Local Volunteer Opportunities
Give your community a helping hand.
Angel Panag, September 02, 2022 // Brantford, Ontario
Community volunteers. Stock photo.
There are tons of great initiatives going on around town. Without volunteers a lot of the benefits from the work they do may not be possible. Along with supporting your community, volunteering allows you to build new skills while getting to know people. You may be required to get volunteer hours for high school or college requirements. Whatever the reason, here’s some of the organizations around town that would welcome your help.
Habitat for Humanity
80 Morton Ave E
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to try and provide as many people as possible with safe housing. You can support Habitat for Humanity through three volunteer paths. One is through hands-on construction efforts at one of their sites. Another is by supporting their retail operation on 80 Morton Ave E, the Re-Store. Lastly, they are looking for people with skills in photography, outreach and administration to help with behind-the-scenes operations. Volunteers must be 16 or older. To apply CLICK HERE.
Brantford Food Bank
1100 Clarence St S
Last year 88 volunteers helped the Brantford Food Bank serve over 1.2 million meals to local families and individuals in need. They also have other initiatives such as helping people file their income tax, and providing children with much needed back to school supplies. Volunteering with the Brantford Food Bank means committing to a minimum of one 3.5 hour shift per week, after a 4 hour orientation shift. You can reach out to them at 519 751-4357 for more information or to get started.
One of 24 Neighbourhood Associations
Find your local association!
There are 24 neighbourhood associations that cover most of the city’s residential areas. These associations are all as unique as the people who run them. Some of their activities include neighbourhood film nights, running family-friendly events, doing neighbourhood clean-ups, helping advocate for their area residents’ needs and running winter ice rinks. If there’s no existing neighbourhood association in your area, you can even start one of your own!
H.O.P.E.
44 King St S, Suite 207
Helping Ourselves through Peer Support and Employment (H.O.P.E.) is an organization that helps support individuals needing mental health supports. Uniquely, this is also an organization run by those who themselves have mental health needs. One of the ways you can support H.O.P.E. is by helping with their ‘Mood Walks,’ a walking/hiking support group. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can fill out a volunteer application form here.
Laurier Accessible Learning Centre
1 Market St, 207-20
The ALC at Laurier Brantford helps students with disabilities reach their full potential by helping to level the playing field. They work with students by helping to provide them with academic accommodations. Other services include providing alternative writing formats, learning strategies, note-taking services and tutoring. The ALC is looking for volunteer note takers, tutors, as well as individuals to help out with a range of administrative tasks.
Volunteers at the Brantford Food Forest. Photo credit Brantford Food Forest.
Brantford Food Forest
Parsons Park, 160 Ontario St
Brantford Food Forest is an exciting grass-roots initiative based at Parsons Park in Eagle Place. Their goal is to maintain and grow an expansive food forest consisting of edible vegetables and fruits, alongside native plant species. Along with getting your hands in the dirt, organizer Rachael is actively seeking a secretary to help with admin tasks for up to 10 hours a month. No sign up is needed, and volunteers are encouraged to drop in Wednesday between 6 and 8 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Soup for the Soul
95 Darling St
This is an initiative based out of the St. Andrews United Church which serves healthy meals to over 200 individuals every day from Monday to Friday. Volunteers are invited to help create a safe, welcoming environment for individuals ranging from teenagers to seniors who can use a warm meal. While the food service is only available on weekdays, there may be additional opportunities to help out on the weekends. For more details reach out to the coordinator, Jeanine, at 519 752-5823.
Brant Community Healthcare System
200 Terrace Hill St
The Brant Community Healthcare System welcomes volunteers over 15 to help out in a variety of capacities. One way volunteers can help is by greeting patients and helping them find their way through the hospital. Other areas include inpatient care, outpatient care, retail and supporting fundraising efforts. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as the screening process can take up to six weeks.
Child Hunger Brantford
St Stephen’s House, 15 Albion Street
Since September 2021, this non-profit has helped provide over 10,000 meals and snacks to area children facing food insecurity. Volunteers are needed to help prepare meals between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. from Monday to Friday. Volunteers may be able to help in other capacities as well, such as food delivery, and as office support. Interested volunteers can reach out to info@childhungerbrantford.ca.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brantford’s native son, Angel spent much of his life living in the far reaches of Canada. After graduating from Dalhousie University, he began a career as a public servant and later in human rights. Meanwhile, remaining strongly rooted in the arts - DJing, managing musicians, producing films, and performing on Broadway. Angel strongly believes in the power the arts have to inspire, and transform communities and people. He is currently a final year Law student, and is excited to help tell stories from his hometown.
1 comment
Hi looking for volunteer job