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.

Neighbourhood ice rink volunteers 
  • maintain neighbourhood rinks by flooding, shoveling and caring for equipment
  • Several rinks available, especially Conservations Meadows and Haida Park
  • Shifts take place at various times, must be 16+
  • contact waterloorinks@waterloo.ca or 519-886-1177 x 27253 to apply. 

New Years event in the Public Square
  • December 31, in the evening
  • Help the Waterloo ring in the new year at Waterloo Public Square
  • Event helpers assist with set-up or customer service
  • Must be 16+ and able to lift 30 pounds

Apply online

Event helpers for Winterloo
  • Volunteer with Winterloo on January 26 and 27
  • Event Helpers needed for set-up, tear-down or customer service shifts
  • Volunteers attend an orientation session in advance

Apply online

Pollinator working group member
  • meet the first Thursday evening of the month, plus attend events and activities as planned
  • share your passion for pollinators as a member of the Pollinator working group
  • plan, coordinate and deliver educational and stewardship activities related to native pollinators and their habitat
  • adults age 18+ apply by January 30
  • interviews for those selected will be held January 31 and February 1, 2019. 

Apply online

Laurel Creek Citizens Working Group member
  • meetings the second Thursday evening of the month plus attend events and activities as planned
  • the Laurel Creek Citizens Working Group plans, coordinates and delivers educational and stewardship activities related local streams
  • great way to meet others with similar interests while contributing to the community
  • interviews for those selected will be held February 7 and 8
  • adults age 18+ apply by January 30

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.