Places To Give Back and Volunteer in Ottawa

The benefits of volunteering are endless. From directly impacting the community, promoting a cause and more, it’s a great way to make a difference in Ottawa and beyond. You’re able to see first hand the difference your time and commitment is making.

I’m very proud of my partnership with TELUS for many reasons, including that they’re the most giving company in Canada! Since 2000, TELUS has contributed $1.2 billion to charitable organizations in Canada, including $690 million in financial support and 1.3 million days of caring and volunteerism. Their commitment to giving back in local communities really sets them apart.

During the recent flooding in Ottawa, TELUS was out volunteering. They also made a generous donation of $100,000 to help victims. It’s a great example of the importance of giving back to the community and the impact it can make. It certainly inspires me to think of ways that I can give back more. I recently volunteered with the flooding in Ottawa but I’ve since been looking at more ways that I can give back. Let’s #GiveWhereWeLive and volunteer in Ottawa. Browse through the organizations below and find something that matches your skill set and interests 🙂

Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa

The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa (BGCO) support children and youth each year through after-school, weekend and summer programs that build self-esteem and help to develop stronger social skills. After-school and weekend hours are a critical time for youth. That time can represent either an opportunity to learn and grow through quality after-school programs or be a time of risk to youth’s health and safety. There are multiple opportunities available including clubhouse volunteering, student volunteering and placements, special event volunteering and group volunteering.

Special Olympics Ottawa

Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is a volunteer-driven organization with over 20,000 athletes and 10,000 volunteers registered across the province. Athletes can participate from 8 years of age and have the opportunity to train in 19 core sports offered in the Greater Ottawa Area. If you’re looking to volunteer in Ottawa, you can help SOO as a coach, team manager, volunteer with a specific program, event and more!

Shelter Movers

Shelter Movers provides moving and storage services at no cost to women and children experiencing abuse. I was shocked to find out that 1 in 3 Canadians experience abuse before the age of 15. This organization originally started in Toronto and then branched into Ottawa. This organization is entirely volunteer-based. Learn about volunteer opportunities here.

CNIB~ Ottawa Area Children and Youth Program Volunteers

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of Children and Youth who are blind or partially sighted? Do you enjoy supporting youth in learning new skills such as baking, crafts or community outings? If so, consider joining Ottawa CNIB programs and camps to offer your support. Your time and talent will make a difference in the lives of Canadian youth impacted by sight loss. Canadian National Institiute for the Blind is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind work and is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast. Please reach out to Becky Dyck~ Program Lead for Next Generation (CNIB Ontario East) by calling 613-513-6980 or email becky.dyck@cnib.ca to start the volunteer application process.

Ottawa Humane Society

Each year the Ottawa Humane Society care for close to 10,000 sick, injured and homeless animals and help give the animal’s a brighter future. This is a great opportunity to volunteer in Ottawa and combine your love for animals at the same time. OHS volunteers help give Ottawa’s animals a brighter future. They have multiple opportunities available including paw stewardship, volunteering at their buddy & belle boutique, canine enrichment (dog walking, obedience, etc.). Help brighten peoples day with animal visits (bringing animals to hospitals, retirement residences, shelters, and long-term care facilities). For a full list of volunteer opportunities with the Ottawa Humane Society, visit their website here.

Ottawa Food Bank

Ottawa Food Bank is another organization that has opportunities to volunteer in Ottawa. Their goal is to help people get beyond hunger. The food they receive is sorted at their warehouse and distributed to their agency partners. Through these partners, they reach over 37,524 people every month. They work with local farmers and growers to ensure 43% of the food they deliver is fresh. They also educate people on how to prepare nutritious food on an extreme budget. Volunteer opportunities include helping at special events, sorting food, delivery assistant, community harvest volunteers and more.

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross delivers primary healthcare programs, relief supplies, water, and sanitation and shelter solutions to vulnerable communities affected by conflict, disasters, and health emergencies. Did you know, more than 15, 000 volunteers share their time and skills to help others every day across Canada? Volunteer opportunities include helping with critical emergency responses and more.

Operation Come Home

Operation Come Home is an employment, education, and support center for homeless and at-risk youth age 16 and up. They have multiple opportunities to volunteer in Ottawa. You can volunteer with their Mealshare program, fundraising, reception, helping with basic needs and more.

Cornerstone Housing for Women

Cornerstone Housing for Women provides emergency shelter and safe, affordable, permanent housing for women in Ottawa. They serve almost 200 women every day. If you’re looking to volunteer in Ottawa you can support them by sorting through donations, helping prepare nutritious meals, providing transportation, organizing activities like arts and crafts and off-site adventures, providing haircuts, tailoring clothes, and more. They also welcome new ideas and projects that accommodate your skill set.

Roger Neilson House

Roger Neilson House is a pediatric palliative care hospice located in Ottawa that delivers compassionate care to children living with life-limiting illnesses. If you’re looking to volunteer in Ottawa,  Roger Neilson House depends on volunteers to assist with care offered to children, youth and families living with life-limiting illnesses. The team of volunteers consists of dedicated individuals who continually devote their time, efforts, skills and talents to enhance the quality of care Roger Neilson House offers to children/youth and their families. Check out their opportunities to volunteer in Ottawa.

Shepherd’s of Good Hope

This organization supports the homeless and most vulnerable with specialized services, programs and partnerships. You can sign up as an individual or a group to volunteer in Ottawa. Get a group of friends or work colleagues together and all help out at once. Browse through their diverse volunteer opportunities available such as serving in their soup kitchen, gardening, and even office administration. Find a volunteer position that suits your skills, schedule, and desire to help. Learn more and sign up to volunteer here.

Refugee 613

Refugee 613 is a hub that informs, connects and inspires people to welcome refugees and build strong communities. Check out their website for a list of organizations where you can volunteer in Ottawa to help refugees.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels/La Popote roulante is a bilingual not-for-profit agency that promotes the dignity, health and independence of people who are elderly, differently able or are recovering. We offer an opportunity for community members to engage in meaningful volunteer work that combats social isolation and prevents food insecurity. We place availability in the hands our volunteers which allows them to work within their scheduled daily routine. Make a difference and become a volunteer today by clicking here!

Volunteer Ottawa

Volunteer Ottawa is a hub of volunteer opportunities. They support over 300 local non-profit organizations and place over 2000 volunteers per year, who passionately contribute to the common good of our city. On their website, you can find something that matches your interests. Search for opportunities based on location, time commitment, type of volunteering and more.

Now it’s time to #GiveWhereWeLive! Join TELUS and I and let’s give back to the community 🙂 I would love to hear where you end up volunteering!

Do you know of or volunteer at an organization in Ottawa looking for more volunteers? Comment below 🙂

This blog was created in partnership with TELUS. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own 🙂 Giving back to the community is important to me. I look forward to seeing how I can give back this year.