Volunteer

Join Our Team of Volunteers!

Volunteers are integral to what we do at ESS. Nearly 200 volunteers support our programs, services, and fundraising initiatives. They are central to every effort we undertake, and we could not accomplish what we do without them. Their contributions allow us to touch and significantly improve the individuals we aim to remain well and live independently in their homes and communities.

Many of our volunteers have been supporting ESS for many years. As a volunteer, you’ll be able to meet new people, learn new skills, gain experience, and make a meaningful contribution by supporting seniors and their families in our local community.

No matter what your interests, goals, and availability might be, there is a broad spectrum of volunteer opportunities open in ESS, including but not limited to:

• Adult Day Programs/Seniors’ Lunch Programs – Volunteers assist the staff team with kitchen help and participate in client-centered activities. Commitment Requirements: Minimum 1 day per week, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, for a minimum of 6 months.
• Friendly Caller Program – Volunteers are matched with a senior to make virtual social calls via telephone. Volunteering is typically 1-2 hours per week with a minimum commitment of 6-12 months. Currently not accepting volunteers.
• Board Of Directors/Committees – ESS is governed and led by a volunteer body of 12 Board Directors. Volunteers on the Board bring various professional experience and skills in finance, human resources, business, law, community support, fundraising, advocacy, nursing, program analysis, and policy development.
• Fundraising and Events – Volunteer opportunities vary and depend on agency-organized events and projects. Examples include galas, walks, and seasonal events.
• Transportation (currently suspended until further notice) – Volunteers are matched with a senior to provide an escorted ride.  Volunteer drivers use their vehicles to drive the client to/from appointments and social events.  Volunteering is typically 1-3 hours per week with a minimum commitment of 6-12 months. ESS offers monetary reimbursement to volunteer drivers in the form of a tax receipt or $0.61 per kilometer traveled.

Student Placements – We also welcome students interested in completing placements. Our Adult Day Services program supervises and supports frail or cognitively impaired adults. Those who join us gain first-hand experience in delivering social, recreational, and physical activities, meals, and personal care, which is crucial in helping clients achieve and maintain their maximum functioning. A placement at ESS gives students a critical opportunity to apply theories learned in the classroom in a supportive environment alongside highly skilled and experienced professionals. Contact our Volunteer Services team for more information.

If you are interested in helping seniors, adults with disabilities, and their families live more fully and independently in their homes and the community, we would love to hear from you about how you would like to help as part of our team!

For questions, contact our Volunteer Services Team at 416-243-0127 ext. 505 or volunteer@esssupportservices.ca.

ESS Volunteer Application

Volunteers are integral to what we do at ESS. Nearly 200 volunteers support our programs, services and fundraising initiatives. They are central to every effort we undertake and we could not accomplish what we do without them. Their contributions allow us to touch and significantly improve the individuals we aim to remain well and living independently in their own homes and community.
Many of our volunteers have been supporting ESS for many years. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and gain experience, and make a meaningful contribution.

IMPORTANT: To protect the health and safety of our clients and their families, staff and volunteers, and in the interest to follow strong public health measures, it is a requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if you are a volunteer in any of our in-person programs. ESS Support Services will consider cases needing accommodation as stipulated by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

If you require any assistance or have any questions, please contact Sherry at
srutter@esssupportservices.ca or at 416-243-0127 ext. 242