The volunteer positions included on this list were compiled by the Volunteerism sub-committee of the Age Friendly London Network. All of the volunteer opportunities listed below were identified by their respective organizations as meaningful opportunities for older adult volunteers. For more information or if you have a volunteer opportunity that you would like added to this list, please email AgeFriendlyLondon@London.ca or call 519-661-2489, ext. 8765.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners
In-home recreation volunteers
Looking for volunteers to assist clients living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (ADOD) and their families by providing companionship to the client, delivering personalized recreation interventions to stimulate memory, confidence and improve overall quality of life. This also provides relief and respite to the care partner. Volunteers will work with a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who will build an individualized plan for each client, and train the volunteer how to introduce and facilitate these activities in the client’s home.
Volunteers must commit to 12 visits, providing one 2-hour visit per week. Volunteers must complete CSS Dementia Education Modules, Therapeutic Recreation Training and 3-sessions in our group recreation program as well as completing a vulnerable sector police check.
Contact:
Volunteer Engagement
519-680-2404
Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area
In-School Mentoring
Make a BIG difference this year by supporting children & youth London and surrounding communities. Did you know we also serve Strathroy, Delaware, Glencoe, Komoka, and more.
You will be matched with a mentee that is in grade 1-8 and will meet with them at their school. You will decide what activities to do based on common interests. For example, playing a board game or creating a craft.
Time commitment is 1 hour once a week for the academic year.
Contact:
Hailey Bilodeau
519-438-7065 ext. 220
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP)
Volunteer with a community organization to help people by doing their taxes! There are many different positions available through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. You can register to be a tax preparer, interpreter, greeter, administrator, or screener.
You do not need to be a tax expert to help people! You will be provided with training, access to a dedicated help line, and free tax software. Multilingual volunteers are crucial, as many Londoners who use the clinics require assistance in languages other than English. Please note that volunteer tax preparers must have filed a 2023 Canadian income tax return and possess a current police background check.
Contact:
1-800-959-8281
Children’s Aid Society of London & Middlesex
Homework Helpers, Friendly Visitors, Drivers, Special Events, Child Minding, Special Requests – all roles assist the children and families we work with
CASLM volunteers are considered valuable members of CASLM and experience volunteering as members of a diverse team. We have opportunities which promote satisfaction from helping children in need and giving something back to the community. You will have your matched with available volunteer opportunities. This is a chance to increase skills and experience through a variety of volunteer placements. You will receive a clear description of the expectations and the needs of CASLM, particularly in relation to assignments. You are connected with Supervisors and workers for the necessary contact, support and supervision to enable them to work effectively as part of the team. You will attend training in order to improve your knowledge and skills. Volunteers will be provided with an orientation package. You can be provided with a letter of reference from CASLM on request after at least one year of volunteering.
Must be 18 years of age or older. One year volunteer commitment minimally. Proof of dose two COVID-19 vaccination. For those who speak English as a second language, they must have achieved a Benchmark Level 6 in speaking, reading and listening as determined by the Canadian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. A Vulnerable Sector Police Check is required. Approved volunteers are reimbursed the fee.
Contact:
Volunteer Coordinator
info@caslondon.on.ca
519-455-9000
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Historic Interpretation Volunteer, Maintenance Volunteer, or Gardening Volunteer
Want to connect with your community and promote the remembrance, sharing and celebration of local history in a friendly environment? Why not volunteer at Fanshawe Pioneer Village! Volunteering at Fanshawe Pioneer Village offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and meet great people while supporting the museum's mission to preserve, promote and authentically recreate the rural history of London & Middlesex County. You can volunteer on your own, come as a family, or begin volunteering with a friend. Soon you will be making friends with the other Villagers and begin connecting with members of the community. Share your passion for history and help us preserve the past! Be a part of the Fanshawe Pioneer Village Volunteer Program, you’ll love taking a step back into the 19th century!
Note that Interpreters for our site, is what we call the people interpreting the history and are up in our buildings dressed in period costume, they are not language translators.
