There are several ways you can join us as a Behind the Shield volunteer. We rely on volunteers from all backgrounds and experience level to assist in our shelters, food banks, churches, thrift stores, social service centres and more. Depending on your interests and the skills you would like to build or share, there are a variety of roles suitable for individuals and groups. Please read through the categories and sample roles listed below to learn more.
Many volunteers who enjoy task-oriented responsibilities assist with reception, clerical, customer service or technical support roles. Duties can include answering phones, filing, scheduling or helping with website maintenance for various programs or departments.
Sample roles: Office Clerk, Receptionist, Web Support Volunteer.
Occasionally some of our locations seek community members with varied backgrounds to assist in an advisory capacity as a board or committee member. Dependent on the need, there may be a suitable role available for those who possess particular skills in areas such as fundraising, advocacy or event planning.
Sample roles: Community Council Member, Events Committee, Advisory Board Member.
There are many people who rely on The Salvation Army for resources and supplies such as food and clothing. You can help us meet these needs by volunteering in our warehouses, shelters, food banks or churches through tasks such as sorting and packing items, stocking shelves and serving meals.
Sample roles: Kitchen Attendant, Shelter Assistant, Food Bank Volunteer.
In times of disaster, trained volunteers are deployed to help communities in need during an immediate emergency or long-term recovery. We rely heavily on volunteers to assist with emotional and spiritual care, food and hydration services, crisis intervention, reconstruction efforts and much more.
Sample roles: Canteen Worker, Command Staff, Disaster Assistance Centre Worker.
Various locations need assistance with maintaining properties both indoors and outdoors, seasonally and year-round. Opportunities such as painting, assisting with spring cleanup at one of our campgrounds or planting gardens and trees are some of the ways you can help.
Sample roles: Community Garden Volunteer, Housekeeping Volunteer, Maintenance Assistant.
Individuals or businesses are invited to offer their pro-bono services to members of our community through special programming. A variety of skills are welcome in areas such as legal consultation, financial counseling and more.
Sample roles: Tax Clinic Clerk, Family Law Consultant, Counselor.
Volunteers who enjoy interacting with others can work with children, youth, adults or seniors in a range of activities throughout the year such as social programming at our residences, sports at our community centres, field trips at our summer camps and more.
Sample roles: Program Assistant, Art Program Facilitator, Summer Bus Chaperone.
We have many special events that occur throughout the year, which rely on a high level of volunteer participation including our annual Christmas Kettle campaign. Other seasonal events seek volunteers to help both on and off site with planning, set up, registration and additional tasks.
Sample roles: Kettle Bell Ringer, Event Assistant, Christmas Hamper Packing.
Volunteers provide assistance in the storefront and warehouse of our thrift stores with processing items, preparing merchandise, and cashier duties. Additional volunteers also help by collecting and delivering donated items to their local store.
Sample roles: Sorting & Tagging Volunteer, Customer Service Volunteer, Donation Pick-Up Driver.
