Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs provides children and youth with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.

• In home visiting
• Telephone conservation

• 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

Volunteers are matched to clients who are living with a life-limiting illness. They support and comfort their client and the client's circle of support. Be it family or friends.  The goal is to be flexible and assist someone on this journey with whatever they might require. It could be physical, but usually, it is emotional support and advocacy. Once the match has been made, the client and the volunteer set a time schedule that is good for both. Visiting volunteers provide support to our clients in the comfort of the clients home, where ever that may be; their house, long-term care facility, hospital or the vulnerably housed.

The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orillia and District provides quality mentoring relationships for young people in our community who would benefit from caring, supportive adult role models. The relationships are fostered through:

• One-to-One Matching
• Group Programs
• School Based Programs

• Provide companionship
• Reading
• Crafts
• Assisting in the Culinary Department.

Volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in assisiting with recreation programs, outings, friendly visiting, computer programs, reading programs and special events.

Two sites: Camphill Nottawasaga, near Angus and Camphill Sophia Creek in Barrie.

Camphill Sophia Creek (Barrie)

• work in the mosaic studio
• help with meal preparation in the Cafe
• assist with recreational activities, music sessions and cultural outings, Bingo events and other special events such as Fall Fairs

Camphill Nottawasaga (Angus)

• help with programs in woodworking, pottery, candlemaking, and bakery/meal preparation
• can be involved in maple syrup production, working in the vegetable gardens and caring for livestock (Highland cows horses and goats)

Both locations need volunteers to help with set-up, cash management and take-down at our Farmers Markets

Assisting persons with a new spinal cord injury by offering hope and encouragement through shared personal experiences.

Bench Warmers are friendly people who allow others to engage in conversation in either parks or malls. Studies show that loneliness has the same dire consequences on physical health as smoking a pack a day! Social connection is so needed (and often lost in the shuffle of busyness and technology) and MatureMinds Friendship Bench offers an opportunity for interaction and social engagement. The implementation is simple but the results are deep and  meaningful. Volunteers will receive training in active listening, self care, mental health awareness, and ageism. After successfully completing the training, volunteers become Bench Warmers. They sit on a bench either at a park or in a mall with a sign that says "If you want to talk, I want to listen." Be part of the cure for the loneliness epidemic! Become a Bench Warmer.

Be part of a unique intergenerational initiative that connects generations through the power of storytelling. Volunteers will get 5 weeks of training and then will spend 8 weeks in an elementary school classroom sharing stories and building relationships. Volunteers must love children! For more information, a Brunch & Learn will be held on September 26 in Barrie- registration required.

Are you a wordsmith who loves people? We are looking for older adult volunteers to help newcomers to Canada feel welcome. Help newcomers get socially connected and practice English by playing scrabble! An extensive vocabulary is not necessary (there are dictionaries for that :)) so if you are friendly and want to make a meaningful contribution by helping newcomers, this could be the club for you! Scrabble Club will last four weeks, allowing volutneers to build relationships with newcomers. 

Help Senior Wish expand into Simcoe County to ensure that no senior is left isolated, alone and feeling like society has forgotten them. Help is especially needed to prepare for our Christmas Wish program starting in Sept.