Trent University Careerspace provides services that align with practices guided by the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) and Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL). Students are encouraged to thoroughly research organizations and verify terms and conditions of employment/volunteering that may be important in your decision making. We invite you to seek the assistance of the Careerspace team when evaluating these opportunities.
Please note that the inclusion of an organization on this page does not imply or reflect agreement or endorsement by Trent University of their views or policies, labour practices, products or services.
The following organizations have recruited Trent students for volunteer opportunities. Please research their websites to learn more about some of these opportunities and find one that would be a great fit with your interests!
It can take time to find a volunteer opportunity and different organizations might recruit at different times. You may need to make an application and be interviewed and some organizations may require training to be scheduled. Also, some organizations may require you to get a Police Vulnerable Sector Check.
Art
The Artisans Centre Peterborough is an educational facility in which handcraft-oriented interest groups in the region can meet to teach skills and exchange artisans' ideas. Volunteers are needed for special events and on an ongoing basis for administrative tasks.
The Peterborough Theatre Guild is a producing theatre company. Volunteers help with archiving, lobby decorating, bartending and serving on standing committees.
Art With A Heart (Durham)
Art With A Heart is a studio open to the public that offers a number of group and specialty programs as well as one-on-one art therapy with registered psychotherapists. Volunteers provide support to the programs and help with other administrative duties.
Artspace Artist Run Centre (Peterborough)
The Artspace Artist Run Centre helps artists with the presentation of new work, encourages public engagement and produces thought-provoking exhibitions. Volunteers will help put on engaging programming and exciting events.
Social Reform
Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign (Kawartha - other locations throughout Canada)
The Fenelon Falls Grannies for Grannies raise funds in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. Funds raised by the Grandmothers Campaign support community-based organizations working on the front lines of the AIDS pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. These organizations provide comprehensive care and support to grandmothers who are raising a generation of children who have been orphaned by AIDS. The Fenelon Falls Grannies for Grannies require volunteers to help with their fundraising events.
The Kawartha World Issues Centre connects global issues to local initiatives. There are volunteer opportunities throughout the organization ranging from participation on the board of directors and committees to outreach and facilitation of workshops.
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough is dedicated to ending the criminalization of poverty, mental health, addiction and domestic violence. Volunteers are needed to help at fundraising/charitable events such as Tag Day or weekly bingo.
Girls Inc Durham provides experiences and programs intended to equip girls to overcome serious barriers. Volunteer positions are offered throughout the organization including community outreach, office administration, financial management, governance and more.
Heads Up for Inclusion (Peterborough)
Heads Up for Inclusion seeks to increase inclusion, reduce social isolation and increase the feeling of belonging. Volunteers are needed on the fund development committee, community program and the accessibility and inclusion network.
Health
Autism Home Base (Durham)
Autism Home Base is an organization that plans social events and provides resources to autistic adults and their friends and family. Volunteers run weekly activities, become mentors, plan community and fundraising events, govern as Board Members, and more.
Community Care Northumberland has implemented numerous programs that provide nutrition, transportation, wellness, in-home and hospice services to community members in need of support. Volunteers assist with program delivery, office administration, special events and more.
Telecare Peterborough is a 24/7 call center where volunteers provide support to those who need someone to talk to and inform them about community resources that can help.
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre provides services for individuals affected by sexual and gender-based violence and harm. Volunteers are recruited to support the crisis services and prevention education.
Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough
The Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough supports families and people with Down Syndrome. Volunteers are needed to participate on the committees and at fundraising activities/campaigns.
Southbridge Care Homes (Northumberland - the name of the care home is Hope Street Terrace - other locations throughout Ontario)
Southbridge Care Homes manages 36 long term-care homes, retirement and independent living communities across Ontario. Volunteers assist in activities such as social and recreation programs (bingo and card nights), community outings, mealtime and eating assistance, church services and spiritual programming, pet therapy and friendly visits.
Mood Disorders Society of Canada's National Youth Council (Network of students across the country)
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada’s Youth Advisory Council encourages and facilitates discussions about mental health. Volunteers lead these discussions, create resources and participate in fundraising.
The Victim Services Durham Region supports survivors of crime and tragedy with crisis response, intervention and prevention services. There are two main volunteer positions, one in fundraising and events, and the other in crisis response.
