April 27 to May 3 is National Volunteer Week. Thank you to the thousands of residents, affiliated group volunteers, and city volunteers who share their talents and passions to bring our community together! We are grateful for your commitment to the community and for all the ways that you create ripples of change.
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:
- Current opportunities
- Youth volunteer opportunities
- Organize a community clean-up
- Brighten the day for your neighbours
- Get more involved in your neighbourhood
- Other ways to make an impact
- Volunteer with a local agency
Current opportunities
- none at this time
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.
| Donate items you no longer need or use |
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As a household, sort through toys, books, clothes, linens, and other items from your home. Local organizations that will accept clean items in good repair include Thrift on Kent and Worth a Second Look. If you want to share your books with others in your neighbourhood, consider placing them in a Little Library. |
| Donate items to a local organization |
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Many agencies and community organizations keep yearly or seasonal wish lists of products and items that help their clients in their daily lives or just help the agency to run more smoothly, for example: |
| Donate food and pantry items to a community fridge |
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“Take what you need. Leave what you can.” Did you know Community Fridge KW is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week outside the Kitchener Market (300 King Street East, Kitchener)? Donations of fresh produce and non-perishable food items can be dropped off, or picked up, anytime. 519 Nourish Community Fridge is also accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 150 Roger Street in Waterloo. |
| Recognize a deserving neighbour |
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Do you have a good neighbour? Nominate them for the Good Neighbour recognition program so they know their efforts are appreciated! You can nominate a Kitchener resident, group, business, or organization who makes your neighbourhood a better place to live. You will receive a thank you card signed by the mayor and a member of council to give to your neighbour. Nominees will also be entered into a bi-monthly draw to win great prizes. Find information about other City of Kitchener awards and recognition opportunities on our website. |
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.