Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity to help others in your community?

The Order of St. John is one of the world’s oldest humanitarian organizations. It started with the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1099 creating a hospital to treat pilgrims and crusaders. Now a world-wide non-denominational charitable organization, Saint John is dedicated to the service of others in over 40 countries; with more than 30,000 members. St John is supported by approximately 250,000 regular volunteers and 4,000 employees.

Still in Jerusalem, St. John Eye Hospital treats patients free of charge with satellite clinics in Gaza, Hebron & Anabta.  On average the Hospital treats 125,000 patients per year including 38,000 children and performed 5,200 sight-saving operations last year.  Services around the globe include: eye clinics in South Africa, hospices in Antigua, dental clinics in Uganda, dialysis clinics in Malaysia, HIV/AIDS Counseling and testing services in Jamaica, Mother and Baby programs in Kenya. In Australia and New Zealand, St. John provides paramedic services (EMS).

In Ontario, St. John Ambulance (SJA) is currently divided into 12 Regions and 3 Service Centers. SJA Council for Ontario has more than 139 years of continuous service to the citizens of Ontario. Simcoe Muskoka Branch members have been volunteering to help people for more than 81 years. Simcoe Muskoka’s Community Services are comprised of Medical First Responders, Therapy Dogs, Car Seat Educators, Youth Unit, Non-uniform volunteers and Fellowship members. They contribute more than 20,000 hours each year in total.

Simcoe Muskoka Branch has its own Board of Directors which oversees the activities of its volunteers, provides strategic direction and maintains the Branch profile with the Community.  Board membership also participates in one or more of five committees as follows:
<ul>
<li>Community Services Committee;</li>
<li>Community Relations Committee;</li>
<li>Honours and Awards Committee;</li>
<li>Fund Development Committee; and</li>
<li>Northern Development Committee.</li>
</ul>
Shortly, there will be two openings on our Board. We seek people to join us who have interest in our Purpose (Saving Lives) and can bring insight and experience in one or more of Marketing, Community Relations and Fund Development <strong>and who live either in Simcoe County</strong>.

In terms of time, there are roughly 9 Board meetings a year as well as Committee work. Involvement, depending on portfolio could be from 5-20 hours per month (when there’s a Board meeting, usually less when not).

If you are interested in volunteering as Board Member or for further information please email:  <YorkSimcoeMuskoka@sja.ca>

A 10 project plan to rehabilitate the people of the community suffering from, trauma, mental health and addiction!  To provide affordable housing, job training along with cheaper cleaner food.

The 705 is a recovery hub for self help and recovery groups to connect, hold events, meetings and support groups with the intention of helping those who are experiencing addiction and alcoholism. The 705 operates on generosity and volunteers. Visitors can also come to the hub to receive information about recovery services and resources.

 

The Dance Ability Movement creates opportunities for individuals of all abilities to experience the arts! Occupational Therapists and Dance Instructors, Mallory and Jade, have created The Dance Ability Movement as a way to provide inclusive and accessible programming in dance studios so that everyone can participate!

The Human Factor Community Organization will elevate the status of humankind through programs, services, consulting community partners, and, where appropriate, advocacy in order to increase the health and well-being of the whole human and the communities where we live, play, and work.

Unknown Neighbours provides support to Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW's) and their employers in Simcoe and Grey-Bruce Counties. We increase the number of TFWs access to emergency support and services including health care, protective measures, and equipment. We increase access to programs and services that build TFWs capacity to protect themselves and new community-based partnerships that contribute to greater awareness of health and safety precautions, as well as services and benefits available to TFW's during and post-pandemic.

Victim Services of Simcoe County is a nonprofit organization providing immediate, confidential support to individuals impacted by crime and tragic circumstances. We offer crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, and referral services 24/7 in collaboration with local police, emergency responders, and community partners. Our specialized programs include support for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and homicide. We are committed to empowering individuals through trauma-informed care and helping them access the resources they need to begin their path to healing.

Victim Services of Simcoe County (VSSC)</strong> provides 24/7 crisis response, emotional support, and practical assistance to individuals and families affected by crime or tragedy. For nearly 30 years, our trained staff and volunteers have been a lifeline for victims of intimate partner violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and other traumatic events across Simcoe County. Guided by compassion and confidentiality, we help people navigate their most difficult moments with safety, dignity, and hope. Volunteers are essential to our mission—ensuring that no one faces crisis alone. Together, we make healing and resilience possible in our community.

As a volunteer at Victoria Village, you can gain experience working with seniors, arranging programs based on your interests and expertise, and knowledge of long-term care and senior services. Anyone aged 14 and over can apply to be a volunteer, and Victoria Village offers flexible hours and time commitment levels to all volunteers.

Volunteer opportunities are available across departments and volunteers can assist with a variety of activities and programs. Volunteer opportunities include:

- Recreation programs (games, arts and crafts)
- Small group programs (cards, reading, knitting)
- Special events and entertainment
- Special interest presentations
- Community outings
- One to one friendly visits
- Hair dresser & in-home wellness appointments
- General office assistance and front desk screening
- Physiotherapy/fitness classes
- Spiritual care
- Palliative visits
- Gardening

At Volunteer Barrie, we take pride in linking people with local nonprofit community organizations, supporting persons with disabilities, new Canadians, corporations and professionals connect to organizations in and around the city, helping individuals develop skills to advance their careers, and developing knowledge resources that support effective and efficient volunteer capacity.

We provide students in York Region with free educational resources in a safe and supporting environment that inspires, motivates and sets the foundation for personal growth. Our programs are tailored to all ages and skill levels to meet students' needs.

We offer programs to learn English, French, Mandarin and more. STEAM programs are all offered here, in a welcoming group environment to help students thrive.

We’re partnering with school boards, libraries, and educational companies across York Region to provide students with access to the best programs possible, without paying a single cent. We offer a variety of classes for students, adults, and seniors.