CNIB (Positions available throughout Canada and virtually)
The CNIB Foundation delivers innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness. Different volunteer positions are posted depending on what is needed, for example there is a position called Vision Mate which is the assistance and companionship for a person who is blind or partially sighted.
Community Care Peterborough supports the health and wellbeing of individuals, caregivers, and communities by providing a variety of essential services to seniors and adults with physical challenges empowering them to live at home. Volunteers provide these services such as compensated drivers, friendly visiting, meals on wheels, distress alarm installers and more.
Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby
Community Living Ajax-Pickering and Whitby is dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities so they can live full lives and be effectively, safely and inclusively supported in their own communities. Volunteers assist people with developmental disabilities, in all aspects of community life including the day programs which facilitate recreation and leisure activities.
Fairhaven (Peterborough)
Fairhaven is a long-term care facility that offers its residents several services and programs to enhance their quality of life in a caring and safe environment. Volunteers are assigned to a variety of services/programs including music and entertainment, recreation programs, special events, hair salon, physiotherapy services and more.
March of Dimes Canada (Peterborough and Durham - other locations throughout Canada)
March of Dimes Canada provides a wide range of services to people with disabilities throughout the country. Volunteers are a crucial part of program delivery, fundraising events, campaigns, and office administration. Currently there is an emphasis on recruitment for 2 positions regarding Linguistics. The first is the Aphasia Communication Disability Program where volunteer engages in group activities, discussions, and conversations with clients online by learning and applying virtual supportive communication strategies. The second is the Aphasia Peer Connect Volunteer which facilitates online discussions and conversations between clients by learning and applying virtual supportive communication strategies. Click here for the volunteer application form.
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Peterborough Regional Health Centre is a regional hospital delivering acute healthcare to the residents of Peterborough and the surrounding areas. Volunteers support staff in providing care and improving the overall hospital experience by either working directly or indirectly with patients and their families.
VHA Home Healthcare (Durham)
VHA Home Healthcare is a not-for-profit charitable organization that offers 24/7 health care and support services. Volunteer opportunities are available in the following programs, digital support, seniors’ entertainment and visiting, child and family support, hoarding support, PPE delivery and good neighbours enroute essential goods delivery and active body, active mind.
Community Services and Support
Food not Bombs (Peterborough)
Food not Bombs PTBO/NOGO is the local iteration of an international movement that collects food that would have otherwise gone to waste, prepares vegan food in a collective non hierarchical and anti-oppressive organizational structure and serves it in public to anyone without exception. Since covid we have been offering a city wide delivery service and have been serving a free community meal every Monday since 2005. If you like food, food justice, community building, anti-poverty, anarchism, anti-capitalism, challenging status quo NGO/Charity frameworks and working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds for a common goal while open heartedly facing the challenges that come with that; you may enjoy evolvement with this grassroots movement. It is important to note that most of the work happens on Mondays with some opportunities on Saturday.
Ontario Provincial Police (Peterborough, Northumberland, Durham and Kawartha - other locations throughout Ontario)
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Auxiliary is a group of dedicated volunteers who work with regular OPP officers to ensure safety and well-being for the Province of Ontario. Auxiliary members assist OPP officers. Their duties may include patrols with regular members and assisting with community events, seat belt clinics, RIDE initiatives, safety displays, presentations, victim assistance and ceremonial duties. Many people choose to join the Auxiliary to develop their skills in pursuit of a law enforcement career, while others join simply to contribute to their communities.
The Peterborough Musicfest is a free 8-week music festival that takes place in the summer. Volunteers are needed for parking, fundraising, park patrol and ushering.
Canada Revenue Agency (You can choose method of volunteering by video conference, by phone, in person, or by using a drop off and pick up option)
The Canada Revenue Agency organizes tax clinics to help people complete and file their returns. Volunteers assist individuals with their taxes, ensuring they receive their entitled benefits and credits.
New Canadians Centre (Peterborough)
The New Canadians Centre empower immigrants and refugees to become full and equal members of Canadian society. Volunteers are needed for the refugee support team, tutoring, interpreting and more.
The Selwyn Public Library requires volunteers to help with administrative duties as well as fundraising.
Habitat For Humanity (GTA) (Durham - other GTA locations)
Habitat for Humanity (GTA) helps lower and modest income families move into adequate housing and build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Volunteer opportunities include building, deconstruction, Habitat ReStore, administration, and more.