Contact:
Christina van Hardeveld, Public Programming Coordinator
programming@fanshawepioneervillage.ca
519-457-1296, ext. 811
Hutton House Association for Adults with Disabilities
Adult Learning Area
- Fridays 1 to 3 p.m. - 2 volunteers to help in the idea club.
- Fridays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. - 1 volunteer to help with 1:1 work in the learning club.
- Tuesdays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.- 1 volunteer to help with 1:1 working in the learning club.
- Several Tutors are needed for 1 hour per week with the same learner each week.
Hutton House Association for Adults with Disabilities is a registered charity with over 65 years' experience in facilitating the goals and aspirations of adults with disabilities. Within each program offered, individuals may customize their involvement to maximize their own capacity to learn, work, live and participate in the community. In turn, our vision will be realized by building community partnerships and opportunities that strengthen the inclusion of all citizens in society.
Volunteers will be required to have a criminal record check.
Contact:
Angela Delaney Volunteer Specialist
519-472-1541
Jet Aircraft Museum
Want to connect with your community and promote the remembrance and celebration of jet aviation history in a friendly environment? Why not volunteer at the Jet Aircraft Museum!
Volunteering at Jet Aircraft Museum offers you the opportunity to learn new skills and meet great people while supporting the museum's mission to preserve and promote the Royal Canadian Air Force’s aviation history in the jet age.
The museum is currently open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Volunteer opportunities are whenever you are available during those times.
Welcome desk
The volunteer assigned to the front desk will answer the phone in an appropriate, polite manner. They will take messages and provide hours of operation to the caller.
Tour guide
The Museum, at times, prepares aircraft for flight. Because this happens, there are areas that require separation from the general public. Tour guides will accompany visitors throughout the museum in order to maintain visitor safety and positive experience. An electronic tablet can be provided that defines each artifact to assist guides as they provide visitors with information
Gift shop (retail)
The volunteer in the gift shop will be trained to use the point if sale machine. The volunteer will also be responsible to restock items, and assist with maintaining a vibrant and clean shop.
Education
There is a flight component in the grade six provincial curriculum. JAM-Ed provides a single day program that covers the majority of science required in this unique environment. Our volunteers also offer a week long program combining all science and historical connections within a cold war context. Volunteers will direct student learning accompanied by the teaching staff and/or a parent assigned by school board staff. All new volunteers will be fully trained prior to assignment.
You can volunteer on your own, come as a family, or begin volunteering with a friend. Soon you will be making friends with the other aviation enthusiasts and begin connecting with the many visitors from the surrounding communities. All new volunteers will be fully trained prior to assignment.
Contact:
Scott Ellinor
519-453-7000
London Adult Learning Centre
Volunteer tutors
We are looking for volunteers to provide one-to-one tutoring to adults who want to improve their reading, writing, math, and basic computer skills. We welcome volunteers with diverse backgrounds and experiences. No teaching experience is required.
Volunteer from the comfort of your home (on Google Meet/Zoom), at your nearest London Public Library or in our classroom. 1-2 hours per week or drop-in our classroom when you’re available. A minimum of one-year (if possible).
Qualifications:
• Fluent in English
• Good listening/speaking skills
• Dependable, patient, empathetic, compassionate
• Appreciation for lifelong learning
• Good sense of humour
• Possess a library card/familiarity with local library and other sources of information
• Good digital skills
Requirements:
Commit to a minimum of one-year, complete training, provide 3 references, have good digital skills, and obtain a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector screening check. Fee is reimbursed for approved volunteers.
Contact:
Vi Vo, Vol Coordinator
volunteerlondon@hnliteracy.com
519-659-8376
London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre
Canada Connects is an initiative to help newcomers settle in the London Community by matching them with Canadian citizens or longtime residents.
Mentor in language learning, educating about Canadian culture, history, and current events.
You must be available to meet weekly, over a period of six months.
