Ten places to volunteer in Guelph

ELLYSE MCGARR

Volunteering is a great opportunity to discover your interests, build skills, meet new people, and engage in meaningful work that benefits the community. Guelph has no shortage of volunteering opportunities, and even during COVID-19 times there are still ways to get out and become involved in the community. Some organizations, such as the Food Bank and The SEED, have in-person positions available to help collect, sort, and distribute goods to those in need. Other organizations, such as those that look for volunteers to provide companionship, social interaction, and mentorship have adapted their opportunities to online and phone formats. If an opportunity calls for working with or being around people outside your household, keep the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health unit’s current health recommendations in mind and wear a face covering, keep your distance, and get vaccinated if possible. Contact the specific organization you are interested in to learn more about how to safely volunteer with them, and to stay up to date on their opportunities. Volunteer opportunities at the Alzheimer Society include having phone calls with people who have dementia, helping out with special events, preparing activity kits and mail, and making occasional deliveries.

1. GUELPH FOOD BANK

Help the Guelph Food Bank sort food items and/or stock its shelves. Volunteers are also needed for its clothing exchange program.

2. THE SEED

Help in the kitchen to prepare meals for food baskets, including packaging and labeling, and/or deliver them to community members in need. The organization’s We Breastfeed & Chestfeed Café is also looking for people to provide online support to those with infants. encouragement, guidance, and advocacy. Other opportunities include becoming a Parent-Aide, child or family driver, homework tutor, or childcare assistant.

Volunteers can become involved in administrative work, reception, the breakfast program, the clothing or food market, facility maintenance, the hair salon, and special events.

Lead a 10-week school program for five to seven-year-old children by becoming a Volun Volunteers can help out virtually with special events, committees (such as the variety show, technology, governance, and human resource management), or on the GWSA Board of Directors.

Become involved with the library by delivering materials to Guelph residents who are unable to access them on their own, or by assembling infant literacy bags and delivering them to Guelph General Hospital. Many of the above opportunities were found on The People and Information Network (PIN) website (pinnetwork.ca), which is updated regularly with the latest volunteering opportunities in Guelph and the surrounding area. The U of G also provides a resource to help students become involved in volunteer opportunities. It’s called Student Volunteer Connections (SVC), and is also accessible online.

3. THE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY

4. BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GUELPH

At Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Guelph, a number of mentoring opportunities are available, from virtual one-on-one and group, to in-person outings and in-school activities.

5. FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Become a mentor and spend regular one-on-one time with a child aged five to 12 or youth aged 13 and older who needs support, 6. HOPE HOUSE GUELPH

7. IMMIGRANT SERVICES

Become a one-on-one Conversation Practice Partner and hold informal conversations with an ESL partner to help them develop and practice their English. You can also help out as a tai chi, knitting, exercise, cooking or computer club volunteer.

8. STRONG START TO READING - SCHOOLS IN THE WELLINGTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

teer Coach for a reading skills program. The volunteer engages with one child at a time and plays games to help develop alphabet letter recognition.

9. GUELPH WELLINGTON SENIORS ASSOCIATION

10. GUELPH PUBLIC LIBRARY

LOGOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS

For 23 years, Bob has made it his mission to serve up good food and good times to U of G students. Whether you're in need of a quick meal or a just friendly face, come say hi to Bob at his hot dog stand just east of Branion Plaza.