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:
- Stocking shelves in our food bank and preparing bags of food for individuals and families who are in need.
- Providing reception services in our food bank including greeting clients, answering phones and taking messages.
- 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 mbond@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
Help us help our community!
We rise by lifting others.