Volunteering
Volunteers are welcomed and valued in every Ontario community. Here is how you can get involved:
- Many communities have volunteer centres where you can find out about opportunities in your area. Check the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network for a list and contact information for the volunteer centre nearest you.
- To find out where else to volunteer, go to other links to nonprofit organizations
Want to donate? Get the Facts before you give. This Ministry of the Attorney General website tells you what you need to know when you are making a charitable donation.
Getting youth involved
ChangeTheWorld Challenge
ChangeTheWorld Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge is a way for Ontario teens to make a difference in their lives and communities through volunteering.
The 2013 goal is 30,000 young people volunteering 3 hours over 4 weeks: April 21 – May 20, 2013.
13-year-old Bilaal Rajan is among 11 outstanding Ontarians to receive the province's Medal for Good Citizenship
Other activities and important information for young people
- Students: Ontario students are required to complete at least 40 hours of community involvement to graduate from high school. Community organizations, students and parents can visit this Ministry of Education website page to learn more.
- WorkSmartOntario provides young people with information about workplace health and safety and employment standards. It also provides information to help youth volunteers, parents of volunteers, and sponsoring organizations provide a healthy and safe volunteering environment.
- Learn more about engaging newcomer youth
Honouring volunteers
Each year, we provide Honours and Awards to dozens of Ontarians, including volunteers, who make our province a better place to live. These include:
- Volunteer Service Awards
- Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers
- June Callwood Award for Outstanding Achievement in Voluntarism
- Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
- Senior Achievement Award
- Ontario Senior of the Year Award
- Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Awards for Students
- December 5 is International Volunteer
Day (IVD)
