Volunteering

Volunteers have a long history of supporting events and activities in Waterloo. Find current openings, recognition and volunteer resources below. 

Current opportunities

Volunteers assist with a variety of city activities, from aquatics and seniors programs to environmental events and festivals. Subscribe to this page (go to bottom) to be notified when we add new positions.

Driver for seniors
  • one half day per week
  • drive Waterloo seniors to appointments
  • must be a caring, experienced driver with a reliable vehicle and pass screening requirements
  • mileage is reimbursed

Apply online

Open Streets and Day of Play, multiple dates in June and August
  • Open Streets is June 22 and August 17
  • Day of Play is July 28
  • several shifts available in uptown Waterloo
  • customer service shifts (age 14+)
  • set-up or tear-down shifts (must be age 16+ and able to lift up to 30 pounds)

Apply online

Telephone reassurance volunteer
  • available Fridays 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for Home Support Services
  • call registered seniors to check in on their well-being
  • calls made from the Adult Recreation Centre
  • must have excellent communication skills in English and be able to speak clearly over the telephone

Apply online

Bicycle valet volunteer
  • help the City of Waterloo offer free, convenient and safe bicycle parking at major events
  • valet bicycles into a secure fenced area
  • must be age 16+ with great communication and customer service skills
  • have general knowledge of the city's trail network

Apply online

Event helpers
  • join our team to receive emails about upcoming events, then sign up online
  • assist with set up/tear down (with tables, chairs, tents) or customer service during events in uptown Waterloo
  • must be 16+ and able to lift up to 30 pounds
  • customer service assists with program delivery and providing information to the public

Apply online

Drivers for seniors outing program
  • Once/week from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., or 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
  • The Senior Outing Day Program requires 3,000 rides annually for over 40 participants
  • Must be a caring, experienced driver with a reliable vehicle and pass screening requirements
  • Mileage is reimbursed
  • Volunteer shift is consistent day/time each week

Apply online

Activity assistant for senior outing program
  • Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Adult Recreation Centre
  • Seeking dependable, friendly adult volunteers with excellent communication skills
  • Welcome and socialize with participants, serve refreshments and assist with planned activities 

Apply online

For more information about these positions, contact us at volunteer@waterloo.ca or 519-888-6488.

Volunteer recognition

Each April we celebrate National Volunteer Week by sending a special thank you to thousands of dedicated volunteers who make a positive impact in the community. We recognize volunteer milestones by saluting community builder award recipients with an ad in the Waterloo Chronicle.

Many of our civic awards also speak to the spirit of volunteers in the community. 

Community Builder Awards

This award recognizes volunteers who provide ongoing service with the City of Waterloo and affiliate programs. 

Nomination forms are sent to eligible organizations in early January.

Recognition 

Recognition takes place through the organizations that volunteers support.

There are two types of pins, a standard Waterloo volunteer pin and milestone pin for service in increments of five years. A two year milestone pin is also available for persons age 25 and under.

The city recognizes all recipients in the Waterloo Chronicle during National Volunteer Week in April.

Organizations choose how to recognize recipients. It's typically done at board meetings, annual general meetings or volunteer recognition events. The city distributes pins to the organizations in March to coincide with National Volunteer Week.

Volunteer resources

  • Volunteer Action Centre has local volunteer postings from over 150 different organizations
  • Volunteer Canada provides tools and guidelines for those interested in volunteering or managing volunteers
  • PAVRO is the provincial resource for Volunteer Managers
  • VMPC is the national resource for Volunteer Managers.