Volunteer with us

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.

Join the Ray of Hope family today, and help us to fulfill our mission!

SPECIAL EVENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY – Saturday, February 22nd

Volunteer Opportunity: Route Marshalls for Coldest Night of the Year 2025

Are you energetic, enthusiastic, and love cheering people on? Join us as a Route Marshall and help guide and encourage participants of Coldest Night of the Year along the walk route!

Details:

Time: 3:30 – 7:00 PM
Volunteers Needed: 30

Responsibilities:

✅ Direct walkers along the correct route at key corners and intersections
✅ Cheer on participants and keep their spirits high
✅ Provide distance updates and rest stop information
✅ Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all

Requirements:

Dress warmly – this role is outdoors for up to 2 hours
Work in small groups at designated locations

Bring a positive attitude and lots of enthusiasm!

Be part of the excitement and help make this event a success!

Sign-up to be a Volunteer for CNOY 2025

New Volunteer Opportunities

Hospitality Team

The 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 clean up. 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: 6:30-9:00 pm
Tuesdays: 6:30-9:00 pm
Wednesdays: 6:30-9:00 pm
Thursdays: 6:30-9:00 pm
Fridays: 6:30-9:00 pm
Sundays: 3:30-6:30 pm

Apply

Drop-In Hospitality

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.

Mondays: 2:30-5:30 pm
Wednesdays: 2:30-5:30 pm
Thursdays: 2:30-5:30 pm

Apply

Kitchen Helper

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 helping to prepare the food and serving lunch to our guests out our serving windows. Volunteers may be asked for assistance dishwashing and general kitchen clean up. 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.

Wednesdays: 11:00 am-2:00 pm

Apply

Current Volunteers

Use our volunteer portal to manage your profile and view/change your shifts.

Volunteer Portal

Meal Teams

If you wish to see when your Meal Team is scheduled or when there are openings, please check our meal team calendar.

Meal Team

For any volunteer inquiries, please contact volunteer@rayofhope.net