Volunteer With

St. Matthew’s House

Frequently Asked Questions

About Volunteering With St. Matthew’s House
How can I help you ?

Some ways that you can help are:

  1. Stocking shelves in our food bank and preparing bags of food for individuals and families who are in need.
  2. Providing reception services in our food bank including greeting clients, answering phones and taking messages.
  3. Seasonal volunteer opportunities available in our Christmas Adopt-a-Family Program.
How can I start volunteering ?

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 289-808-3771 or via email at apayne@stmatthewshouse.ca

What is the minimum age to volunteer ?

Generally, 13-14 years old. Age requirements will vary with the type of volunteer position and organization. Contact us to discuss.

What is the time commitment for volunteering ?

Time commitment varies depending on the type of volunteer activity. This ranges from one-day events (special events), short-term(less than 3 months) and long-term (more than 3 months) commitments.

Do I need to have a Police Check to volunteer ? Who pays for it ?

If you are volunteering with vulnerable groups such as children and seniors, you will require a Vulnerable Sector Check. Generally, the volunteer pays for the Police Check. We will provide you with a letter explaining why it is needed.

I am an international student/newcomer to Canada. Do I need a work permit to volunteer ?

No. You will not be receiving any monetary payment for volunteering, so you do not require a work permit to volunteer.  

I do not have Canadian references. What should I do ?

Provide easily accessible references from your home country. If you are attending classes or a program, you could ask the instructor(s) to be your reference. If you are not sure, ask the organization about the type of reference they require

I do not speak fluent English. Can I volunteer ?

Yes. Basic English is usually required to volunteer. However, some opportunities do require fluent spoken English. Make sure to check with us about our language requirements.

If I have concerns about my volunteer experience, who can I talk to ?

We recommend you speak out about any issues you may be facing with our staff or management.

Can I leave my volunteer duties at any time ?

If for whatever reasons, you are unable to continue volunteering, we recommend you communicate with us. Make sure to give us plenty of notice if you decide to leave. This is a respectful way to end your commitment and will allow time for us to prepare a replacement. 

Contact Us to Learn More About Volunteering

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Help us help our community!

We rise by lifting others.