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VOLUNTEER AT A BAVA MEMBER AGENCY

Are you looking for ways to get involved in your community? Consider volunteering at one of BAVA's member agencies.

Barrie Community Health Centre

Contact: Stephanie Butler, Community Health Worker

Location: 490 Huronia Road, Barrie ON, L4N 6M2

Phone: 705-734-9690 ext. 241 Fax: 705-734-0239

Mission: The BCHC empowers individuals and communities to improve and manage their own health and well-being through the provision of integrated healthcare, programs and services.

Service provided for: Individuals across the lifespan including families with young children and seniors

Volunteer Opportunities: Board members, standing committee members, program assistants, and greeters

Application Requirements: Volunteer application with three references, criminal reference check, vulnerable sector screen may be required depending on role. A specific time commitment will be required for board and committee members and program assistants

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Barrie Public Library

ContactEmily Fleming, Coordinator of Volunteer Resources

Location: 60 Worsley Street, Barrie, ON L4M 1L6  

Phone: 705-728-1010 ext. 2266  Fax: 705-728-4322

Mission: Discover opportunities

Volunteer opportunities: Barrie Public Library offers volunteer opportunities in three locations - Downtown Branch, 60 Worsley St., Painswick Branch, 48 Dean Ave. and Holly Branch, 555 Essa Road. Please visit https://www.barrielibrary.ca/about-bpl/volunteering for a full list of current opportunities

Services provided for: Barrie and Oro-Medonte

Application Requirements: Must be 14 years or older for most positions (see position descriptions on the Barrie Public Library website for additional age requirements); application form with two references, interview, waiver, training, police check may be required for those 18 and older (depending on the position) 2 dose COVID-19 vaccination

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Barrie and District

Contact: Ainsley McCallum, Mentoring Coordinator 

Location: P.O. Box 261 Station Main, Barrie, ON L4M 4T2

Phone: 705-728-0515  ext. 3 

Mission: Enable life changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people.

Opportunities: Looking for adult mentors for Game On, Go Girls, In School Mentoring, Big Brothers, Big Sisters Mentoring Program. 

Services provided for: Matching up positive adult mentors with children and youth within the Barrie area. 

Application Requirements: All applicants go through our screening process which includes: an orientation, application, interview, references and police checks, trainings. Minimum age to volunteer is 18 and completed high school. We are currently looking for males that are able to volunteer in our school-based programs starting in September. Additional program information can be found on our website. https://barrie.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/

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Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf

Contact: Jennifer PilonManager of Social Services

Location: 1 Royal Parkside Drive, Barrie, ON L4M 0C4  

Phone: 705-719-6700 ext. 308  Fax: 705-719-6752

Mission: To merge exceptional long term care with the language and culture of the deaf seniors resulting in a communication rich environment that enhances the quality of life for each resident.

Services provided for: Seniors, deaf, deaf/blind, hearing in a long term care facility.

Volunteer opportunities: in our Programs/Activities department; dietary; administration (front desk) support; environmental support; Café support; outings; feeding (mealtime) assistance; monthly socials; weekly visits; reading; various trip and outings.

Application Requirements: Police check, TB 2 step test, signed confidentiality agreement, interview/orientation.

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Canadian Mental Health Association - Simcoe County Branch

Contact: 

Location: 128 Anne Street, Barrie, ON L4N 6A2

Phone: 705-726-5033 ext. 532  Fax: 705-719-0908

Mission: To provide integrated mental health and addiction services to individuals and families using a recovery approach that respects individual uniqueness and choice.

Services provided for: Individuals aged 16+ with mental health or addiction difficulties.

Volunteer opportunities: reception and clerical assistance; special projects and events; one-on-one client support; facilitating and supporting groups in various programs.

Application Requirements:  Minimum 6-month commitment, non-judgemental, empathetic, patient, reliable, flexible, share knowledge and skills.

