Volunteer

PLEASE BE ADVISED, DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE TOWN IS NOT ABLE TO HOST VOLUNTEERS. WE APPRECIATE YOUR INTEREST IN SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU IN THE FUTURE. PLEASE CHECK FOR UPDATES.

Calling All Volunteers!

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville wants "to be an inclusive, caring community with a unique rural-urban identity that provides an exceptional quality of life"; because of that vision statement we are looking for passionate people ages 13+, who want to share their talents, skills and experience with the community. We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities including:

Aquatics

During swim lessons and camp programs, volunteers may practice skills with swimmers, play games and sing songs, organize equipment for instructors, tidy the pool deck, report safety issues or assist with participant supervision.

Volunteers working in our adapted aquatics will perform similar duties but will be assigned to a participant with an exceptionality who requires additional or direct support.

Museum

Volunteers work closely with Museum staff to support all areas of Museum operations including the ongoing maintenance of the Museum buildings and ground, development of special events, education, exhibits & fundraising initiatives.

Play Buddies - Inclusion 1:1 Support

Play Buddies is a volunteer-based program that provides assistance for children with special needs so they are able to participate in town programs. For many children with special needs, swimming lessons, summer camp and recreational programs offer a chance to have fun, make new friends, enjoy new experiences, develop independence and provide time away from parents and caregivers who may be their primary source of friendship and stimulation. Our goal is to promote inclusion throughout town programs; we want all children to be able to participate in all we have to offer and the Play Buddies program helps to make this possible.

Recreation Programs

Volunteers working in our recreation programs will help instructors engage children in Summer and March Break Camps, weekly classes and programs. You may be asked to help set up and lead a craft or activity, tidy program spaces or organize equipment for instructors and participants.

Town Special Events

Volunteer for a special events hosted by the municipality like Ribfest, Youth Week or the Santa Claus Parade. Opportunities may include event set-up and tear down, event operations, welcoming guests and taking tickets, assisting with activities, walking in the parade holding sponsorship banners and more.

55+ Club

Some volunteers participate in committees and help design plans. Others roll up their sleeves and carry out those plans. Get involved and join a committee to make things happen. Positions available include: lunch servers; reception; assistant conveners for drop-in programs; fashion show models; membership assistant; special events convener; shuffleboard convener; billiards convener and TED Talks convener.

Why Volunteer With Us?

There several answers to this question:

To make new friends and have fun.
To network and make new connections.
To make a difference and give back to your community.
To learn new skills for the workforce or school.
To build your professional résumé.

If one of these answers sounds interesting, you'd probably make a great volunteer!

How Can I Become a Volunteer?

Using our online database, it is easy for you to sign up and see all of the volunteer opportunities available, track your hours and plan your volunteer work.

Follow these easy steps to start your journey today.

Step 1: Create your online volunteer account

To create your account you will need to include:

Personal contact information
Applicable qualifications or certifications
Your volunteer interests
Your availability
Signed Volunteer Code of Conduct and Waiver Form

When you've done this, don't forget to save your username and password in a safe place. After you have created your account, you will automatically receive an email with instructions on how to sign up for your in-person interview.

Step 2: Attend an interview

Once you have completed your online account, you will be able to choose an interview date from the "Interview Sessions" list under the "Opportunities" tab.

You will interview as part of a group and your interview will be comprised of 4-6 questions that will help us determine if we have an appropriate volunteer opportunity for you.

Step 3: Complete online volunteer training modules

Following the interview, successful candidates will be emailed the Volunteer Training Manual and instructions on how to complete three (3) online training modules that include:

Orientation Workshop;
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA);
WHMIS.

Pay attention and take notes - you will need to pass the volunteer training and orientation quiz based on the training modules and manual you have reviewed. When you have successfully passed the quiz, you will be able to move on to Step 4. Instructions for Step 4 will be displayed under "My Profile" and in the "Training" tab of your online account.

Step 4: Provide a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

All volunteers must submit a clear Vulnerable Sector Check (also called a Vulnerable Sector Screening), valid within 3 months, to be eligible to volunteer with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. You are responsible for the cost of your VSC.

After you have finished the e-training modules, email us to request the letter you will need to complete Step 4. Include your full legal name (first and last) and allow 3-5 business days for the letter to be sent to you. You will need to take this letter to the York Regional Police, or your local police department, to request your VSC and finish the process.

Once you have obtained your VSC, bring the original copy to the WS Leisure Centre (2 Park Drive). We will take a photocopy of your VSC, return the original to you and will submit the copy to the volunteer coordinator on your behalf.

When your VSC is successfully uploaded to your account, you will receive an email letting you know your account has been approved; you will be able to see all of the current volunteer placement opportunities at this time. Please allow 3-5 business days for your VSC to be uploaded to your account.

Community Organizations

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville is a growing and thriving community that relies on groups and organizations to offer additional services, programs and events to our residents. These groups and organizations rely on the hard work of volunteers to continue the work they do, and they are in need of help from dedicated people who can contribute to their vision. The following is a list of local organizations that may have volunteer opportunities; please contact them directly for more information.

Stouffville Legion Br. 459

Number: 905-640-1714

Email: office@stouffvillelegion.ca

Website: http://www.stouffvillelegion.ca

Stouffville Lions Club

Number: 416-556-0579

Email: stouffvillelions@gmail.com

Website: https://www.stouffvillelions.ca

Whitchurch-Stouffville Strawberry Festival

Number: 905-642-3779

Email: volunteer@strawberryfestival.ca

Website: https://www.strawberryfestival.ca

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I access my online account?

You can access your online account by visiting MyImpactPage.com after you have completed your application. Save this link on your computer for future use and don't forget to save your username and password in a safe place.

How are my volunteer hours tracked?

Your supervisor will upload all of your hours in your online account. Make sure you understand how your supervisor will track your hours; this will be explained to you when your volunteer assignment has been finalized.

How do I complete my school's volunteer form?

Pick up a copy of your high school's volunteer hours form from the Guidance Office
Bring the form to your placement and give it to your supervisor
your supervisor will complete this form at the end of your placement
Return the form to the Guidance Office at your school

For more information about volunteering with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, please email us or visit the Leisure Centre at 2 Park Drive.