Volunteer opportunities

Golf Fore Life is a specialized program that supports golfers living with dementia in continuing to play, or returning to, the sport they love. We are currently looking for volunteer caddies to support the upcoming golf season.

What will you be doing?

• Assist a golfer one-on-one on the golf course
• Drive a golf cart, help select clubs and assist with teeing up
• Provide golf tips and advice

We are looking for volunteers who:

• Have practical knowledge about the game of golf (i.e. how to play, golf etiquette)
• Are interested in supporting someone with dementia
• Experience supporting individuals with dementia is an asset, but not required 
• Are caring, understanding, friendly and outgoing
• Have good verbal communication skills
• Can commit to volunteering once a week for 10-week program 
• Age 18+ 

This program runs:

• Tuesdays: June 23 – August 25, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
• Thursdays: June 25-August 27 (no program July 30) 9:00-11:30 a.m.  

Apply to become a Golf Fore Life Caddie. 

The Forestry and Natural Areas Team is looking for volunteers interested in environmental restoration to join our Kitchener Nature Stewards program.

Gain hands-on field experience with various aspects of ecological stewardship and restoration, initially focused on invasive plant species identification and removal.

 We are recruiting for two roles: 

• Individual Stewards will help with the manual work (ages 14+)
• Lead Stewards will take on a leadership role of their group, reporting back to staff (ages 18+)

No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. 

Let’s work together to make Kitchener’s natural areas healthier!  

Apply to become a Volunteer Nature Steward.

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 staff. 

Opportunities may include: 

• All-Access Hangout program for youth ages 14-21 with a disability. In this program, you will provide enthusiasm, redirection, instruction breakdown, 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: 

• An 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.

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. 

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.

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:

• oneROOF
• House of Friendship
• Monica Place for Pregnant and Parenting Youth
• YW Emergency Shelter
• The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society

“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.

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.