Community Service

Every graduating student must complete a minimum of 40 community hours as part of the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The purpose of the community involvement requirement is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility, and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their community.

If students complete hours outside of the school, they require a letter from their sponsor.

Community Service Letter Requirements

  • Name of student – first and last name
  • Name of organization – on organization letterhead is preferred
  • Number of hours completed
  • Detailed list of duties completed (ex. Sarah H completed 40 hours serving food for our veterans…)
  • Contact information of organizer for follow up

Please contact our school office directly if you have questions about community services hours and which activities are accepted.

Want to help your community and earn volunteer hours?

Volunteer Opportunities 

  1. City of Burlington https://www.burlington.ca/en/your-city/current-volunteer-opportunities.asp
  2. Volunteer Halton www.volunteerhalton.ca.
  3. Saint Vincent de Paul http://www.ssvp.on.ca/rc/index.php
  4. Habitat for Humanity http://www.habitathm.ca
  5. St. Paul the Apostle https://www.stpaultheapostleburlington.com
  6. Burlington Green – Youth Network
    • Helping youth help the planet
    • Whether you’re a member of your high school eco-club, you’re looking for ways to get your volunteer hours or are simply interested in helping the planet, we need your help!
    • Get involved today. burlingtongreen.org
    • Volunteer Halton has opportunities for volunteers  https://cdhalton.ca/volunteer-halton/
    • Connect with your Chaplain Father Andrija for possible volunteer opportunities
    • Join a club at school!

Volunteer Hours 

  • Community Development Halton: 1-855-395-8807

Current Volunteer Opportunities 

Creative Community Hive

https://www.creativecommunityhive.com/

Field and Stream Rescue Team (Various Dates and Locations)

Field and Stream Rescue Team was started in 2001. They have been keeping our greenspaces, streams and creeks cleaned and healthy for over 20 years.

Each cleanup removes debris and litter from the streams and creeks to reduce potential harmful material from entering the Great Lakes, our fresh water resource. Cleanups also improve water flow and reduce stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

Planting native species benefits the streams by creating a buffer zone in which urban water runoff (after rainfall) can be filtered and reduces the amount of harmful pesticides, automotive pollution and other chemicals that would otherwise directly enter the stream. The buffer zones also provide shade for the streams, cooling the water and reducing bacteria levels. Plantings also create excellent wildlife habitat and natural areas for the birds and animals. As we all know, these areas are becoming limited within urban settings.

With stream rehabilitation, they work with the city, conservation authorities and local community groups to improve the streams by creating more natural structures to help with erosion control, high traffic areas, dangerous public areas and fish habitat.

Field and Stream Rescue Team welcomes volunteers to assist in all of our projects.

If you are looking to volunteer, please check out their website for cleanup projects in the near future.


Mount Nemo Christian Nursing Home

Looking to welcome volunteers into the home as we have struggled to receive new volunteers since the COVID-19 restrictions.

Looking for volunteers interested in any form of community outreach in our home:

  • Meal assistance
  • Friendly Visits
  • Pastoral & Spiritual care for residents
  • Gardening & Craft ETC!

More information can be found at https://mountnemochristiannh.on.ca/

Contact for volunteer opportunity

Giselle Pinto, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Mount Nemo Christian Nursing Home; Phone: 905-335-3636 ext 208; Email: lecoord@mountnemochristiannh.on.ca


Activity Program Volunteer at Creek Way Village Long Term Care Home

Assist staff and residents with programs (i.e Bingo, Crafts, Bowling). Assist staff to prepare space for program. Assist residents by helping them to and from program, Assist residents with playing the game and/or participating in the program.

Contact for volunteer opportunity

Julie Schwieg, Life Enrichment Supervisor, Creek Way Village; Phone: 905-825-6000 ext 8655; Fax: 905-336-0785; Email: julie.schwieg@halton.ca


Volunteer Tutor 

Looking to get volunteer hours for high school or other reasons? Come volunteer as a tutor to help newcomer students ages 11-18!! Highly rewarding opportunity and tutoring is done virtually, so there is no need to leave your house! Tutoring students online in Grades 6-12 in Math, Science, English and French.