Contact:
Ian Bagnas
519-282-3861
London Health Sciences Centre
Volunteers support our mission by helping throughout the hospital
Gift Shops
Five retail gift shops between University Hospital (UH) and Victoria Hospital (VH), run by the LHSC Auxiliary
Cancer Program (Victoria Hospital Only)
Volunteers assist patients and help with patient flow
Children’s Hospital
Volunteers engage children in different activities (i.e. games, crafts)
Inpatient Areas
Volunteers visit patients and assist staff and patients in various capacities.
Outpatient Clinics
Volunteers help with the patient flow of an outpatient clinic.
Peer Support
The Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre Program Peer Support Program offers in-person or virtual one-to-one peer support at any point in the cancer journey.
Waiting Rooms
Liaise with family and staff, help with the patient and visitor flow.
Wayfinding
Wayfinding volunteers welcome the public and provide information and directions for LHSC in a friendly and assistive manner.
Our volunteer position requirements include:
If you are 18 years of age or older, a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check is required as a condition of placement. Once accepted for a volunteer placement, you will be given a form for requesting the record check.
Once accepted for a volunteer placement, you will be asked to submit a health review form.
You can start collecting documentation for completion of the form, but you are not required to move forward with any immunizations/tests at this time.
Successful candidates can have outstanding requirements completed by our Occupational Health and Safety department.
Other requirements:
- Effective communication
- Willingness to accept direction within the parameters of the volunteer role
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Understanding and maintaining privacy and confidentiality
- Practices professional boundaries
- Is flexible and adaptable to change
- Refrains from volunteering when unwell
- Being empathetic while providing service excellence
- Follows LHSC’s Policies and Procedures
Considerations:
- Volunteers provide one shift per week.
- Shifts are three to four hours in length, and typically on weekdays, with very limited weekend positions.
- Post-Secondary Students: There are several direct buses from Western University to Victoria Hospital, which take approximately 30-40 minutes. Please factor this additional time in when providing your availability for volunteering.
- A minimum of six months commitment is required (except high school summer program).
- Volunteers are not placed in areas in which family members or close friends work, nor in areas of previous employment.
- A commitment to reliable attendance and punctuality must be a priority, as our patients, visitors and staff depend on our volunteers.
LHSC looks for volunteers who are committed to enhancing the patient experience.
Volunteers are one of the most important resources within London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and Children's Hospital (CH). Their time, compassion and commitment to helping others ensure that our hospital can provide quality care for our community.
By becoming a volunteer, you help with the specific needs of our patients, visitors and staff. We are sure that you will feel fulfilled as a member of the LHSC Team.
Contact:
519-685-8112
London Public Library
The volunteer program of London Public Library was created to support the value-added programs and services that are vital to our community.
Our volunteer program helps strengthen people and neighbourhoods by creating connections that enrich lives, inspire discovery, foster creativity, and expand possibilities.
Adult Program Volunteer ( recruitment as needed)
Work with staff to warmly welcome participants into our programs. Volunteers bring diverse skills they can share, such as playing the ukulele, playing chess, or knitting, and they naturally enjoy social interactions. Depending on the program, volunteers may also assist with counting attendance, taking tickets, setting up and cleaning up, and preparing materials in advance.
English Conversation Mentor ( program runs Oct – June, recruitment July-Sept)
Our English Conversation Mentors provide support and encouragement to an adult who wants to practice their new English skills in a casual, social situation. The emphasis is on social conversation, not on teaching so our pairs talk about their families, food, London and whatever else they may have in common.
Usher ( recruitment as needed)
Help the public during films, concerts, lectures and community events. Volunteer Ushers get to enjoy these presentations while also helping people to and from their seats, ensuring safety guidelines are followed, greeting visitors, handing out programs and remaining in the Hall during a performance. Training provided.
