Region : Across Canada

Volunteer opportunity conditions :   

• Location : In-person and/or virtual. The majority of preparedness and response work is performed in the community, in an office environment or through virtual means such as by telephone or video conference 
• Minimum age : 18 years or older.  
• Minimum volunteer hours /period : Ideally you have the ability to volunteer during regular hours and/or during non-traditional hours (evenings and weekends), accept an on-call shift rotation and/or respond to unplanned emergency/disaster related requests periodically.  Hours will vary by location and frequency of response activity 
• The potential exists for responding in disaster areas, as well as difficult conditions. If working at a response site, health and safety considerations will be outlined prior to the assignment 
• You can identify a preference to respond in your local community and/or outside of your community.  
• In exceptional circumstances, our volunteers may be offered the opportunity to deploy away from home to a large-scale response in their province or in Canada, as required and available, anywhere from 7 to 21 days. 

The Canadian Red Cross (CRC) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. We are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free working environment.

Emergency Management Teams across Canada are looking for volunteers to be a part of their mission. Because of our wide-reaching network of highly trained volunteers, Canadians who have found themselves impacted by disaster big and small, are able to turn to the Canadian Red Cross for relief and support. 


As a volunteer in this role, you will: 

• Work collaboratively as part of an experienced team of trained EM volunteers and respond to emergencies in your community, or province or across Canada according to your schedule and availability.
• Learn about Red Cross assistance including emergency shelter, clothing, food, personal services, registration, family reunification and safety and wellbeing requirements.
• Assess needs with those affected by an emergency event and provide approved goods and services.
• Support the wellbeing of beneficiaries by providing care, comfort and referrals to partner agencies and other community-based groups for services.
• Prepare, inventory and manage response supplies to ensure they are stocked and ready 
• Contribute to the overall health, safety and security of the team you work with.
• Participate in Red Cross team building, training, planning and readiness exercises. 
• Contribute to community-based risk reduction and emergency preparedness activities.
• Apply for leadership roles to supervise, mentor and lead other EM volunteers and manage the delivery of required services.

You bring these essential talents: 

• Commitment - to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement and the core competencies of team excellence, service excellence, accountability and results focused.
• Customer Service Skills - dedicated to supporting those affected by emergencies.
• Language fluency - to deliver services in English or French; additional languages are an asset 
• Communication skills - attuned to supporting with active listening and the ability to explain and confirm understanding.
• Attention to detail - when making notes, maintaining logs, completing forms, providing statistics and tracking financial disbursements.
• Computer use – including the ability enter data into a database or spreadsheet and use email 
• Teamwork values - sharing information, helping team members, respectful of diversity, approachable, building relationships.
• Ability to remain calm during a crisis - express empathy, remain focused and respond decisively. 
• Dependable and reliable.

A satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check or equivalent is mandatory for all personnel volunteering or working with the CRC.

Community volunteers are trained to work as part of a team to assist victims of crime or tragedy by providing emotional support, practical assistance and community referrals. Support can be on-site or by phone. Referrals are from police and community agencies.

 As a crisis responder you may be asked to assist the OPP or other first responders to help victims and/or families. 

Pregnancy and Infant Loss (PAIL) Network provides bereavement support at no cost to families who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy at any stage, or the death of their baby, up to 12 months of age. We currently have volunteer opportunities for people who are approximately two years past their bereavement date and are looking for meaningful ways to offer their support to others. We are actively training peer supporters for private online bereavement support groups and one-to-one phone support.

Supportive care volunteers offer social and emotional support to individuals and families living with a life-threatening or life-limiting illness in Grey and Bruce counties (except Bruce Peninsula) * volunteers offer support for approximately 2-3 hours per week depending on need of individual and family and the availability of volunteers and offer respite for family caregivers and companionship to individuals and help facilitate bereavement groups * support provided in the client’s home, long term care homes and/or hospitals

Kids Help Phone’s texting service is the only free, 24/7 bilingual text line for people in Canada. The service is delivered by trained, volunteer crisis responders who work remotely. 

We are recruiting overnight and or bilingual crisis responders who will answer texts from young people looking for support in both English AND French.

The volunteer position will be remote, meaning that you can participate from anywhere in Canada as long you have a strong, reliable internet connection!  

Our volunteers need to be enthusiastic about helping people!

You can be a professional, student, teacher, retiree, or anybody else with a willingness to learn how to support people over text.  

The role of a crisis responder is to bring texters from a “hot” moment to a cool calm one, and to help them come up with a plan to stay healthy and safe.

Crisis responders are trained to do this using active listening and collaborative problem-solving.

• Empathetic listeners who are able to provide inclusive, non-judgmental support to callers representing a variety of ages, identities, and concerns
• Call centre operates 24/7, and we actively recruit both day and night shifts
• Day shifts are 4 hours
• Overnight shifts are 8 hours

• Help to facilitate 8 week, Grief Support Groups (2.5 hours/week)
• Provide a listening ear and a safe space for individuals to work through their grief.
• Maintain close contact with the Bereavement Services Coordinator

• Attending activities, programs, and/or events with residents
• One-on-one visits with residents; spending time chatting, playing card games, doing puzzles, crafts
• Accompanying them on walks either within the building or outdoors (weather permitting)
• Miscellaneous duties as needed

• Providing peer to peer support for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one
• This support is offered over the phone, and is arranged by our Spiritual Care Coordinator

• Participate in the operation of the shelter (shifts - evening, night, breakfast)
• Carry out the many tasks required for the seamless functioning of the shift/program.
• Interact with guests throughout the duration of the shift (unless it’s quiet/sleep hours).

Visiting Volunteers Provide: 

• Emotional Support  
• Companionship  
• Respite to caregivers of clients

• Demonstrated experience required (paid or volunteer) 

• Liaising with local programs, social service agencies and the community when required, to promote the program, exchange information and establish and maintain a cooperative alliance 

• Have a clear understanding of domestic violence, human trafficking and associated trauma 

• Liaise with the organization's specialists and coordinators to design programs that meet the needs of the clients 

• Work with staff and volunteers to ensure the application of effective program planning 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and efficiently with minimal supervision 

• Share our passion and dedication to making a real difference in the lives of women (particularly BIPOC women) who have experienced trauma through domestic violence and/or human trafficking 

• Deliver to a high standard, in often challenging circumstances, both ethically and professionally and are able to work collaboratively in a culturally diverse organization 

• You will demonstrate a commitment to the organization's mission and values
 

Provide emotional support to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one to death or palliative diagnosis.  
1:1 and group support available.

Volunteers would be required to provide support to individuals on a helpline or chat service who have experienced sexual trauma, violence and or assault. A 30 hour training course and interview is to be completed before starting on the helpline and chat service.