Volunteer

Many people have different reasons on why they would like to get involved, such as: need to complete high school hours, looking to help and give back, meeting new people and learning new skills. Whatever your reason is, we are excited that you are interested in volunteering with us! We recommend that you browse through the entire volunteer section to see whether Variety Village is the right fit for you. Be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering and then explore the Volunteer Opportunities page to see our current listings. Once you are ready to volunteer, click on the How to Get Started tab.

Variety Village volunteer recruitment and selection is a multi-step process.

Everyone has different reasons and time commitment for volunteering and we want to make sure we know and meet yours. The steps that have been put in place not only ensure that you’re a good fit for us, but that we’re also a good fit for you!

Before applying, please consider the following:

What is your time commitment?

We have many opportunities that can meet your availability needs:

One day events, such as our various special events
Short term (3 months or less), such as camps
Long term (3 months or more), such as helping in our programs

What’s your area of interest?

We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in special events, programs, camps and administration.

HOW TO APPLY:

Ready to volunteer? Here’s how to get started!

Fill out a Volunteer Application Form. Once completed, please submit the form to the Volunteer Coordinator via email or drop it off at the front reception at Variety Village. All submitted forms will be reviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Successful applicants will be contacted and invited for an interview.
All volunteers are required to get a police check done. You can get one done at Variety Village for a $37.50 fee. Forms are available with the Volunteer Coordinator. You can also visit your local police station. NOTE: You are required to get a police check because you will be working with people of all ages and abilities. As part of our new Plan to Protect Policy & Procedures, a police clearance letter is required from all volunteers under the age of 18 – this is available through the Toronto Police and online. The clearance will take about 3-4 weeks to process.
Please provide us with 2 non-family members as your references. This could be a former employer, teacher, coach, etc.
Upon successful completion of the above requirements, you will have to attend the Volunteer Orientation Session before placement. Volunteers must also attend an In-Service Training Session. These sessions will be scheduled by the Volunteer Coordinator.
Once all the required steps are completed, you will be placed in your volunteer role based on the skills and requirements of the role.

If you require the link to the Toronto Police site, or have any questions, please contact Smeeta Sohanlal, Volunteer Coordinator at ssohanlal@varietyontario.ca or 416-699-7167 ext.239

To get the most out of your volunteer experience, we encourage you to pursue your interests or challenge yourself by trying new activities and get connected with others. You can choose to volunteer in a variety of areas that match your skills, interests and availability.

Programs

Variety Village offers many programs such as leadership programs, adaptive activities for all abilities, and programs tailored for tots, families and seniors. Please see our Program Guide for more information.

Click here to view current volunteer opportunities in programs.

Camps

Variety Village offers a broad range of integrated full-day camps for children of all abilities throughout the year. Participants range from ages 4 to 20+.

Click here to view current volunteer opportunities in camps.

General and Administrative Positions

There are various administrative or customer service roles available in our facility to provide assistance to staff in the efficient operation of business needs.

Click here to view current volunteer opportunities in general and administrative positions.

Events

We host many special events and fundraising events throughout the year. Our goal is to connect with our community while raising funds for our programs. These events help support Variety Village through supporting healthy and active lifestyles.

Click here to view current volunteer opportunities in events.

The Volunteer opportunities available in programs, camps and administrative and general support are subject to change from time to time.

If you find a volunteer position that you are interested in, see How to Apply in the How to Get Started tab.

If you require more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.

If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator:

Smeeta Sohanlal
416-699-7167 ext.239
ssohanlal@varietyontario.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to volunteer?

The minimum age to volunteer at Variety is 15 years old.

Who can volunteer?

Whether you’re in a group or wanting to sign up as an individual, you are more than welcome to volunteer! Check out the How to Get Started tab.

I want to volunteer. How do I get started?

The volunteer application process at Variety is a multi-step process. Please refer to the How to Apply section in the How to Get Started tab for more information.