To learn more about all our volunteer opportunities, and our current volunteer opportunities,
Contact:
Kristen Loblaw
London Symphonia
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Ushering at our concerts
- Providing administrative and clerical support to staff
- Assisting with fundraising, special events, and community outreach activities
- Helping to host post-concert receptions
- Applying your professional experience by serving on the Board of Directors or on a Committee.
London Symphonia would love to have you join us!
Volunteering with London Symphonia is a terrific opportunity to meet new and interesting friends and be part of one of London’s most dynamic arts organizations.
Whether you are a lover of classical music, or just looking to give back to your community, we have a position for you! We are always on the lookout for enthusiastic and reliable individuals with outstanding customer service skills.
Contact:
Executive Director
226-270-0910
Meals on Wheels London
Regular Meal Delivery
You can volunteer to deliver a regular meal route on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Friday to our clients in need.
Regular Frozen Meal Delivery
You can volunteer to deliver frozen meals to our clients in need once per week on Thursday mornings.
Spare Meal Driver
Drivers are emailed weekly/ monthly with open spare routes. You can pick and choose when you would like to take a route at your own leisure!
Transportation Driver
Select a particular time of the week to drive clients to medical appointments. Min. 1 ride a week for 1-3 hours.
A Vulnerable Sector Check through London Police Services is required for all volunteer positions where there is direct client service. MOWL staff will call or email you to complete the registration. All successful applicants will undergo an orientation at our office. Use of own vehicle required. Bring your current drivers license and car insurance to the orientation. All necessary training will be provided by MOWL. You will be placed in chosen role as quickly as possible!
Contact:
Melissa Robinson, Client Services Associate, Volunteer Services
519-660-1430 ext 224
Museum London
TOUR GUIDE
This role has a minimum commitment of one year. Weekly mandatory meetings are required from September to June every Monday 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. These meetings are aimed to be on-site but may be virtual if required. Tours occur at least once a week (a half day – either a morning or afternoon, as needed). July to August guides do not meet or tour. All new tour guides must complete four training modules, running two hours each, in addition to the Monday morning meetings. Training usually takes place in a group setting in person with dates and times confirmed with our Curator of Education. 2-3 months training required. Training consists of exhibition briefings by curators, workshops on touring methodology, speakers on art topics, visits to artists’ studios and other galleries. Training focuses on school curriculum, experiential learning, designing tours and teaching studio programs. Experienced tour guides mentor new volunteers until they are ready to tour on their own. This is a volunteer position for which an honorarium of $10 will be paid per hour-long tour completed. A parking pass will be supplied for mandatory Monday morning meetings and on-site tour shifts, you will receive a 15% discount in the Shop at Museum London and after one year, you become part of the Tour Guide Association for a small fee.
Background or interest in visual arts and/or teaching. Skilled in public speaking and facilitating groups including young school children, high school students, adult, and special-needs individuals. Work as team-players when facilitating and planning large group tours, but also independently when dealing with smaller groups. Valid Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector Check). Complete mandatory Volunteer Orientation Session including health & safety training. Must be 16 years of age or older.
Contribute to a friendly, inviting atmosphere and exceptional visitor experiences as a Museum London Volunteer Tour Guide! As a Volunteer Tour Guide, you will be facilitating and planning virtual and on-site tours for school-aged children (elementary and high-school), adults and special-needs individuals. Come join us at Museum London as we educate the next generation in art, culture, and heritage!
Contact:
Amanda Brown, Volunteer Coordinator
519-661-0333, ext. 4263
Nokee Kwe
- Event Help for Job Fairs and Special Events at Nokee Kwe Booth
- Fundraising
- Grant & Proposal Writing
- Help with Intakes
- Resource Centre at Nokee Kwe Office (help with job search, cover letters and resumes)
Nokee Kwe is a charitable non-profit organization delivering employment, training and transitional services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and adults in London and the surrounding community. Nokee Kwe services are geared to individuals experiencing unemployment or difficulty with career and life transitions.
