How Does It Work?
Steps to our Volunteer Program
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Sign Up
Meet your
Youth Advisor
Access to Slack communication channel and Skill Development Plan (SDP)
Training
Attend in-person and/or virtual training and orientation including general and role-specific training
Inform your Youth Advisor
Inform youth advisor upon training completion
Volunteer
Get matched with a placement supervisor and complete your volunteering hours!
Attend networking opportunities, volunteer fairs and conferences along the way!
Youth Advisor Follow-Up
Meet with your youth advisor to discuss your Skill Development Plan Completion and more opportunities!
Get Free Perks
Build communication, leadership and teamwork skills!
Free Access to Volunteer Conferences and Fairs
You are invited to the annual volunteer conferences and fairs, organized by YRES
Free Networking Opportunities
Monthly free networking events allow you to enjoy a free lunch while making new friends
Free 1:1 Training Programs
Youth Advisors provide you with access to resources such as free books, training materials and 1:1 coaching
Free Personalized Skill Development Plans (SDPs)
SDPs will allow you to improve skills for future careers. 45% YRES Summer Staff were YRES Volunteers!
Networking and Orientation Opportunities
Toronto/GTA In-Person Networking
This event is open to all! Make valuable connections to expand your professional network, and unlock new opportunities.
Fun Games • Free Prizes • Giveaways! • Invite up to 3 friends!
Old Toronto
May 25 | 1-2 PM EST | Pilot Coffee Roasters
Etobicoke
May 25 | 3-4 PM EST | D Spot Dessert
Scarborough
June 1 | 3-4 PM EST | Edill’s Coffee House
Mississauga
June 8 | 3-4 pm | Halo Espresso Bar
*RSVP is required
Virtual Networking Opportunities
On Zoom
Thursdays, from 4PM – 5PM EST
May 1
May 29
May 15
June 12
June 26
Toastmasters Public Speaking Guest Speaker on May 15!
*RSVP is required
Ready For Placement?
Work A Role That Suits You!
Virtual Role
In-Person Role
Vancouver Volunteer Fair
Build connections and enhance your event management skills by helping organize and running the Vancouver Volunteer Fair.
Data Analysis Assistant
Gain valuable experience in data collection and analysis, helping inform decision-making and improve business strategies.
Web Design Assistant
Build your web design and technical skills by assisting with the creation and maintenance of user-friendly websites.
Content Creation Assistant
Enhance your creative skills while producing content for blogs, videos, or social media to support the company’s mission.
Blog Writing Assistant
A blog volunteer supports our organization by researching, writing, and editing blog content that promotes volunteer opportunities, community events, and organizational initiatives.
Anti-Bullying Project Assistant
Contribute to positive social change while gaining experience in project management and advocacy for anti-bullying initiatives.
Market Research Assistant
Develop research and analytical skills by gathering market data to provide valuable insights for the company.
Teaching Assistant
Develop your teaching and communication skills while providing support in virtual classrooms and helping students succeed.
Social Media Assistant
Enhance your digital marketing skills by helping create engaging content and managing social media platforms.
What's in it for you?
Build Skills In...
Communication
Work on your public speaking skills as you work alongside professionals
Our Community Impact
1000+
3000+
385,000+
Nationwide
200+
50+
Testimonials
Volunteer Testimonials
CATHY T.
Social Media Assistant
I wanted to gain more volunteer experiences and helpful knowledge and skills for myself. I also love being a part of a team to help the community I live in!
Ariyah L.
Social Media Assistant
I wanted to volunteer here because I love helping my community in any way possible. It gives me more volunteering experience!
Matthew C.
Business Assistant
I wanted to volunteer because I wanted to gain more business-related experience as well as contribute to the community and education in the region.
Staff Testimonials
See what our staff have to say about working with volunteers!
Janine M.
Volunteer Supervisor
Working with volunteers is rewarding because they're passionate, and they bring positive energy and fresh perspectives!
ALISA P.
Volunteer Supervisor
I love working with volunteers because not only can you make new connections, but you also get a shared sense of purpose.
Messages from Community Leaders
See what our leaders across Canada have to say about our Nationwide Volunteer Success Program!
Video from Markham Councillor Isa Lee
Letter from Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim
Click image to read full letter ↓
Community Partners
FAQ
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How do I apply?Click the “Sign Up Now” button, complete the form, and a youth advisor will help match you with a placement.
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Do I need prior experience?No, the program is open to all youth regardless of experience.
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What types of volunteer opportunities are available?Opportunities include event assistance, photography, museum/library support, tech support, sustainability initiatives, customer service, and more.
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Can I volunteer remotely?Yes! Some opportunities are available remotely across Canada.
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Will I receive training?Yes! Volunteers get mentorship, workshops, and skill development plans (SDPs) tailored to their growth.
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What do I gain from this program?A certificate upon completion. Networking opportunities with professionals and organizations. Transferable skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
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Are there networking opportunities?Yes! We host monthly networking events, and an annual Youth Conference & Volunteer Fair.
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What are the qualifications and requirements for volunteers?You must be 12 years-old or older to join our virtual volunteer program; 14 or older for our in-person opportunities. You must reside in Canada for the duration of your volunteer period. You must have access to a computer and the internet. You must be passionate about education. You must be enthusiastic and ready to learn. You must be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per month in the virtual volunteer program. For in-person recurring events, you must not fail to show up without prior notice more than once; otherwise, your registration will be withdrawn.
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Can volunteer hours from TRES be used towards fulfilling community involvement hour requirements for high school graduation?At TRES any training, meetings, lessons and activities you participate in will count towards your hours! Only community activity hours at TRES or other non-for-profit organizations can be counted to the OSSD requirement* *OSSD activity hours eligibility may differ
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How will I get my volunteer hours?When your volunteer period has ended, send us the record form from your school or school guidance to have it signed off via volunteer@yorkeducation.ca. Please fill in as many blanks as you can before sending it across.
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Do I need to do both in-person and the virtual volunteering to join the team?No, you don't. You have the option of signing up for in-person, virtual, or hybrid, in the sign up form.
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Am I confirmed for a shift after signing up and providing my availability?No, there is a volunteer selection process that takes place after the response window closes. We take your availability into consideration and send a confirmation email to selected volunteers closer to the date of the event.
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Can I volunteer if I am an international high-school or university student currently studying in Canada?Yes, you are welcome to join our volunteering opportunities so long as you are currently residing in Canada for the duration of your volunteer commitment.
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What counts towards my hours?Only community activity hours at TRES or other non-for-profit organizations can be counted to the OSSD requirement* At TRES, any training, meetings, lessons and activities you participate in will count towards your hours! *OSSD volunteer hour eligibility may differ
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How can I get in touch for more questions?You can reach us in the following ways: Email: Send us an email at volunteer@yorkeducation.ca Phone: Call us at (416) 475-6622 Visit Our Site: Check out our site for updates and to learn more: https://torontoeducation.org Social Media: You can also check for updates through our social media page on Instagram or Tiktok
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How many free programs can I sign up for?You can sign up for as many programs as you wish, as long as you can commit to attending the program. They will be free.
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What are the costs?All programs are free (zero-cost) at Toronto Region Educational Services. If you need private tutoring and special support, please contact us and we will discuss learning plans tailored to your needs.
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I am not sure which program fits my needs. Can I talk to an advisor?Our advisor is available to reply by emails (info@yorkeducation.ca). Please expect 1-2 business days for a reply due to high volume. Your patience is appreciated.
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Can I participate in programs if I live outside of the Toronto Region?You are welcome to participate in any of the programs listed on our site, even if you live outside of the Vancouver Region.