We have a great need for volunteers and your talents are unique. Several volunteering opportunities are offered within our 3 main programs. If you would prefer different options, there are many other opportunities—something for every taste!
Hospital-based services
Services for children and adolescents
Work with educators and teachers to help children improve their school performance and social skills.
Availability: at least one school semester on a weekly basis
Leading group activities intended to improve adolescent social skills.
Availability: at least six months on a weekly basis
Services for adults and seniors
Visit people at the Institute to provide support and comfort. Accompany them on outings to help improve their reintegration into the community.
Helping to offer recreational group activities designed to improve social skills.
Availability: at least 4 months for group activities and at least six months for individual visits on a weekly basis.
Moving Ahead Program
Established in January 2003, the MAP is designed to improve the quality of life for clients living in the community. The volunteer is matched to a client and offers friendship and support.
Purpose
The MAP is a form of supported socialization. The volunteer
- promotes the client’s autonomy and self-determination by being non-judgemental, by focusing on the client’s strengths and interests and not on their illness
- listens to and sees the client as a person not as a case or an illness
- is an enabler by encouraging and supporting the client to socialize, to build a trusting relationship with one another
- presents the client with choices by offering creative, recreational, social and educational activities or outings
- can assist the client in learning new skills (e.g. computer, bus route, library) or may guide the person towards work, studies, volunteer or community programs
The activities and outings that a volunteer offers are important but it is the bond of friendship and trust between the volunteer and the client that breaks the cycle of isolation and promotes recovery.
Other Assignments
In some cases, a volunteer may have a certain skill, talent or interest in working with a group of 5 to 9 clients. As activity animator, you may choose to lead a group in an exercise program, arts and crafts, board games, music or art appreciation – whatever your specific area of interest, you can be sure that we can match you to a group of clients who would certainly benefit from your favourite pastime.
Time Required?
MAP volunteers must be able to commit to once per week for a minimum of six months. The day and time you volunteer is flexible (daytime, evenings or weekends).
Pastoral Services
Pastoral Services offers spiritual/religious support for patients and for their family and friends. Volunteers offer patients spiritual support and help religious personal in their daily work.
Staff
Reverend John Matheson, Head of Pastoral Services
Rabbi Pesach Diskind
The chapels
St. Luc (Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and United Church of Canada)
Open Mondays to Fridays for prayer, meditation and special services
Location: Perry Pavilion
St. Paul (Roman Catholic)
Open Mondays to Fridays, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for meditation and prayer
Location: Perry Pavilion
St. Panteleimon (Greek Orthodox)
Location: Perry Pavilion
Porteous Chapel
Location: 2nd floor, Porteous Pavilion
Synagogue
Service every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Perry Pavilion
Other Services
Perform a variety of clerical tasks for the Volunteer Department.
Availability: 3 days a week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