History
Hutchison House- Peterborough Historical Society
The Hutchison House is a museum that hosts events and offers tours that illustrate life in the 19th century. Volunteers sometimes wear period costumes and assist with public tours and special events, demonstrating heritage cooking, crafts and trades, maintaining the historic features, conducting research and more.
Lang Pioneer Village (Peterborough)
The Lang Pioneer Village provides a living history experience that recreates the history of Peterborough County. Volunteers are needed to bring the village to life as costumed interpreters or to guide tour groups through the museum.
Child and Youth Support
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough
Big Brothers Big Sisters establishes mentoring relationships between adults and youth.
Kawartha Haliburton Children's Aid Society
The Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society is dedicated to the protection of children who are being harmed or are at risk of being harmed. They have volunteer drivers and mentors to assist the children and families they are working with.
Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program
The Kawartha Komets Special Needs Hockey Program gives individuals with special needs the opportunity to play non-contact hockey. Volunteers are needed to fill a number of positions including board members, coaches, trainers, on-ice volunteers, off-ice volunteers and bench support staff. The Komets pay for all certifications and courses relevant to the volunteer positions.
Youth Challenge International (Toronto - virtual volunteering positions available)
The Youth Challenge International works to develop creative, market-ready solutions that catapult youth around the work to succeed and prosper. There are three innovation solutions projects in need of volunteers, the HerStart E-Fellowships, the Youth Climate Leadership Program, and the Innovate MY Future Program.
Nanny Angel Network (GTA and Kingston)
The Nanny Angel Network is a free, specialized, in-home childcare resource for mothers with cancer. Volunteers are given specialized training to give mothers the support they need to care for their children and give children the tools they need to cope with their mother’s illness.
Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services (Peterborough)
Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services is a multi-service Indigenous Child Well-Being Agency that provides a stable foundation for children, youth, and families through services that are culturally based and family-focused. The Volunteer Drive Program requires volunteers to provide transportation for children and youth to school, medical appointments, family gatherings, etc.
Chantiers jeunesse (Throughout Canada and abroad)
Chantiers jeunesse organizes volunteer projects around the world to foster the development of young, active, and socially engaged citizens while encouraging community development. Volunteers are needed for a number of projects including intercultural volunteer projects in Canada, family or teen volunteer camp, volunteer projects abroad and more.
World University Services of Canada (Durham - other locations throughout Canada and abroad)
The World University Services of Canada seeks to improve education, economic, and empowerment opportunities for youth around the world. Volunteers are needed in Canada to help young refugees resettle to Canadian educational systems, and internationally to support the development programs.
Environment
The Kawartha Nordic Ski Club offers several trails for both skiing and snowshoeing. Volunteers are needed for building the ramp for the new washroom building, trail clearing, fence building, wood splitting and stacking, wood cutting and brush clearing, mowing, rock removal from new trails, chalet sweep and cleaning.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (Invading Species Awareness Program) (Peterborough and Kawartha)
The Invading Species Awareness Program aims to generate education and awareness of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, address key pathways contributing to introductions and/or spread, and facilitate monitoring and early detection initiatives for invasive species found within Ontario. Volunteers are involved in raising invasive species awareness and prevention through various programs and events.
Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (Peterborough)
The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre protects turtles through treatment, rehabilitation, research, conservation initiatives, etc. Volunteer positions include turtle taxi, turtle care, fundraising, outreach and education.
Scales Nature Park (Simcoe)
Scales Nature Park is a conservation center that offers tours, workshops and educational programs while also conducting research and caring for reptiles, amphibians and fish. Volunteers are needed for field work, animal care, maintenance/construction and education.
The Land Between (Peterborough and surrounding areas)
The Land Between is an organization dedicated to conservation through research, projects, educational programs and public engagement. Volunteers are required for several programs aimed at research, the protection of wildlife and conservation.
Regenesis (Peterborough - other locations throughout Ontario)
Regenesis is a community environmental organization dedicated to empowering students to address today’s environmental and social concerns through advocacy and local service. Volunteers get the opportunity to work in operations, event management, communications, fundraising, design and more.
Other
The Innovative Financier (Toronto)
The Innovative Financier is a platform where individuals can learn, network, and share thoughts on topics related to innovative technologies. Volunteers provide support to educational events, networking sessions and research papers.