Contact for volunteer opportunity

Marissa Watson, Youth Community Connections Specialist, Halton Multicultural Council (HMC); Phone: 905-510-1076; Email: mwatson@hmcconnections.com


Burlington Museums

Are you a high school student looking to earn your 40 community service hours? Join the education team at Museums of Burlington to help deliver our children’s programs for kids aged 5-12.

We have various opportunities available during P.A. Days, Summer Camp, March Break, Christmas Holiday Camp and running children’s activities at Special Events at both Ireland House Museum and Joseph Brant Museum. Training will be provided.

More information can be found at https://museumsofburlington.ca/support/volunteer/


Joseph Brant Hospital

https://www.josephbranthospital.ca/en/about-us/students.asp

Youth volunteers, age 14 and up bring a dynamic aspect and experience for patients and staff at Joseph Brant Hospital.  The energy and enthusiasm of this team make a positive impact of the lives of those at the Hospital.

Youth volunteers primarily take shifts on evenings after school, or weekends.  At this time, not all of our youth opportunities are available so please keep an eye on our website for when we expand our areas of availability.

Interested in joining our team of youth volunteers?

Are you:

  • At least 14 years of age?
  • Able to volunteer for at least one four-hour shift per week?
  • Fully vaccinated? (MMR, TB, Varicella, COVID-19)
  • Able to provide at least two references who can speak to your skills and character?

Please be aware that the role you play here in the hospital is vital and requires a serious commitment from you beyond the 40 hour requirement for graduation of high school.  We are happy to provide you with a letter confirming your hours after you reach the 100 hour commitment.

Did you know?  You can apply for a scholarship!

Each year, the Volunteer Auxiliary provides a $1,500 Scholarship for a youth volunteer who has contributed outstanding service to our hospital.

Applications are available through the Volunteer Resources office.

Eligibility

  • Actively volunteering
  • In high school
  • Accepted into a post-secondary program.
  • Completed a minimum of 200 hours of service

Burlington Performing Arts Center

LOWER THE LIGHTS. RAISE THE CURTAIN. CUE THE VOLUNTEERS!

https://burlingtonpac.ca/donate-and-support/volunteer/


Burlington Food Bank

We have special events and fundraising opportunities that are frequently held on evenings and weekends. Please let us know about your interest in volunteering at an event by contacting our Volunteer Coordinator by email. You will be sent email notifications when volunteers are required for upcoming events.

For more information, visit their website.


GlobalMedic

GlobalMedic is a volunteer driven agency. Our Volunteers give their time and expertise to ensure that every dollar donated provides as much aid as possible. There are a number ways to get involved but the first step is to join the GlobalMedic team and become a registered volunteer!

One of the ways we are able to keep our costs down and deliver aid more efficiently is by using volunteers to assemble aid here in Canada. We have three primary locations where volunteer events are held; two locations in Etobicoke and one in Oakville. Our headquarters is located at 35 Coronet Road, Etobicoke, ON, M8Z 2L8. Our brand new Oakville office is located at 1494 Wallace Road, Oakville, ON, L6L 2Y2. Our third location is within the Cloverdale Mall in Etobicoke.

Volunteers will usually be assembling either Family Emergency Kits or Emergency Food Kits, but sometimes we will ask for help with local deliveries, manning booths at conferences, and other assorted tasks. The duties at events vary; you could be pouring a scoop of lentils into a funnel, packaging recycled soap, taping boxes or sticking bags! There is something to do for everyone, and it is a great opportunity to come out and meet people, work hard for a few hours, and do some good.

Sign up for Oakville shifts (good if you have a fourth period spare or on a PD day)


Burlington Green

Join us in making a difference to protect local nature and to create a cleaner, greener more environmentally responsible Burlington.

Our rewarding volunteer offerings include serving as outreach and waste ambassadors at local events and festivals, assistance with habitat stewardship projects, and other impactful activities to support the community and help the planet locally.

Please join our volunteer mailing list by completing our handy sign up form.

And if you’re 14-24 years of age, be sure to get involved with our popular BGYN (BurlingtonGreen Youth Network).

