Formerly Volunteer Markham

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about Volunteer Connect and volunteering. If you have any further questions, please connect with with us by email at info@volunteerconnect.ca

Our mission is to promote volunteerism. This is done through a matching service, building organizational capacity, highlighting and promoting volunteerism in our community, ensuring to applaud and recognize volunteer contributions through our Volunteer Champions Program and helping our community. Our online database also helps individuals find a meaningful volunteer opportunity and matches them to organizations that need them.

Volunteer Connect is a registered non-profit, charitable organization. We rely on donations, sponsorship and grants to enable us to provide our services to the community.

CLICK HERE to browse our online database for current volunteer postings. There are several tools to assist in your search. You can filter by interest or organization or you can use the keyword function to focus your search. You can also create a volunteer profile. Step-by-step instructions for searching for a volunteer role can be found on the home page of the database.

To express interest in a volunteer posting, simply click on the button appearing at the top of the posting titled “Yes, I’d Like to Volunteer” to complete an on-line volunteer form. This form will be sent directly to the main contact at the organization and they will be in touch with you shortly to discuss the next steps for recruitment. Note that submitting a volunteer form does not guarantee you will be selected for the role.

The application process will vary depending on the organization. It is a good idea to have a resume ready and you can expect to have an interview. Reference checks will vary depending on the role.  Some organizations will also require additional screening such as a police check if the volunteer position involves working with vulnerable people (children, seniors or people with disabilities), medical and/or drivers screening.

Volunteer commitments range based on the role. Some roles may require two to four hours a week and a minimum three-month commitment, while other positions will provide more flexibility where you can volunteer for shorter periods, or, on an “on call” basis, or for special events. The details for the commitment will be provided in the details for the posting of the volunteer role.

Yes, you can filter your search to identify youth volunteer opportunities. If you are looking to complete your 40 hours of required community service in order to graduate from high school, you can also search for roles designated as suitable for the OSSD volunteer component. CLICK HERE to access our online database, and then select the button titled “Student Opportunities”. Volunteer Connect also has a Youth Volunteer Team, Change the World York Region.  Learn more about CTW York Region by CLICKING HERE.
You can actually do this yourself by filling out a volunteer role posting form by CLICKING HERE. When completing the form, include as much detail as you can about the role as this will assist individuals when they are searching for volunteer opportunities.  Once you submit the volunteer role posting form, an Volunteer Connect team member will review and approve the posting based on our inclusion policy which can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.

Volunteer Connect  provides volunteer role posting service to other non-profit organizations. Volunteer positions can be for single events, short term (a few weeks or months) or long term (an on-going commitment).

Absolutely! We recruit volunteers to assist us in many ways here at Volunteer Connect.  Roles could include volunteering on our Board of Directors, various Committees, administration and more.   We also need support for other activities such as writing and editing for social media, maintaining our website, community outreach to promote volunteerism, and other help with special projects. To volunteer, check the database for postings or CONTACT US.
CLICK HERE to view our online community event calendar where you will find a link to submit your event. Note that all events are subject to review by our Volunteer Connect team prior to posting and must meet the criteria as outlined in our inclusion policy which can be accessed by CLICKING HERE.
As noted above, we rely on donations, sponsorship and grants to enable us to provide our services to the community. We would greatly welcome your support to help us fulfill our mission. For more details on how you can support Volunteer Connect, CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to complete an on-line contact form and an Volunteer Connect team member will respond to you shortly. Or feel free to contact us by phone at (289) 469-5346 during our business hours of Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  We are closed for statutory holidays.