Volunteer
Join our growing community of over 100 dedicated volunteers who support children, youth, and families across Toronto. At the Catholic Children’s Aid Society (CCAS), volunteering is more than just donating your time – it’s a powerful way to give back, build stronger communities, and gain meaningful experience that can boost your career.
Our volunteers work alongside staff, foster caregivers, families, and young people to help fulfill CCAS’s mission: protecting children and strengthening family life. Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do – and our volunteers play a vital role in creating a safer, more supportive Toronto for everyone.
Ready to make an impact? Learn more about the different ways you can volunteer with CCAS today.
Become a Youth Mentor and Inspire a Young Person’s Growth
Are you passionate about planning fun, educational, and age-appropriate activities? Want to help a young person build confidence and reach their full potential? Volunteer as a Youth Mentor with CCAS and make a lasting impact. As a mentor, you’ll meet regularly with a youth, offering encouragement, emotional support, and positive guidance as a trusted role model.
Support Student Success as a Homework Helper Volunteer
Do you have a strong grasp of Math, Literacy, Science, or History? Love helping others learn and grow? Volunteer as a Homework Helper and provide academic support to children and youth in care. Your skills can help students thrive in school and build a stronger educational foundation for the future.
Volunteer as a Driver and Help Kids Stay Connected
Are you a responsible driver with access to your own vehicle? Enjoy working with children and youth? Volunteer Drivers play a crucial role in helping young people attend family visits, therapy sessions, school activities, and more. Mileage and parking costs are fully reimbursed.
Lend Your Talents to CCAS as a Corporate Services Volunteer
Do you enjoy event planning, administrative tasks, or organizing materials? Support CCAS behind the scenes by volunteering for one of our many ad-hoc projects and special events throughout the year. Your skills help ensure our operations run smoothly and our community events shine.
Volunteer Orientation: Your First Step to Getting Involved
All CCAS volunteers begin their journey with an orientation session. This session introduces you to our mission, programs, services, and the vital role volunteers play. Orientation is required before you begin your placement and ensures you’re fully prepared to make a meaningful impact.
Volunteer FAQs
Yes, in accordance with our workplace policy, all volunteers must be fully vaccinated to participate/assist in any of our programs. If you have any questions, please contact the Coordinator, Volunteer Services at 416-395-1500.
You should be at least 18 years old in order to qualify for a volunteer role with CCAS. However, we encourage youth 15 years+ to participate in our volunteer program through our tutoring/Homework Club Program. Youth under the age of 18 must supply us with a signed parental consent.
That depends on the volunteer role you select. It can range from three or four hours per month to 15 or 20. We can help you make a realistic time commitment that fits your schedule. Short-term commitment is also possible for special projects which require occasional help, such as special events.
We have plenty of opportunities for you to take on new challenges.
Yes. You can request a reference letter from your Volunteer Coordinator. References are a valuable part of employment applications or resume. A reference letter can be requested after volunteering for six months in an assignment.
Yes. Our Volunteer Services are run by staff who inspire, train and support all volunteers. You will have the benefit of attending orientation sessions for new volunteers. You may also receive additional orientation (e.g. Drivers and Child Access Volunteers), or specialized training to develop skills necessary for a particular assignment. Ongoing training and professional support are also offered in the form of workshops, seminars and supervision.
You will gain personal satisfaction from helping others, new skills, knowledge and experience. This will also enhance your resume, and our reference letters can support your employment or university applications.
The application process includes:
- Completing an application form and a questionnaire
- Providing a signed parental consent if you are under 18 years of age
- Consenting to a Police Records Check
- Providing names, phone numbers and addresses of three individuals for references. One reference can be a family member and the individuals should have known you for at least two years.
- Attending a personal interview with one of our Volunteer Services Coordinators
- Complete the Volunteer Orientation Training Session
- Signing and abiding by an Oath of Confidentiality
- Sign consent to a Child Welfare Check
- Complete AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability Act) training
Call 416-395-1500 to let us know you’d like to volunteer.
