Learn more about our volunteer requirements
Time Commitment, Attendance, and Punctuality
Our clients rely on you, the volunteer, to participate in programs. Please ensure that you are able to reliably fulfill this commitment before you apply. Regular attendance and punctuality are key to a successful volunteer placement. We are often able to accommodate short term absences due to circumstances such as travel; however, it is the volunteer's responsibility to communicate any absences as far in advance as possible.
September to June Programs
- A commitment of 1 shift per week (approximately 3 hours a week) until the program end date, typically in June (a minimum of 75 hours). Volunteer shifts occur at the same time and day each week, including during exam periods.
March Break Programs
- A commitment of 40 hours over 5 full days, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., during the week of March Break
Summer Programs
- Summer volunteer opportunities offer flexible schedules. These include part-time programs (e.g. three shifts a week during mornings/afternoons/evenings/weekends) and full-time options (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m). The duration of commitment ranges from one week (limited options), two weeks, or one-month blocks throughout July and August.
Age Requirements
Whether you're looking to give back to your community, are retired, on a gap year between schooling, or a high school/ university student, we welcome you to explore the many opportunities that our volunteer program offers.
- For the Aquatic Program: 14 and 15 years of age must have Bronze Medallion or the Bronze Cross Lifesaving Society Award qualifications. 16 years of age and older are not required to have these qualifications.
- For the Robotics Program: 15 years of age with previous FIRST® Robotics experience. 16 years of age and older are not required to have these qualifications.
- At least 16 years of age for most programs.
- 17 years old+ for most inpatient programs.
- 18 years old+ for most outpatient and community life skills programs.
Immunization/ Vaccinations
- Accepted applicants will be required to provide proof of immunity to: rubella, measles, mumps and varicella (chicken pox) as well as documentation of a 2-step Tuberculosis (TB) skin test.
- Volunteers are strongly encouraged to receive the annual flu vaccine.
- It is the applicant’s sole responsibility to pay any costs incurred to meet the immunization requirements.
Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
- If you are 18 years of age or older (or turn 18 while volunteering), you will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check.
- It is the applicant’s sole responsibility to pay any costs incurred to meet the vulnerable sector check requirement.
Training
- Volunteers must complete all mandatory online and/ or in-person orientation, along with any ongoing training, as required.
- Please note that volunteers are not permitted to act as professional health care providers within the hospital when volunteering.
Infection prevention and control protocols
- Volunteers must adhere to policies pertaining to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements when necessary.
