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.

Event helper for LUMEN

Lumen is an evening festival featuring art, light and technology displays with locations throughout uptown. It takes place on September 28. We're looking for:

  • customer service volunteers (age 14 and up)
  • set up or tear down volunteers (age 16 and up and able to lift up to 30 pounds)

Orientation will be held September 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, Hauser Room.

Apply online

Aquatics volunteer
  • assist with aquatics programs for a minimum of one session
  • must be age 14 and up
  • must have current Bronze Cross or Bronze Medallion and CPR B or C

Apply online

Grocery shopper escort for seniors
  • weekly or every other week
  • drive a Waterloo senior to the grocery store
  • assist with shopping
  • help put groceries away
  • must have valid G license and a reliable vehicle safe driving record and pass all screening requirements

Apply online

List grocery shoppers
  • two hours per week or every other week
  • assist a Waterloo senior with grocery shopping
  • must have a reliable vehicle and meet screening requirements
  • list shopper will pick up groceries, deliver and help put them away

Apply online

Kitchen volunteers for senior's lunch program
  • Tuesdays or Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • located at the Adult Recreation Centre
  • responsible adult with good communication skills and self directed
  • assist with food preparation, serve lunch and clear tables
  • lunch is provided

Apply online

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

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

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.