of letters that we provide: confirmation letters and reference letters.
Confirmation letters report the number of hours a volunteer has completed with YSM. Please email us at volunteer@ysm.ca, providing at least 5-7 days notice. We require your full name and VolunteerHub login username to confirm your hours and provide you with a letter.
Reference letters are personalized and provided to long-term volunteers at the discretion of the volunteer position supervisor. Due to the personal nature of a reference letter we cannot guarantee a reference letter will be provided.
Do I need to get a police check to volunteer with YSM?
Our long-term roles require a police check due to the nature of the roles. Depending on the role we request either a Vulnerable Sector Check or a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check. For our Short Term roles, no police check is required.
My friend and I would like to volunteer together. Is this possible?
We appreciate that volunteering with a friend is a fun thing to do. If you are both interested in a short-term volunteer role, you can sign up together as long as there are spots available. All volunteers need to be registered on VolunteerHub prior to the start of the volunteer shift. Please do not bring a friend or family member to your shift if they are not registered. They will be turned away.
I need to complete court-ordered service hours. Can I do them with YSM?
Yes. Get in touch with the Volunteer Resources department 3 days BEFORE you wish to start volunteering. Please email volunteer@ysm.ca to discuss your hours and available opportunities.
Does an application or inquiry for a volunteer role guarantee an interview and/or a volunteer placement?
We appreciate and respond back to all who inquire to potentially volunteer with YSM. However, while we strive to accept as many volunteer applicants as possible, submitting an application or inquiry does not guarantee an interview or volunteer placement with YSM. Selection depends on agency needs, position availability, skills, interests, scheduling and screening requirements.