Short-term volunteer

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SHORT ON TIME? YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Join Yonge Street Mission (YSM) as a Short-Term “Special Events/In-A-Pinch” Volunteer and make a meaningful impact without a long-term commitment. New volunteer opportunities are posted monthly on a first-come, first-served basis. Follow the steps below to get started!

WHAT WILL I DO: 

As a Special Events / In-A-Pinch Volunteer, you can help out in one-day or one-time roles, including:

  • Evergreen Kitchen: Help prepare and serve meals.
  • Food Bank: Welcome visitors, guide them, and restock food.
  • Double Take Store: Unpack, sort, and tag donated items in donation room. Guide visitors in our retail space.
  • Seasonal Events: Help with special events, such as our Toy Market,  Dinners, or Phone-Thank-A-Thon.
  • Other: Different volunteer roles may be posted throughout the year.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

To volunteer, we ask that you meet the following requirements:

  • Age: Must be 18 or older in order to volunteer.
  • Basic English: Able to understand instructions and communicate with the team.
  • Computer & Internet: Needed to create an account, to sign up for shifts, and recieve important staff emails.
  • AODA Training: Complete our online Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) training.
  • Read Guidelines: Read our mandatory YSM Volunteer Guidelines and FAQ (on our website). 
  • Follow Guidelines: Staff may turn away those whose behaviour is unsafe, disruptive, or puts others at risk.
  • Team Spirit: Be respectful, work well with others, and help create a safe, inclusive and welcoming space. 
  • Some Physical Ability: Tasks often involve bending, stretching, or lifting light items (10–20 lbs).

 

HOW DO I APPLY? 

First, start by clicking here to complete our short AODA training. 

Once done, follow these 6 easy steps to start volunteering:

  • Step 1 — Create an account at:  https://vhub.at/5KWTYT
  • Step 2 — Read:  Review our mandatory volunteer Guidelines and FAQ when you log in.
  • Step 3 — Find a shift:   Look for available weekly volunteer shifts.
  • Step 4 — Sign up:   Choose a shift that works for you and sign up!
  • Step 5 — Check Email: Once you sign up, you’ll get an email with role details (address, time, dress code, etc.).
  • Step 5 — Get YSM Updates: Check your email for important updates, such as shift changes and office closures.

 

WHAT WILL I GAIN?

  • Enjoy a flexible and rewarding way to give back.
  • Gain experience and transferable skills across a variety of YSM roles.
  • Build meaningful connections with other volunteers.
  • Receive a letter confirming your volunteer experience.

 

QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP?

Note: If you have any questions, or need help, or accommodation, please email our Volunteer Resources department at volunteer@ysm.ca! 

We’d love to have you join us! Together, we can help build a stronger, healthier community.