Volunteer
You can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable men, women, and youth in the Waterloo Region. We rely on our passionate, dedicated volunteers to keep serving those in need.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our Hospitality Teams are the heart of the Ray of Hope Community Centre. These persons are on the frontlines as they engage with our guests through conversations and friendships. Additionally, the Hospitality Team will support staff during our mealtimes in the dining room and support washrooms, laundry, and shower services or general kitchen cleanup. Volunteers are scheduled for one shift per week only and must be able to commit to a 13-week minimum commitment. Must be 18+ to apply.
Mondays: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Wednesdays: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursdays: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fridays: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sundays: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Drop-In Hospitality volunteers are on the frontlines as they engage with our guests through conversations and friendships. Volunteers will support our staff, greeting guests, and interacting through conversations, games, etc. to build relationships. Volunteers are scheduled for one shift per week only and must be able to commit to a 13-week minimum commitment. Must be 18+ to apply.
Thursdays: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
As a Marketplace Server, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to assist our community here at Ray of Hope. From guiding our guests accessing our Marketplace food hamper program, to connecting with them one on one, your support will make a real difference to the lives of others. Other tasks include restocking shelves, and general cleanup of the work area to be done as required. Join us in creating a warm and welcoming environment for all individuals who seek our assistance. Volunteers are scheduled for one shift per week only and must be able to commit to a 13-week minimum commitment. Must be 18+ to apply.
Mondays: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursdays: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Coffee Servers will be in charge of the coffee station. They will be responsible for making and serving coffee and keeping the coffee station clean during their shifts. Coffee servers are expected to have excellent spoken English, be friendly and outgoing at all times, and get to know the names and preferences of the guests they are working with. Volunteers are scheduled for one shift per week only and must be able to commit to a 13-week minimum commitment. Must be 16+ to apply.
Mondays: 5:15 – 8:15 PM Tuesdays: 5:15 – 8:15 PM Thursdays: 5:15 – 8:15 PM Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Our Dishwashers support staff and meal program volunteers by helping clean all the cooking/serving dishes used in creating and serving the daily meal. Dishwasher volunteers also help to clean the kitchen area at the end of each shift. Volunteers are scheduled for one shift per week only and must be able to commit to a 13-week minimum commitment. Must be 16+ to apply.
Mondays: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM Fridays: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kitchen Helpers will assist staff to prepare and serve lunches from out of the Ray of Hope Community Center kitchen to our guests in the dining room. The role includes assisting with food prep and serving lunch and coffee to our guests out of our serving windows. Possibly some dishwashing and general kitchen cleanup. Volunteers are scheduled for one shift per week only and must be able to commit to a 13-week minimum commitment. Must be 18+ to apply.
Mondays: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fridays: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Marketplace Shelf-Stockers will assist staff to unpack and sort weekly product shipments from the Foodbank of Waterloo Region. The role includes unpacking/packing boxes of food, moving them to/from appropriate storage (lifting 30 lbs), restocking shelves, packaging produce, bread items or other grocery items as required, and general cleanup as required. Volunteers are scheduled for one-shift per week and must be able to commit to a 4-month commitment.
Fridays: 9:00am-12:00pm
We are currently pausing recruitment for individual volunteer positions. Please check back September 1st for available positions.