Why do I need a police check? Who pays for it?

You are required to get a police check because you will be working with people of all ages and abilities. You can get your police check done at Variety Village for $37.50 or you can visit your local police station.

As part of our new Plan to Protect Policy and Procedures at Variety Village, we are required from all volunteer under the age of 18 to get a police clearance letter, available through the Toronto Police, and online. The clearance will take about about 3-4 weeks to process.

If you require the link or have any questions, please feel free to contact the Volunteer Coordinator.

What is the time commitment?

Depending on your availability, we have many opportunities to meet your needs:

One day, such as special events
Short term (3 months of less) such as camps and administrative projects
Long term (3 months or more) such as helping with our programs

Can I leave my volunteer duties at any time?

We would be sad to see you go. But, if you are unable to continue volunteering with Variety, we recommend that you communicate this with your Supervisor and Volunteer Coordinator.

Who do I contact if I have any more questions about volunteering?

Our Volunteer Coordinator welcomes any questions or feedback and will be happy to assist.

Smeeta Sohanlal
Volunteer Coordinator
416-699-7167 ext. 239
ssohanlal@varietyontario.ca

Volunteering is a rewarding experience. We recognize and appreciate the contributions and impact our volunteers have made throughout the years. Coming from a broad spectrum of ages, cultures, abilities and experiences, each volunteer brings unique gifts through sharing their time, energy and skills.

Volunteer Stories

We welcome volunteers to submit any positive and rewarding experiences that you may have had at Variety Village. If you would like to share your story, you can submit it to the Volunteer Coordinator at ssohanlal@varietyontario.ca or Lynda Elmy at lelmy@varietyontario.ca

Scott started volunteering with Variety in 2015 and has over 500+ hours supporting our various programs and events. He is an integral part of our Rehab to Community program working with Jessica, the Program Coordinator, who beams when she talks about Scott:

“Scott is an amazing volunteer. In the morning he always arrives with a smile on his face (and coffee in hand) and is such a valuable asset to our program. He is wonderful with our participants in the program and is eager to help in any way that he can. Scott, thank you for all that you do for the program and for Variety in general. You are a wonderful human being with a heart of gold!” – Jessica Anderson, Rehab to Community Program Coordinator

“I came from the Netherlands to volunteer at Variety Village and helped out at the After-school Program and the Lieutenant Governor’s Games. My time at the facility gave me more perspective on things most of us take for granted – it really opened my eyes, all while having fun with amazing and helpful staff. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for rewarding volunteer work! Thank you again and I had a great time. Variety Village is a great facility and supports the right ideals and values in my opinion.” – Irene

“It was a great year as I volunteered at Variety. I learned many things during my first time volunteering at Variety. It taught me many things like, patience, responsibility, kindness, parenting (in a way) and compassion. It was a great experience for me taking care of those kids after a hard day’s work in high school. I looked forward to hanging out with the kids and volunteers/staff every week. I also wish to come back next year and continue the same thing.” – Joel (After School Program volunteer)

Volunteer Appreciation Week

HAPPY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK
April 15th-19th, 2018

We would like to extend a big thank you to all of our volunteers for their dedication, support and time to make a great difference to our Variety community each and every day. It definitely takes a village to allow our camps, programs and events to run smoothly and efficiently, and you all have been an important part of the team.

We would like to kick-start this week with a great video message from our staff:

Each day we’ve highlighted a video message from our various departments. We think all of our volunteers are awesome! Check them out below.

Administration, Communications, Finance, & Membership

Programs

Aquatics, Camps, & Outreach

Athletics

If you have any questions, please contact:

Smeeta Sohanlal
Volunteer Coordinator
416-699-7167 ext. 239
ssohanlal@varietyontario.ca

BUS: We have a bus stop right outside! Take the 12A from Victoria Park Station.

FREE parking onsite.

Wheel-Trans accessible.