Support seniors in our community – many of whom are isolated or navigating complex challenges. We offer flexible opportunities for retirees, students, working adults, and corporate teams.
Note: It may take up to a week to hear from our team regarding your application. We thank you in advance for your patience.
About Volunteering With Us
More than 400 volunteers fuel many of Circle of Care’s signature programs. Our volunteers are kind, compassionate, and have a strong desire to help seniors live happier and healthier in their own homes, where most of them want to be. In adopting the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement, Circle of Care commits to value and support the contribution of volunteers through respectful, meaningful and inclusive engagement. Read below to learn more about the many flexible volunteer opportunities at Circle of Care and become a volunteer today!
If you have any questions, call 416 635 2860 ext. 117 or ext. 375 or email volunteer@circleofcare.com, or apply to volunteer.
Steps to Become a Volunteer
Step 1
Review our available roles and decide what you’re interested in apply for.
Step 2
Complete the Volunteer Application Form.
Step 3
Complete an interview with the Volunteer Resources team.
Step 4
Provide references and complete paperwork.
Step 5
Complete orientation.
Step 6
Obtain Vulnerable Sector Check (as appropriate).
Ways to Volunteer
Meals on Wheels Volunteer Drivers
We have an urgent need for volunteer drivers to deliver meals to seniors across Toronto. For many people we serve, your visit may be the highlight of their day — a friendly hello, a brief check-in, and the reassurance of knowing someone cares. You can volunteer on your own or team up with a friend and make it a shared experience.
- Time Commitment: Minimum 6 months, at least 1 morning weekly for 3 hours between 9am and noon. Shifts are available Tuesday to Friday.
- Locations: Pick up locations at 4211 Yonge St, 363 Canarctic Drive and 150 Connie Crescent (Vaughan) with local routes. Mileage while on route is reimbursed.
- Eligibility: Access to a reliable vehicle and comfort driving within Toronto.
- Training: general volunteer orientation, training modules on volunteer portal & trial shift before you start independent deliveries
Adult Day Program Volunteers (Multiple Positions)
Do you have a special interest in working with seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other age-related cognitive impairment or frailty? Our ADP volunteers help with a range of activities: some play instruments, some organize games, some simply sit and chat with participants.
- Time Commitment: Minimum 6 month, 2-3 hours per week. Our program space is open daily, 7 days a week.
- Location: 9600 Bathurst Street, Unit 4 (Bathurst/Rutherford)
- Eligibility: over 16 years of age, applicants over 18 need to provide Vulnerable Sector Check
- Training: general volunteer orientation, tour of the facilities with ADP team
Hospice Volunteers
Hospice volunteers create moments of comfort and connection for people at the end of their lives and their primary caregivers. We offer both a non-denominational hospice program and a program tailored to the Jewish community. Learn more about Hospice Volunteering.
- Time Commitment: Minimum 6 month to a year, 2-4 hours a week
- Locations: Most of our clients reside anywhere between St. Clair Ave. W to Major Mackenzie Dr. W., and Jane St. to Don Valley Parkway.
- Eligibility: Over 18 years of age, excellent communication and active listening skills, sensitivity to ageing issues and challenges, able to work independently.
- Training: A combination of in person training with 30 hours of self-directed training which Circle of Care arranges through Hospice and Palliative Care Ontario at no cost.
Complementary Therapies for Hospice Clients
We are looking for professionals in Registered Massage Therapy, Reiki, Healing Touch, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology, Music or Expressive Arts Therapy, Yoga, or Pet Therapy to join our Hospice team and share your skills with our clients. It’s a great way to bring real comfort while developing and practicing skills in elder and end of life care.
Errands Support
Grocery Pickup/Shopping
Many of our clients are elderly and frail; this prohibits them from grocery shopping. We need volunteers who can assist clients in learning how to order online or who can pick up grocery orders for the client every other week from a local store, deliver it to their home, and, if needed, help them put the groceries away. Volunteers do not drive our clients.
- Time Commitment: Minimum 6 months, 2 hours once every two weeks.
- Locations: Most of our clients reside anywhere between St. Clair Ave. W to Rutherford Rd., and Jane St. to Don Valley Parkway.
- Eligibility: Access to a reliable vehicle and comfort driving within Toronto
- Training: General volunteer orientation
Medical Assistance Companions
Volunteers are needed to escort seniors or people with disabilities, who are unable to leave their residence on their own to go to medical appointments. Volunteers accompany clients to their appointment via taxi, TTC, WheelTrans or iRIDE, which is paid for by the client – please note that the volunteers do NOT drive our clients. They then ensure the client returns home safely prior to leaving.
- Time Commitment: Can vary by the duration of the appointment and the distance from the client’s home to the appointment location. Minimum commitment is to remain on our roster for 6 months.
- Locations: Most of our clients live in North York and downtown Toronto
- Eligibility: Available to support clients on weekdays.
- Training: General volunteer orientation
Musicians
Share your musical talents and put a smile on a senior’s face. We are looking for musicians to give their time once a month at one of our many programs.
- Time Commitment: Minimum once a month, 2 hours a week, flexible scheduling.
- Locations: include our ADP at Bathurst/Rutherford, our head office at 4211 Yonge Street and, sometimes, other venues
- Eligibility: Musical proficiency for entertaining, completion of volunteer application and interview
Produce Donation Support
Circle of Care is piloting a small program to help bring fresh produce to our clients. We invite anyone interested to plant an extra row or a few plants in their home garden and donate the produce to Circle of Care once it has grown. The donated vegetables and fruits will be given to Circle of Care clients, bringing fresh produce to older adults in the community.
- Contact: If interested, contact us via phone 416-635-2860 ext 117 or ext 375 or email us at volunteer@circleofcare.com.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Do you have a special talent and idea on how you can volunteer with us? Give us a call at 416-635-2860 ext 117 or ext 375. We would love to discuss your idea further.
Words from the Heart
Hear from a few of our volunteers about why they volunteer with Circle of Care.
What It Means to Be There: Rethinking End-of-Life Care Through Presence and Respite
What It Means to Be There: Rethinking End-of-Life Care Through Presence and Respite
Carolyn’s Story: Bringing Food—and Connection—to Seniors at Home
Carolyn’s Story: Bringing Food—and Connection—to Seniors at Home
Meet Saudah: Capturing Stories, Building Community
Meet Saudah: Capturing Stories, Building Community
Interested in volunteering with us? Fill out our application form.
Social Volunteers
Friendly Visitors and/or Phone Pals
Clients and volunteers are matched with a senior who is experiencing isolation and looking for company based on similar interests and location. Based on your and your match’s preference, a volunteer could do friendly phone calls, in-person visits, or a combination of both. *Please note we are especially looking for phone pals or friendly visitors who speak Russian.
Volunteers for Social Activities and Groups
Assist with the planning and execution of in-person group social activities for isolated seniors. Two groups are offered in English and one in Russian.