Volunteer Program

At ASSIST, volunteers are essential partners in building welcoming and inclusive communities. By sharing their time, skills, and lived experience, volunteers help newcomers feel supported as they settle, grow, and thrive in Canada.

Volunteer Recognition & Appreciation

We value our volunteers and every individual is recognized for their outstanding contribution to ASSIST. To appreciate our volunteers, an annual volunteer appreciation event is held every April. Ten volunteers are nominated every year for their outstanding volunteer services. Other recognition activities and social events are planned periodically throughout the year.

Criteria for Outstanding Volunteers

Upon request, ASSIST will provide a reference letter after 30 hours of service. Generally, we advise you to request a reference letter within two years of finishing your volunteer service at ASSIST.

2025 Outstanding Volunteer Award

We are committed to creating a meaningful and positive volunteer experience—one that encourages personal growth, community connection, and lifelong learning.

We are grateful for your commitment, and we welcome you to the ASSIST community.

Volunteer With Us

Why Volunteer with ASSIST?

By joining our team, you do more than give back—you grow. We empower our volunteers to thrive personally and professionally through:

Skill Development: Gain practical experience in Canadian workplace culture and professional communication.

Networking: Connect with diverse professionals and community leaders in a supportive, multicultural environment.

Cultural Exchange: Enhance your cultural competency by working directly with newcomers from around the globe.

Community Impact: See the immediate results of your contribution to a more vibrant and resilient society.

Requirements

Checklist

Required for all volunteers

Volunteers working with children, youth, or family services must also complete an Intervention Record Check (IRC)

PIC cost: $20, paid by the volunteer and reimbursed after 15 hours of service

PIC fees are waived for volunteers in the Youth Program, Summer Camp, and Family Literacy & Adult Learning Program

ASSIST accepts PICs/IRCs completed for other organizations if issued within the last 6 months

Renewals: PIC every 5 years; IRC every 3 years

Orientation & Training

After completing the application process, new volunteers must attend a mandatory 2‑hour ASSIST Orientation within three months of their interview. Orientations are offered once a month, typically on Saturday afternoons.

Additional role‑specific training is provided as needed—for example, working with minors or protecting confidential information.

Volunteers are responsible for following instructions, asking questions when clarification is needed, and engaging fully in training to ensure high‑quality service to our clients

Volunteer Opportunities

Whether you join us for ongoing roles or one‑time events, we are committed to supporting your learning and helping you develop valuable skills. We hope your volunteer experience with ASSIST is both meaningful and rewarding.

We deeply value every volunteer and are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for growth and development. Thank you for your dedication to serving others—we are proud to welcome you into the ASSIST family!

Contact Us

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to become a volunteer

Please Call or Email

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