Why volunteer with Sunshine Centres?
“I like the nice people I work with. I enjoy the fresh air and socializing. All year long we look forward to going to the Island.”
-Gae Marco, volunteer and participant
- Five locations in Toronto, including our program on Ward’s Island in the summer.
- A warm, relaxed atmosphere with lots of fun activities!
- The chance to work with and support seniors who are at risk for isolation.
- A supportive environment where you can share your talents and skill set.
- All ages are welcome: youth, adults and seniors
Join Sunshine Centre’s vibrant community of volunteers and make a difference in seniors’ lives! Many of our volunteers are seniors themselves- we have a team of over 60 senior volunteers who make important contributions to Sunshine Centres through helping out with programs, serving or preparing food, sitting on committees, accompanying seniors with disabilities to Ward’s Island, gardening, and fundraising.
“Volunteering at 460 Jarvis keeps me busy and I always enjoy volunteering, especially here because I get to help cook.”
-Annette O’connor, volunteer and participant
Seniors play a very important role at Sunshine Centres-not only as participants in our programs, but as the dedicated volunteers who make our programs possible every year. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to volunteer, including youth/students and seniors. Your volunteer schedule can be very flexible, and we welcome our senior volunteers to join our programs as participants as well. Some participants choose to volunteer one day and just enjoy the program the next.
If you are an older adult or know an older adult who would benefit from volunteering in a supportive, friendly and inclusive environment, please get in touch. Volunteering with Sunshine Centres is a great way to stay active, become connected to new friends and help about 1,300 isolated seniors every year.
“I’ve been involved with Sunshine Centres since 1959. I used to live on Centre Island. I like singing and exercises and the good lunch! I look forward to seeing people I know here.”
-Ann-Lese De Haas, volunteer and participant
Here are some volunteer positions:
- Service Volunteer: Prepare soup and tea, help with serving, and visiting with the participants.
- Become a Companion: Attend “Camp Sunshine” on Ward’s Island with a senior who has a disability, one day per week for 7 weeks.
- Performing Talents: Do you love to write, play a musical instrument, tell stories, research, or have any other special interests or talents? Please share them with us. We can match your talent with our need.
- Be a Special Events Fundraiser: We depend on the help of volunteers to help us raise funds through a variety of events throughout the year. Your help makes a difference!
- Join our Board of Directors: Use your experience on our 12 member governing board that serves for a period of three years. The meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of the month, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“I wanted to help out in my community and bring everyone together, and Sunshine Centres’ Bleecker St. program allowed me to do that”
– Brian Dewyn, volunteer and participant
If you would like more information about volunteering with Sunshine Centres for Seniors, please contact our Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Jason Chan at (416) 924-3979 ext. 55 or (416) 924-8558, or jasonchan@sunshinecentres.com.