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Canadian Red Cross

Contact: Heather Stone, Program Coordinator

Location: 65 Cedar Pointe Dr., Unit 809B, Barrie, ON L4N 5R7

Phone: 705-721-3313 ext. 5278  Fax: 705-739-9916

Mission: To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

Services provided for: Community Support Services are provided for seniors and adults with physical disabilities.

Volunteer opportunities: Meals on Wheels (drivers, servers, dispatchers); transportation drivers; friendly visitors; telephone assurance; office help (switchboard, reception, filing); disaster management volunteers; Branch Council.

Application Requirements: Volunteer application form with two references, criminal record check and vulnerable sector search. Valid drivers license with fewer than three demerit points required for some positions.

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City of Barrie

Contact: Jessica Gourlie, Youth & Volunteer Programmer

Location: 70 Collier Street PO Box 400 Barrie ON L4M 4T5

Phone: 705-739-4220 ext 5688  Fax705-792-7926

Mission: The Corporation of the City of Barrie provides services and programs to build and support a prosperous, growing and sustainable community.

Services provided for: The Community of Barrie

Volunteer opportunities: City of Barrie Recreation and Culture provides a unique opportunity to volunteer with all ages through programs, facilities and special events.  We have many volunteer opportunities through our recreation and culture facilities. In addition we run many special events through out the year that with support from volunteers will help us to ensure that these programs and events run with success.  Our team will work with you to find an opportunity that fits your interests, goals and skills.  Some of these opportunities include: sports, fitness, aquatics, youth centre, preschool, 55+, special events or more.  We have something for everyone!

Application Requirements:  Volunteers must be a minimum of  14 years of age. Some volunteer opportunities may require some additional requirements such as: police record check, vulnerable sector check, certifications/qualifications. Interested volunteers can email rec.volunteers@barrie.ca and from there will complete a application form with 2 references, interview, waiver and training.

 

CNIB Lake Joe

Contact: Sherri Helsdingen, Manager, Community Engagement

Location: 4 Joe Finley Way, Mactier, ON P0C 1H0

Phone: 705-241-2907

Mission: For over 60 years, CNIB Lake Joe has been providing enriching camp experiences for Canadians with sight loss – where children are encouraged to shine, youth are empowered to thrive, and 'kids of all ages' enjoy recreational pursuits. Located in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario, CNIB Lake Joe is a one-of-a-kind accessible camp that stretches over 12.5 acres on the northwest corner of beautiful Lake Joseph. 

Volunteer opportunities: In-person camp counsellors; customer service & office support; online camp programming; leadership roles (Board and committees); special events;

Services provided for: People who are blind or partially sighted of all ages and their families.

Application Requirements:  Depends on level of volunteer role. Volunteers complete the volunteer application, provide references, attend an interview and orientation. Some volunteers may need to obtain a criminal reference check/vulnerable sector screen, drivers’ abstract, etc. Minimum age is 14. Volunteers who work with clients, client information or cash must be 19 or older. In-person camp counsellors stay onsite/over night at camp for 5 nights/6 days.

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Collingwood General and Marine Hospital

Contact: Sadie Nixon CVRM, Manager Volunteer Services

Location: CGMH 459 Hume Street, Collingwood, ON L9Y1W9

Phone: 705-445-2550 ext. 8615

Mission: Advancing community health through compassionate, innovative, and collaborative care.

Services provided for:  The Collingwood General and Marine Hospital provides a variety of health care services to the more than 60,000 people who live and work in our community. We also provide essential health care services to more than 3.5 million vacationers and cottagers who visit the communities of Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Stayner, Creemore and the Blue Mountains.

Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers play an integral part in the welcoming atmosphere that CGMH is known for. They help ensure the hospital is a comforting place for both patients and visitors, and that it runs smoothly and efficiently. The work of each and every volunteer at CGMH is greatly appreciated and valued by hospital staff and the community. Volunteers help In Patient Areas, Emergency, Ambulatory Care, Dialysis, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgical Day Care, Pet Therapy, Gift Shop, Patient Navigation (information desk), and Office Assistance

Application Requirements: Volunteers must be 16 years or older and be willing to work a minimum of one 4-hour shift each week.  An interview is required, a physical examination, have up to date immunizations and a current TB Test. Two references are required for each prospective volunteer. Training, orientation, volunteer garments (i.e., vests, golf shirts, tops) and parking passes are provided by Volunteer Services. Criminal record check and vulnerable sector  are required for all volunteers 18 and older.

