Volunteer opportunities

There are lots of ways to have a positive impact on your community. You can find a way to volunteer with the city and other resources on this page.

On this page:

1. Current opportunities
2. Youth volunteer opportunities
3. Organize a community clean-up
4. Brighten the day for your neighbours
5. Get more involved in your neighbourhood
6. Other ways to make an impact
7. Volunteer with a local agency

Current opportunities

Community Threads - Learn to Sew Volunteer

The Community Threads-Learn to Sew program is for beginners to learn the basics of sewing, such as reading a pattern, selecting the right fabric for a project, and operating a sewing machine, with the help of volunteer instructors in a warm and welcoming environment. The program will start on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Downtown Community Centre. 

Volunteers should be: 

• Age 18+ 
• Comfortably experienced at using sewing machines 
• Able to communicate in a positive manner 
• Interested in working with community members of diverse backgrounds 
• Experience teaching instructional classes is encouraged 

Applications are due by Monday, March 16, 2026.

Apply to become a Learn to Sew volunteer

Leisure Support Volunteer

The City of Kitchener is committed to ensuring that all residents can participate in leisure and recreational programs regardless of age and/or ability.  By becoming a Leisure Support Volunteer, you can assist individuals in city programs that may require additional support to participate. Leisure Support volunteers provide one-on-one or group support to participants in a city program led by program staff. 

Opportunities may include: 

· All-Access Hangout program for youth, 14-21 years of age, who have a disability. In this program, you will provide enthusiasm, redirection, instruction break down and repeat instructions as needed for the tasks at hand (i.e. cooking, crafts, etc.)   

· Basketball program: you may be assisting a child by redirecting them to the task at hand and promoting friendship building. 

·  Learn to golf program: you will provide a schedule breakdown so that the participant knows what to expect. 

· Swimming lesson: you will reinforce pool safety and provide positive choices when waiting for their turn to swim. 

Volunteers should have: 

·   Interest in supporting individuals with a disability (experience an asset) 

·  Ability to communicate in a positive manner and read body language and other non-verbal forms of communication 

· Ages 18+, but younger volunteers with lived experience may be considered 

Apply to become a Leisure Support Volunteer. 

Volunteer shifts and programs are dependent upon the number of support requests received and the individuals requiring support, but year-round weekly volunteer shifts and daily summer-time shifts (July and August) may be available. For more details about the Leisure Support Volunteer role, please click here.  

Accessible formats, accommodations, and communication supports are available upon request. Please email marina.dotzert@kitchener.ca or call 519-783-8996 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 

Youth volunteer opportunities

Do you know a young person looking for volunteer hours? Check out these opportunities:

• check out our current volunteer opportunities to see if any postings fit with your interests and availability
• Building Youth Leadership Development (BYLD) gives young people aged 12 to 15 the opportunity to learn leadership skills, responsibility and self-confidence
• Kitchener Youth Crew gives kids aged 12 to 17 a chance to help out at youth drop-in programs at their local community centre
• Kitchener Youth Action Council (KYAC) is for young people aged 14 and 24 who want to make a positive difference in the community

For any questions about BYLD, Youth Crew or KYAC, please send us an email.

Organize a community clean-up

Organize your own community clean-up of a local park, public space, or trail. If your clean-up is in April, register online to get free supplies from your local community centre!

Community clean-ups bring people together for a common cause: cleaning up our community. They provide an opportunity to see how a small act for a short time can have a great impact. When people get involved in cleaning their neighbourhoods, parks and open spaces, they are less likely to litter and more likely to keep it clean.

Brighten the day for your neighbours

Consider simple ways you can make a positive contribution to your neighbourhood, like:

• helping neighbours bring in their trash or recycling bins
• dropping off positive cards or notes
• arranging to have a meal delivered to someone’s home
• keeping your property neat and attractive
• recognize a garden that you think makes Kitchener a greener, more vibrant or sustainable place to live by submitting the address for a Kitchener in Bloom award

Get more involved in your neighbourhood

Check out the What's in my Neighbourhood? map, reach out to a nearby community centre to find out which neighbourhood association is active in your area and ask if they’re looking for volunteers, or take some time to connect with your neighbour and start planning a neighbourhood project with the help of a neighourhood liaison.

You could also get to know your neighbours better by organizing a virtual, or outdoor gathering.

Other ways to make an impact

Open the accordions below to find other ways to make a positive impact in your community.

Volunteer with a local agency

If you’re looking to make a positive impact over a longer period of time, you may want to consider volunteering to help a local organization. Visit the Volunteer Waterloo Region website to see what in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities are available.