Our city is made up of so many successful organizations and charities that are often in need of volunteers to help them make a positive impact. Not to say they can't do it on their own, however they can get more accomplished with the help of people like you. There are also many benefits to volunteering: you will be able to network, build your resume and improve your own well being all at the same time! Many of the volunteer programs do not have many restrictions or requirements – all they ask for is a bit of your time! Take a look at these eight volunteer opportunities in Mississauga with some extra, useful links at the bottom.

Let us know in the comments of any places you volunteer at that others may be interested in.

Please note, in accordance with the Volunteer Management Program Standards, all new volunteers must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or confirmation of a creed or medical exemption before their first shift.

1. Hospitals

A place that needs our help the most are Mississauga’s hospitals. Trillium Health Partners is always looking for volunteers and regularly accepts applications to apply.

Volunteer role(s): : Gift Shop, Information Desk and Wayfinding, HELP Program, Inpatient Programs and Diagnostic Imaging (Credit Valley Hospital only).

Restrictions or conditions: Must be at least 15 years of age or older, must submit an online application and attend an interview. Volunteers must be available to commit to a minimum of 6 months on a regular weekly basis.

Link for more information: https://www.thp.ca/volunteers/pages/volunteering-at-mississauga-hospital-.aspx

2. Libraries

The Mississauga Library is always looking for volunteers! Specifically for this year’s Mississauga Comic Expo (MCX), which will be held on October 16, 2022 from 10-4PM.
For other events or regular volunteering, connect with your neighbourhood library to find out what they need.

What is it about? Artist alley, exhibitors, workshops, panels, cosplay shoots, tabletop board game demos, video game free-play session, presentations and featured guests.

Volunteer role(s): Volunteers will be assisting with the welcome desk, crowd control, directing guests, set-up and tear-down, prepping program materials, and more.

Restrictions or conditions: Volunteers must be ages 14+.

Link for more information: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/EnterpriseSearch?EnterpriseGuid=e3200288-2b64-4ed8-a26d-5bd0f4c5170b&SearchType=OrganizationClassification&SearchId=9624

3. Parks & Recreation

Mississauga Parks & Recreation needs help reducing waste in our city.
What is it about? If you are interested in cleaning a park on your own or organizing a group to do it with you, all you need is 2 hours of your time and the City will supply curbside delivery of bags and gloves and will provide specific instructions on where to leave your filled litter bags in the Park at the end.
Volunteer role(s): cleaning a park
Restrictions or conditions: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Link for more information: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicEnterprise/EnterpriseGvi?enterpriseGuid=e3200288-2b64-4ed8-a26d-5bd0f4c5170b&gviGuid=1590099c-d783-4c02-a11e-aba978734d43&searchUrl=https%253a%252f%252fapp.betterimpact.com%252fPublicEnterprise%252fEnterpriseSearch%253fEnterpriseGuid%253de3200288-2b64-4ed8-a26d-5bd0f4c5170b%2526SearchType%253dOrganizationClassification%2526SearchId%253d9987

4. Air Cadet League

Did you know the Air Cadet League  is a volunteer opportunity you can take advantage of? The Air Cadet League of Canada welcomes a large number of volunteers at the Squadron level and in the Air Cadet Program as a whole.
What is it about? Young Canadians can participate in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities and learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship
Volunteer role(s):  organizing fundraising activities, coordinating canteen refreshments on parade nights, organizing food for weekend activities, assist with publicizing the Army Cadet Program, soliciting sponsorships, and much more.
Restrictions or conditions:  Must be 19 years old or older, willing to work with youth aged 12-18 or be a member on the Support Committee, be a member in good standing in your community, be screened by the Army Cadet League
Link for more information: https://ontario.armycadetleague.ca/become-a-volunteer/

5. Animal rescues and shelters

If you love animals, there are some local animal rescue organizations such as, Fetch & Releash, where you can be around animals and make a difference in their lives.
What is it about? Fetch & Releash accepts volunteers who are able to commit 2-5 hours per week with a 1 year commitment. You get to work with dogs and amazing people who want to help their furry pals.
Volunteer role(s): Alumni Dog Sitter Coordinator, Foster Coordinator, Adoption Events Team Lead, Transportation Manager, Transportation Coordinators, Transport Volunteers, Inventory & Supply Team Leads, Fundraising Lead, Grant Writing Coordinator, Social Media “Story Teller”, Alumni Support Coordinators
Restrictions or conditions: for specific roles you may need certain licenses or qualifications, depending on each role.
There are other animal rescues and shelters to consider as well, including the Mississauga Humane Society, Companion Animal Rescue Effort, Pee Animal Rescue Society, local pet stores, Ontario Wildlife Rescue, and others.
Link for more information: https://www.fetchandreleash.ca/join-our-team#available-positions

6. CreativeHub 1352

CreativeHub 1352 is looking for dynamic and passionate individuals who share a vision for arts, heritage, environment and advancing innovation and creativity.
What is it about: support some wonderful arts, heritage and environmental programming at the local level. You will get to meet and build relationships with people who share your interests while you share your skills and talents with us or even develop some new transferable skills.
Volunteer role(s): They welcome applications to volunteer for ongoing roles in our many different programming areas throughout the year and for specific events as needed.
Restrictions or conditions: They accept volunteers ages 15 to 115 – no experience necessary!
Link for more information: https://www.creativehub1352.ca/get-involved

7. Food Banks

Local food banks will always accept helping hands to help feed individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity. Besides donating some food, here is how you can get involved with various food banks in the City.
Some well-known food banks who need volunteers: Mississauga Food Bank (https://www.themississaugafoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities/), Compass Food Bank (https://thecompass.ca/new-volunteers/), Eden Food For Change (https://edenffc.org/get-involved)
Volunteer role(s): grocery store fundraising lead volunteer, community support volunteer, food bank 2 home coordinator support volunteer, food sorting volunteer, truck driving volunteer, donor ambassador volunteer
Restrictions or conditions: Must be of 16 years or older and some roles may require a driver’s or truck license. Some food banks can only take high school students within their postal code service area. Must be available for at least 6 months and do an average of one shift per week (3 hours). There is typically an orientation program.

8. Shelters

Local shelters aid women and children who are fleeing abuse and violence. They act as an emergency crisis shelter and permanent housing.
Volunteer role(s): Bona Fide Bingo Volunteer, will engage in a wide variety of tasks: Assisting Rama customers while they play Bingo and Vegas-style casino games, Calling back Bingo numbers to verify winning customers' cards, Delivering food and drinks to customers while at tables or machines, Answering any questions customers may have about cGaming and/or Armagh, Engaging with customers in friendly, hospitable (and informative, as necessary) conversation, Representing Armagh in a consummately professional manner by engaging in superior 'customer service' during our gaming session
Restrictions or conditions: Volunteers must be at least 19 years of age

Link for more info: https://www.volunteermbc.org/report.php?ListType=VolunteerPositionsAll&ID=3036

The fact that you are reading this article is already a big step towards making a change in the City of Mississauga. Even sharing this article so others can access this information and visit the links above might just make all the difference in someone’s life! At the end of the day, the fact that Mississauga has so many amazing resources to help people in need is a great reason to want to join in and be part of the movement.