• Art & Pottery Programs
  The School Age Art & Pottery Program Assistant supports children in unlocking their creativity while they learn the techniques of a variety of visual arts, such as drawing, painting, journalling, watercolouring, mixed media, or pottery, under the direction of an Art Instructor. Tasks include providing a warm, energetic, and engaging presence with children and sometimes their families, taking direction from the instructor, taking the lead when the instructor’s attention is needed elsewhere, and supporting with setup and cleanup of activities. Art & Pottery Programs take place for 1-2 hours weekly. Volunteers are asked to commit to the entire semester of the program and must enjoy working with children in art and/or pottery activities; basic knowledge of art & pottery is recommended but not essential.

• Sports Programs
  The School Age Sports Program Assistant supports children while they learn the initial skills of a variety of sports under the direction of the Sport Instructor. Tasks include providing a warm, energetic, and engaging presence with children and sometimes their families, taking direction from the instructor, taking the lead when the instructor’s attention is needed elsewhere, and supporting with setup and cleanup of activities. Youth Sports Programs take place for 1-2 hours weekly. Volunteers are asked to commit to the entire semester of the program and must enjoy working with children in sports activities; basic knowledge of rules of play is recommended but not essential.

• Pre-Teen Dances
  The Pre-Teen Dance Volunteer supports the Youth Team in executing Parkgate’s Pre-Teen Dances, which take place monthly on Saturdays from 6:00pm–10:00pm. Tasks include providing a warm, energetic, and engaging presence with the participants, running a station (i.e., Check-in, Games Room, Karaoke, Trivia Island, Dance Area), and helping with set-up and clean-up of the event. The preferred age range for volunteers in this position is 16-24 years, ensuring that participants feel safe to gain independence and grow more accountable without parental or older adult presence. Additionally, volunteers must not have a younger sibling registered for the dance that they wish to volunteer at.

• Community Lunch Cooking Team
  The Community Kitchen Assistant works as part of a team of volunteers to prepare, plate, and serve quality meals to the community, under the direction and supervision of the Seniors Kitchen Coordinator. Community Kitchen Assistants volunteer every other Wednesday from 8:00am-2:00pm. Tasks include all elements of preparing a meal, such as chopping ingredients, cooking, plating food, greeting and serving all community members, and setting up and cleaning up the kitchen and dining area. Kitchen hygiene and food safety procedures must always be practiced. Basic culinary knowledge is recommended but not required.
  
  
• Seniors Programs Coffee Carts
  The Seniors Program Coffee Cart Assistant generally works independently to set up coffee/tea carts for community groups participating in Parkgate programs throughout the week. Tasks include preparing coffee, tea and treats on a cart and delivering it to the program room. Volunteers can select one or multiple dates and programs to set up. Coffee carts typically take 30 minutes to 1 hour to set up depending on the timeslot and how many participants are in the programs. If you can stay to clean up after the program, that would be appreciated but is not required to take on this opportunity.

• Seniors Programs Kitchen Clean-up
  The Seniors Program Kitchen Clean-up Assistant works independently to clean up coffee/tea carts, the kitchen, and program rooms for those participating in Parkgate programs throughout the day. Tasks include gathering all coffee/tea carts, washing cups, dishes, utensils, and carafes using an industrial dishwasher, sanitizing counters and chairs, ensuring all dishes are put away, and closing the kitchen for the evening. Kitchen Clean-up Volunteers are asked to commit to one day a week for 1-2 hours; the start time is flexible between 2:00pm and 5:00pm.

• My Parkgate Break (MPB)
  MPB is a gathering place for individuals experiencing the changes associated with early to moderate dementia. It offers needed respite to family caregivers and a chance for individuals to connect with others who are on the dementia journey. Volunteer from 11:00am-3:00pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Fridays to support participants through conversation, activities, and meaningful connection.

• Summer Camps:
  Applications open in early May.

  We offer half-day and full-day camps that require volunteers Monday to Friday for either 4 or 7 hours per day. Volunteers can choose from a variety of camps, including arts, sports, climbing, scootering, skateboarding, cooking, and day camps. Placement is based on volunteers’ summer availability and interests.

  Day camp volunteers play a key role in creating a welcoming and engaging environment. They are responsible for bringing enthusiasm and energy to the camp experience, following directions from camp supervisors, assisting with activities when supervisors are occupied, ensuring the safety of camp participants, and helping with activity setup and cleanup.

• Community Day (September)
• Winter Lights (December)
• Summer BBQs (July/August)
• New Events

Special Event Assistants support large-scale and sometimes small-scale events that occur every few months on multiple levels and capacities for 4-5 hours per event. Monthly newsletters notify volunteers about upcoming events that require Special Event Assistant support in which volunteers can offer their support as they occur. Tasks can range from setup to supporting specific booths run by the Youth, Childcare, and Seniors Programs to helping with food preparation and service as well as cleanup. Providing support during special events differs slightly depending on the event but requires the volunteer to be flexible and proactive, as needs may change and fluctuate throughout the event day.

• What happens after I submit my application? 
  • After submitting your application, the Volunteer Coordinator will reach out to schedule an interview to learn more about you and your interests. You will then be asked to complete a criminal record check and provide two references. Once these are reviewed, we will share available opportunities and help match you with a suitable volunteer role.

• Is there a minimum age to volunteer?
  • Year-round programs are generally open to volunteers ages 12 and up. However, our summer camps include more flexible opportunities, offering younger volunteers a chance to get involved. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please reach out!

• What if I’ve never volunteered before?
  • No experience is required! We welcome all volunteers and provide ongoing guidance to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

• Is there a minimum time commitment?
  • We generally ask volunteers to commit to at least one shift per week, depending on the program. If you’re unsure what fits your schedule, contact the Volunteer Coordinator to explore your options.

• What happens if I need to miss a shift?
  • No worries, we understand that schedules may change. Please give the volunteer coordinator advance notice so that coverage can be arranged.

• Do volunteers receive hours verification or references?
  • Yes! Upon request, we provide verification of volunteer hours and letters of reference for all volunteers.