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County of Simcoe

Contact: Rachel Jennings, Volunteer Coordinator

Location: 1110 HWY 26, Midhurst ON L9X 1N6

Volunteer Locations: Beeton, Pentanguishene, Orillia, Collingwood, Elmvale 

Phone: 705-790-3915  Fax

Mission: To provide effective, high quality, safe, and efficient long term care services in a home-like setting for the clients (residents) and families that we serve.

Services provided for: Residents/ clients that reside in our Long-Term-Care or Senior’s Services locations. As well as Clients at our Adult Day Programs.  

Volunteer opportunities: Recreation Assistance/ Resident Engagement & Interaction/ Student Volunteer or Co-Op – Assisting with large events, bus outings, one-on-one visits with residents, interactive group programs, fundraising, gardening, going outside for walks with residents, music and art therapies, and much more! Do you have special interests or talents you wish to share? We are willing to customize the volunteer experience to meet the preference of the volunteer and the need of the home and the residents.  

Application Requirements:  Complete online application or can be picked up in person at one of our facilities, 2-Step TB Test, 3Dose Covid Vaccine, Vulnerable Sector Police Check, Orientation and tour   

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Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie

Contact: Rosie Williams, Volunteer Coordinator

Location: 320 Bayfield St Unit 79, Barrie ON L4M 3C1

Phone: 705-252-9200  Fax: 

Mission: 

Service provided for: 

Volunteer opportunities

Application Requirements: 

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E3 Community Services

Contact: Carolyn Smith, Manager Volunteers and Community Liaison

Location: 100 Pretty River Parkway N., Collingwood, ON L9Y 4X2

Phone: 705-443-1342   Fax: 

Mission: 

Service provided for: 

Volunteer opportunities

Application Requirements: 

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Gilda's Club Simcoe Muskoka

Contact: Cara Dyke, Volunteer Coordinator

Location: 10 Quarry Ridge Road, Barrie, ON L4M 7G1

Phone: 705-726-5199 ext. 230  Fax705-726-7101

Mission: To ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community

Services provided for: Our Members are individuals living with a cancer diagnosis, those who have completed cancer treatment/identity as cancer survivors, those who are caregiving for someone with a cancer diagnosis, and those who are grieving the death of a family member or friend from cancer.

Volunteer opportunities: Clubhouse-based: Gilda’s Greeters, event volunteers, general clubhouse support; Program support: workshop facilitators, guest lecturers; Fundraising volunteers, Outreach volunteers. Most opportunities are for 18+ years old, however, high school students are also welcomed

Application Requirements: Complete the volunteer application process that includes an application form, three references, and orientation/training. Third-party event volunteers and high school students’ requirements vary.

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Hospice Huronia-Tomkins House

Contact: Kelly Asselin, Volunteer Program Lead 

Location: 948 Fuller Avenue Penetanguishene, ON, L9M 1G7

Phone: 705-549-1034   Fax: (705) 549-5366

Mission: Enhancing the quality of life for individuals and their families facing life threatening illness or bereavement

Service provided for: Individuals that have been given a life limiting illness, or for those who are grieving the loss of someone. 

Volunteer opportunities: Bereavement Support Programs, Home Visiting Program, Hospice Family Kitchen Volunteers, Residential Visiting, Events, Fundraising, Board of Directors, committees.

Application Requirements: Varies depending on the type of Volunteering being done. 

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Hospice Simcoe

Contact: Susan Haiplik, Volunteer Coordinator

Location: 336 Penetanguishene Road, Barrie, ON L4N 7C2

Phone: 705-795-2155 ext. 230 Fax: 705-722-0716

Mission: As an integral partner in the healthcare continuum, Hospice Simcoe comforts and empowers those living with life threatening illness and bereavement.

