Current Opportunities
Movies, shopping and practical help (Uplands)
Mary is a friendly, chatty woman in her 60s. She is blind and because of this needs some practical help (reading mail, attending medical appointments) and someone to join her for social outings to the mall, movies or coffee shop. She would benefit from a volunteer advocate who shares her interest and who is able to spend time with her each week.
Where have all the males in Orleans gone? (Orleans)
Matthew is in his early 50s and has been waiting for more than nine years for someone to be his friend. He likes to be active but what he wants more than anything is someone to spend time with him each week. Ideally you are someone who also enjoys being active (biking, walks, going for coffee, swimming, basketball) and are confident in your ability to be a positive role model in Matthew’s life.
Are you a young woman who would like to make a difference in your community? (Woodroffe/Lincoln Heights)
Hailey is in her early 30s but because of her disability she lives in an assisted living facility for seniors. She is lonely and would really benefit from having a friend around the same age who can meet her out in the community. She enjoys shopping, going to the mall, museums, going for walks in the park, arts and crafts. She is a big fan of horror movies and collects wolf items.
Looking for a Senators and Redblacks fan (Bayshore)
Dave, is in his mid-60s and has recently retired from a job with the federal government. He has been lonely ever since his wife died four years ago. He is looking for a volunteer Advocate who he can meet up with each week. Dave likes to go out to the mall, walk his emotional support dog, get a coffee and watch movies and TV. He also likes to play golf and attend both the Senators and Redblacks games when he can.
Step 1
INFORMATION SESSION
The first step to becoming a volunteer advocate is to attend a one-hour volunteer information session at our office, 312 Parkdale Ave. There are many times to choose from:
- Monday October 14, 10:30 am
- Wednesday October 26, 6:00 pm
- Thursday November 10, 6:00 pm
- Tuesday November 29, 12:30 pm
- Monday December 12, 6:00 pm
To let us know if you would like to attend an information session, contact our Community Engagement Coordinator:
Maria Redpath 613-761-9522 Ext. 222 or MRedpath@citizenadvocacy.org
Step 2
PAPERWORK
After you have attended an information session and learned more, consider if Citizen Advocacy is a fit with your volunteering interests. Let us know that you’d like to continue the process to become a volunteer advocate. If you’d like to continue, fill out the volunteer application below.
Apply for a Police Records Check for Service With the Vulnerable Sector (it’s free with a letter from us saying you’re applying to volunteer).
Once both steps are complete please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Maria Redpath to arrange your learning conversation.
Step 3
LEARNING CONVERSATION
Participate in one or more in-person conversations with a social worker, lasting 60 to 90 minutes. We’ll get to know you, your personality, hobbies and interests. This helps us narrow down the entire waiting list to those that are possibly the best match for you.
After your learning conversation the social worker will contact your references. Please notify them to expect this call.
Step 4
MATCH PRESENTATION
You will be invited by your social worker to a one-hour meeting where they will present a number of potential Friends. You will participate in choosing the person with a disability you would like to be matched with.
Step 5
MATCH MEETING
Your social worker will facilitate the first meeting between you and your potential Friend. After the initial meeting the social worker will contact both party to confirm that each of you would like to continue with the match. If you are both happy with the match you can now start doing fun activities together!