We can’t wait to see you!

For more information, visit their website.

Please see some other ways that we can help the planet.

BurlingtonGreen – Dec 2022 Newsletter


Food for Life

Are you looking for a rewarding and meaningful volunteer experience that is as flexible and interesting as you are?

Food for Life volunteers drive, collect, pack, coordinate, weigh, lift, carry, load, deliver, fundraise, network, direct and help with special events and outreach.

If you have as little as an hour a week to share or if you are looking to take a more engaged or leadership role in helping neighbours struggling with hunger please connect with us.

For more information, visit their website.


Big Brothers Big Sisters Homework Club

While time commitments vary by program type, we typically require a minimum voluntary investment of two hours per week.  

We understand that unforeseen life changes happen; however, please consider if you are fully able to commit for the timeframe associated with your desired program.  We ask you to consider this as early match closure can be harmful to a young person. 

For registration information, please click on the link.


Burlington Youth Student Council

The BYSC is made up of high school aged students from Burlington who are looking to learn more about City initiatives, get involved, provide feedback and get engaged.

Join our BYSC meetings where you will listen to presentations about upcoming projects and be invited to provide your perspective, feedback, ideas and comments.

Interested in Getting Involved? Email lisa.crapsi@burlington.ca with the below information:

  • Your Name
  • School
  • A few sentences on why you want to get involved

For more information, visit their website.


Halton Food for Thought

Scroll down to the bottom of the website to volunteer.


Volunteering at the City of Burlington 

 We believe that volunteers are one of the greatest strengths of a community and a key factor to our success.  Volunteers assist with a variety of city activities.

Do you have a question about volunteering at the City? Send us an email at volunteer@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7600, ext. 7978.

Volunteering with the City of Burlington provides an opportunity to gain experience, enhance or build skills and participate in the community.


Volunteering at Halton Long-Term Care Homes

Some examples of volunteering opportunities.

Assist staff and residents with programs (i.e Bingo, Crafts, Bowling). Assist staff to prepare space for program. Assist residents by helping them to and from program, Assist residents with playing the game and/or participating in the program.

Conduct a group of Residents through a colouring project on a weekly basis.
Residents benefit from social interaction and use of fine motor skills.

To provide social, physical, spiritual or intellectual stimulation on a one on one basis to residents. Visit residents as assigned by manager. Meet, talk, interact with residents. Assist residents to interact with others and participate in activities. Go for walks, read and conversations with residents.

To enhance the mealtime experience and encourage residents to increase their food intake. Training provided & staff supervisor on hand at all times.

Click on the link for the application.


Habitat for Humanity 

 Volunteer in 30 minutes of less!  There are lots of ways that you can volunteer with us.  Visit habitathm.ca today.  For more information, call 905-637-4446 ext. 226


Reading Rocks

 The Learning Disabilities Association of Halton-Hamilton is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to support individuals impacted by a Learning Disability. They are currently in need of Volunteer Literacy Tutors in our Reading Rocks program, an 8 week program for vulnerable readers aged 6-12 who struggle with the attainment of early literacy skills due to an identified or suspected reading disability. Volunteers will be placed with a child and work one-one-one, developing hands-on, engaging activities to explicitly teach phonics, sight words, and fluency, while also working with their child to set goals, and graph their successes on a workstation poster board which celebrates the child’s success in the program.  This is a great skill building opportunity that provides direct experience in teaching and tutoring, while also providing a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life.

For more information, visit their website.


City of Burlington

We currently do not have any volunteer opportunities available. When the next recruitment session begins, all available volunteer opportunities will be posted here for individuals to apply.


Kidney Clothes

Kidney Clothes is looking for high school students in Brantford, Kitchener, Guelph, Cambridge, Waterloo, Hamilton, Burlington and the surrounding areas to become Frosty Friends. It’s an easy way to get some of the volunteer hours needed to graduate and help Canadians living with kidney disease!

For more information contact Julie Hunt at julie.hunt@kidneyclothes.ca.

For other opportunities, visit their website.

De Franco, RobCommunity Service