Volunteer

Join Our Team of Volunteers!

Volunteers are very integral to what we do at ESS. Nearly 300 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.

The scope of their contributions, reflects their generosity of spirit and the remarkable sets of skills, qualities, life experiences and talents that each one brings. The reasons for their engagement are as varied as the individuals themselves and the personal stories that have led them to support our mission and mandate with such passion and commitment.

Many of our volunteers have been supporting ESS for many years. They too benefit from this engagement, through meeting new people, learning new skills, developing meaningful friendships with our clients and forging deep and lasting bonds with our agency and staff, all while making a difference in the community!

No matter what your interests, goals and availability might be, there are a broad spectrum of volunteer opportunities and arrangements open in ESS – something from everyone, including but not limited to:

• Adult Day Programs/Seniors’ Lunch Programs – Volunteers assist the staff team with kitchen help, such as setting up tables, serving meals and clean-up after (i.e. wash dishes in the dishwasher), as well as participate in client-centered activities. Commitment Requirements: Minimum 1 day per week 9:30am – 2:30pm for a minimum 6 months.
• Friendly Visiting/Transportation – Volunteers are matched with a senior to make an in-person visit, a telephone call or provide an escorted ride. Hours of volunteering are typically 1-3 hours per visit or 10-30 minutes per call, on a regular basis (i.e. same day/time) with a minimum commitment of 6-12 months. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicle to drive the client to/from appointments and social events. Hours of volunteering are 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 $0.55 cents per kilometer travelled.
• Fundraising and Events – Volunteer opportunities vary and depend on agency-organized events and projects. Some of our major annual initiatives include our signature Dine for Dignity Fundraising Gala, the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade, our seasonal Gift-Wrap Fundraiser and the Toronto Challenge walk/run for seniors.
• Board Of Directors/Committees – ESS is governed and led by a volunteer body of 12 Board Directors. Volunteers on the Board bring a variety of professional experience and skills such as finance, human resources, business, law, community support, fundraising, advocacy, nursing, program analysis and policy development. Volunteers also serve on other sub-committees of the Board such as our Volunteer Advisory and Fundraising Committee(s).

If you are interested in helping your neighbours, especially 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 and 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.

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