Contact:
Tish Hihn
519-667-7088, ext. 241
Pillar Nonprofit Network, Innovation Works
Welcome Desk Volunteer Program
The Welcome Desk Program is a work-exchange. You give us 8 hours a week of welcome desk support and we give you unlimited access to Innovation Works Flex Desk space, Pillar Nonprofit Network’s dynamic coworking community, and all the other benefits of being a co-tenant of Innovation Works!
Find volunteer opportunities appropriate for older adults and others on Pillar Nonprofit Network's Volunteer Opportunities webpage.
Requirements and ways to apply will be specified in each listing by the organization seeking volunteers.
Contact:
Volunteer Coordinator
SARI Therapeutic Riding
Assisting with therapeutic riding lessons - grooming, leading and sidewalking in lessons
Volunteers do not need to have past horse experience, but they do need to be comfortable with horses. Based on experience and level of comfort volunteers assist with grooming, tacking and untacking horses. Lesson volunteers will be walking on uneven ground in the arena, providing physical support to the rider and walking briskly/jogging for brief periods of time during some lessons. In addition to lesson volunteers we also welcome support with property maintenance, barn chores, office administration and event planning. All volunteers must attend an orientation that includes instructions, demonstrations and hands-on practice
SARI is a caring community of volunteers, donors, Board members, parents, staff and horses working interdependently to serve people with special needs and others. We provide a supportive atmosphere conducive to networking, sharing and learning. We value and celebrate the wonderful diversity represented in this community and through our actions, words and representations we promote the fundamental dignity of all. We seek to create and maintain a stimulating environment and foster the distinct contributions of all individuals within the SARI community.
Contact:
Terry Power, Volunteer Coordinator
519-666-1123
Shine Foundation
The London Knights have an upcoming home game on October 20 at 2:00 p.m. We are looking for volunteers to attend and sell 50/50 tickets. Please let us know if you can help us Shine. The proceeds from the 50/50 ticket sales will help Shine provide life-changing experiences for young people living with severe physical disabilities across Canada.
Location: Gate 3, Budweiser Gardens (99 Dundas St, London, ON)
Game Times: October 20, 2:00 p.m.
Arrival Time: 1.5 hours before game times
Volunteer roles: Ticket sales for 50/50
Contact:
Sofie Fretwell
sophie.fretwell@shinefoundation.ca
St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs - London Middlesex
Therapy Dog Volunteer
St John Ambulance Therapy Dogs have been an integral part of the London community for 30 years. Our dogs and their handlers bring their special kind of love and companionship to many retirements and long term care facilities around the City. We currently have 60 teams who volunteer through out the community at weekly placements but also attend special visits at Western, Fanshawe, high schools and a number of community events. We provide a real source of positive interactions and support of many mental health initiatives. Our child tested teams also go to Ronald McDonald House, CPRI, and support a number of agencies with children and special needs members. All of our dogs pass rigorous testing prior to becoming a Therapy Dog.
Eligibility and Requirements for Volunteers
We continue to look for volunteers who are interested in doing this kind of volunteering. Volunteers must be 18 years of age. They would need their own dog who must be a minimum one year old. Upon successful completion of testing a vulnerable police screening would be required. Specific placements we support may have additional requirements.
Contact:
Lynn Loubert, Therapy Dog Coordinator
VON Middlesex-Elgin
Dining volunteer
Help cook and serve a healthy meal to our clients once a week.
Volunteer Visiting
Call or visit (in person) a lonely senior or disabled person once a week for an hour.
Blood Pressure volunteer
Take blood pressure and record it must be willing to travel to various locations in the city of London, 1 hour once a week.
Telephone Reassurance
Make a daily phone call (morning or evening) to check on a few clients as to their safety because they live alone.
Eligibility and requirements – 19 years of age or older, must attend training, provide 2 personal references (not family and email is preferred), willing to get a police and vulnerable sector check.
Join our team of VON volunteers who help make communities healthier. If you would like to give back to your community by sharing your time and caring for others, we have a role for you!
Contact:
Coordinator of Volunteers
519-659-2273