Volunteering
Frequently Asked Questions
We know applicants must have a few questions before they even start the process to apply. We have provided answers to our most common ones. If you don’t see the answer to a question you have, don’t worry we are just an email or phone call away.
How do I apply?
Applying to be a volunteer is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Visit our Get Involved section by clicking here. All of our intake periods and instructions on applying can be found in this section.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Our high school applicants must be between the ages of 16 – 18. For adults and university and college students the minimum age is 18.
I will be 16 at the end of the school year can I still apply for the summer program?
All high school applicants must be the minimum age of 16 when they apply to be considered for either fall or summer placements. Please visit the Get Involved section to view the intake dates.
I only need 40 hours for my high school graduation requirement. Can I still apply?
Yes you can. We recommend however you apply for the summer placements which are either 4 weeks in July or August, 5 days a week for 3 – 4 hour shifts. If you want to volunteer during the fall/winter, the commitment is one shift per week, usually 2 to 3 hours in duration, from the beginning of September through the end of June.
My friend and I would like to volunteer together, is this possible?
We completely appreciate that volunteering with a friend is a fun thing to do. However, applicants are selected on an individual basis therefore there is no guarantee you will both be selected. Even in the case you are, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in the same service on the same shift. If you happen to both be successful and an opening exists in the same service on the same shift then that is a bonus!
What are the shifts? Can I volunteer more than once a week?
Most shifts are 3 -4 hours in length Monday – Sunday. An example of a morning shift would be 9 – 12:30 pm. It depends on the service area you are volunteering with for exact hours. If you aren’t able to keep to the set volunteer hours please note that in your application form.
We recommend you start off with one shift per week to get a feel for the area you are volunteering in but if you are very keen you can take on additional shift if wanted.
Is there a volunteer uniform? What about ID? Is free parking provided?
All volunteers are required to wear a standard issued uniform, a vest, while on shift. The cost is $20 to be paid at General Orientation. A Trillium photo ID is issued before your first shift. This ID badge can be activated through the Parking Office for free parking privileges.
Once I apply, how long do I have to wait to hear if I am accepted? What is your intake and interview process?
We receive many high quality applicants during our intake periods. Although we would love to be able to accept everyone it just isn’t possible due to availability, openings and interests. Applicants who apply online will receive an automated general message informing them we have received their application. If an applicant is successful they will be contacted within 2 – 4 weeks by phone or email for an interview. If you do not receive an email or phone call within this time period you are asked to reapply during the next intake cycle.
At the time of interview booking, applicants will be asked to forward a copy of a reference form to two references who are not family or friends. The interview will be about 30 minutes in length. This is where we get to know the applicant a bit better and to see what area would be a good fit for volunteering. From there an applicant will complete a General Orientation, be assigned a shift and complete on the job training. In addition to that, all volunteers must submit a health clearance form stating they have completed a TB test and MMR verification.
How do I get a health clearance form?
The health clearance form is available by download through the Get Involved section. If you wish to complete the test before being contacted for an interview you may do so at your discretion. It can then be collected during your interview. Otherwise the form will be emailed or given to you at the time of interview with instructions on how to proceed with the test.