Services provided for: In-home visiting, bereavement support, care for caregivers, residential hospice, community programs and community outreach.

Volunteer opportunities: flexible opportunities to become involved in client care (residential and in the community), reception, kitchen, community outreach, awareness and the fund development team.

Application Requirements:  complete an application form (available on our website www.hospicesimcoe.ca), interview, 30 hour training/orientation course, police check.

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Listening Post Barrie

Contact: Ruth McDonald, Director

Locations: Busby Centre Emergency Shelter, Elizabeth Fry Society Emergency Shelter, Barrie Public Library downtown location

Phone: 705-229-6513

Mission: We create safe spaces for people to be heard for the common good of all. We train volunteers and community folk in the art of compassionate, non-judgemental listening and heart-to-heart connection.

Volunteer Opportunities: 2 hour shifts of compassionate one-on-one listening in the community

Services For:
1. Anyone who wants to be heard with a focus on listening with people who may be vulnerable due to isolation, homelessness, disability, poverty, substance use disorder, mental health.    
2. Anyone who wants to receive training in the art of compassionate listening.  

Application Requirements: 18 years of age or older, vulnerable sector search, personal references, non-judgemental presence, desire to listen, interview with director, training session.

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Ministry Ministry of the Solicitor General - CNCC

Contact: Erin Akrapovic, Volunteer Services Coordinator 

Location: 1501 Fuller Avenue, Penetanguishene ON L9M 2H4

Phone: 705-549-9470 x 3013  Fax: 705-549-5124

Mission: The Ministry of the Solicitor General is committed to delivering high-quality, modern and cost-effective policing, corrections, fire, death investigation, emergency management, private security and animal welfare services and supports for all Ontarians.

Services provided for: Inmates at Central North Corrections Centre

Volunteer opportunities: Spiritual care/religions services, library, elections, A.A.& N/A., recreation support, pet therapy, education, cultural activities

Application Requirements: Clean criminal record check, minimum of 2 vaccinations for COVID -19, orientation attendance

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North Simcoe Muskoka Self Management Program

Contact: Christa Heigenhauser, Program Coordinator

Location: 14 Ramblewood Drive Unit 202 Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 0C4  

Phone: 705-422-0900 ext. 108  Fax: 705-422-1078

Mission: Our program is one of 14 Self-Management Programs across the province of Ontario funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. We  provide no cost education and skills training workshops for health care providers as well as individuals living with chronic conditions across the North Simcoe Muskoka Region.

Service provided for:

  1. We offer free six-week workshops for adult individuals (18+) who are living with or a caregiver of someone living with a long-term health condition.

  2. We offer free self-management professional development training for health care providers living or working in the North Simcoe Muskoka region.

Volunteer opportunities: Peer Leaders for Living a Healthy Life workshops. & Facilitators for Health Care Provider Trainings.

Application Requirements: Will vary on the volunteer position. Volunteers must complete an application form, provide reference checks, and agree to participate in an interview in person or by phone at the discretion of the coordinator. Commit to attending our training program (the training and materials are provided free of cost). Must sign all applicable forms and submit evidence of a valid Police Vulnerable Sector Screening upon request.

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Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions

Contact: Joanne Oblin, Coordinator of Volunteer Services

Location: 60 Bell Farm Road, Barrie, ON L4M 5G6  

Phone: 705-726-6587 ext. 2370  Fax: 705-726-9788

Mission: To work together with families, community partners, and colleagues to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children, youth and families.

Service provided for: Children, youth and families

Volunteer opportunities:  Drivers, mentors, parent assists, child care, special events.

Application Requirements: Volunteer application form with three references, criminal record check and vulnerable sector search, sign an oath of confidentiality, and a CPIN search. Valid drivers license with fewer than three demerit points required for some positions.

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South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre

Contact: Lauren Jeffrey, Community Program Coordinator

Location: 14 Ramblewood Drive Unit 202 Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 0C4  

Phone: 705-422-1888 ext 112  Fax: 705-422-1078

Mission: To build collaborative and inclusive pathways to health

Service provided for: Free community based health and wellness programs for anyone in the South Georgian Bay region (Clearview, Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Elmvale and the Town of Blue Mountains).

