1.
Am I qualified to volunteer with the YMCA?
Yes! The YMCA of Greater Toronto offers a range of opportunities that require different skills. We'll help you find the one that fits your skills and interests and, if needed, we’ll provide training.
2.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Youth are encouraged to participate in the
Youth Leader Corps where they will build strong leadership skills, participate in service learning projects and have opportunities to gain volunteer hours.
3.
Do I have to meet any criteria before I can become a volunteer?
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is responsible for protecting the children and other vulnerable people we serve. For this reason, we require all our volunteers to get a
Police Records Check before volunteering in certain roles.
Other than that, you don’t need any particular skills or background to help the people in our community! Just let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll try to match you to a volunteer opportunity that suits your needs.
4.
Will volunteering take a lot of my time?
You can choose how much time you would like to give as a YMCA volunteer. Whether you want to help out occasionally or on an ongoing basis, we’ll work together to find a role that meets your availability and schedule.5.
Does volunteering at the YMCA count towards my 40 hours of community service?
Yes. By volunteering at the YMCA of Greater Toronto you will gain volunteer time toward the 40 hours you need to graduate from high school. You will also gain valuable experience. Check out the variety of volunteer opportunities.6.
Can I get a reference letter by volunteering with the YMCA?
By volunteering with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you can request a reference letter. This letter is a valuable part of employment applications or résumés. In addition to providing you with Canadian work experience, volunteering can help position you for a new job within the community.
7.
Do I have to be a YMCA member to volunteer?
No, you do not need to be a YMCA member to volunteer in a YMCA centre. Arrangements will be made to grant you access to areas that require membership.
9.
What if I need to break my commitment to the YMCA or I don't like my volunteer role?
If you need to break your commitment to the YMCA, please just let the staff know. The YMCA of Greater Toronto has many different
volunteer roles, so if you are not enjoying what you are doing now, we would encourage you to ask either your staff partner or the Volunteer Development department about other opportunities at the YMCA.