Volunteer opportunities: Mental health, food and nutrition, gardening, health and wellness, social prescribing, and budgeting/financial facilitators. We value diversity and want our volunteers to share their talents and skills by helping us plan and lead new programs and workshops. As a volunteer, you will also have opportunities to learn new skills and join a dynamic team. We seek to match every volunteer with a position that best suits their individual skills and interests. Hours vary depending on interests and time availability.

Application Requirements: All applicants complete a volunteer information form. They will have an interview, vulnerable sector reference check, complete various policies and procedures and an orientation. Please check out Volunteer - South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre (southgeorgianbaychc.ca) for more information.

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St John Ambulance

Contact: Laurie Hewlett, Community Service Coordinator

Location: 400 - 80 Bradford Street, Barrie ON L4N 6S7 

Phone: 905-773-3394  Fax: 

Mission: 

Service provided for: 

Volunteer opportunities

Application Requirements: 

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Town of Wasaga Beach

Contact: Judith Illidge, Active Living and Volunteer Programmer

Location: 30 Lewis St, Wasaga Beach L9Z 1A1

Phone: 705-429-3321 ext. 2510 Fax: 

Mission: 

Service provided for: 

Volunteer opportunities

Application Requirements: 

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Township of Tiny

Contact: Grace Beaman, Community Engagement Coordinator

Location: 130 Balm Beach Road West, Tiny, ON, L0L 2J0

Phone: 705-526-4204 ext 271    

Mission: A committed team providing extraordinary municipal services.

Volunteer Opportunities: Litter Pick-Up, Trail Monitor, Dog Park Monitor, Special Events, Advisory Committee Member, Program Attendant (Shuffleboard, Pickleball, Art Cooperative), Stewardship Initiatives, Soccer Coach, Community Gardener and more.

Services For: The community.

Application Requirements: 

Vary depending upon the volunteer position. Contact Grace Beaman for more information.

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Victoria Village Manor

Contact: Eileen Thorn, Volunteer & Services Coordinator

Location: 78 Ross Street, Barrie, ON, L4N 1G3

Phone: 705-728-3456 ext. 788  Fax: (705) 728-4057 

Mission: Victoria Village is a vibrant community providing person-centered care with the goal of an individualized aging experience.

Services provided for: Long Term Care Facility

Volunteer opportunities: Friendly Visits, Spiritual Visits, Assist with Recreation Programs, Community outing volunteer, Volunteer led small group activities (cards, reading groups, social groups), Assisting with special afternoon events,  musical or special interest presentations.

Application Requirements:  Volunteer application with 2 personal references, 2 step TB test, Criminal reference check with vulnerable sector screen if 18 or older, interview, signed confidentiality agreement; Orientation and position specific training; Students over the age of 14 welcome.

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VON

Contact: Andrea Cameron,  SMART Program Supervisor

Location: 299 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 002, Barrie, ON L4N 7Y9

Phone: 705-737-5044 ext. 221  Fax: 705-737-1903

Mission: VON Canada works in partnership with Canadians for a healthier society. 

Services provided for: Community Support Services are provided for seniors.

Volunteer opportunities: SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) ® Exercise Program, which involves leading seniors in exercises 1:1 or in a group setting.

Application Requirements:  Minimum age is 18.  Volunteer application form with two references, criminal record check and vulnerable sector search.

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Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

Contact: Diane Desroches (Talent & Volunteer Services Coordinator

Location: 500 Church Street Penetanguishene ON L9M 1G3

Phone: 705-549-3181 ext 2219

Mission: We are a Catholic hospital committed to providing excellence in specialized mental health and addictions services grounded in research and education and guided by faith-based values.

Volunteer Opportunities:  We offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers who are interested in assisting people who have mental illness with direct and in-direct care opportunities that include: Pet therapy, spiritual care visitors, entertainers, one-to-one visitors, activity assistants, income tax assistants

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