This year is especially meaningful for the charity, which welcomed its 1,000th volunteer in 2026. At the Ontario SPCA, volunteers support a wide range of roles, including animal care, dog walking, enrichment, humane education, transportation, events, and administrative support.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the incredible individuals who are the heart of our organization,” says Kim Dooley, Provincial Manager of Volunteer Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Through their time, skills, and compassion, volunteers strengthen every part of our work, helping animals, communities, and the people who love them.”

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the Ontario SPCA is inviting new volunteers to join its family across the province. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre is currently in need of foster volunteers to provide temporary care for animals not yet ready for adoption. There is a special need for fosters who can care for pregnant and nursing dogs and their puppies, as well as orphaned animals who need bottle feeding. The animal centre is also looking for community outreach volunteers.

Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Ontario SPCA? Visit ontariospca.ca/volunteer to learn more and apply.

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Excellence in Volunteer Management – Individual

Jane Weiland, Huntsville

For over a decade, Jane Weiland was the heart of Hospice Huntsville, leading both the Visiting Volunteer and Grief and Bereavement programs. She introduced vital Complementary Therapies and built partnerships with hospitals and care homes to ensure no one faced the end of life alone. Her leadership, compassion, and innovation profoundly shaped hospice care in her community.

2025 award recipients

The post Ontario Recognizing Outstanding Huntsville Volunteer appeared first on Muskoka411.

Volunteer opportunities are now available for a variety of roles, including event setup and teardown, guest services, activity support, and more. Whether you’re looking to lend a hand for a few hours or throughout the entire weekend, there’s a role for everyone and every shift helps.

Every volunteer will receive an exclusive Bracebridge 150 t-shirt to wear for volunteer shifts, a free hot lunch on event day, and a volunteer appreciation night to celebrate after the event is over. All volunteers must be over the age of 14. Parking lot attendants must be 18 years of age and older, and beer garden attendants must be 19 years of age and older.

High-school aged volunteers will be eligible to receive documentation towards their 40-hours of community service.

The post Call For Volunteers – Help Make Bracebridge 150 A Celebration To Remember  appeared first on Muskoka411.

SMFC provides child welfare services across the region and children’s mental health services (in Muskoka). SMFC works collaboratively with communities to enhance the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families. We are currently seeking dynamic, dedicated volunteers to help govern our organization.

Board members are concerned community members who are:
✓ Supportive of the Agency’s Vision, Purpose and Values
✓ Team-oriented with good decision-making skills
✓ Able to attend and participate in 10 Board meetings each year as well as committee meetings
✓ Age 18 or over and live or work in Simcoe County or the District of Muskoka

We welcome applicants from equity-deserving communities. While we encourage all interested persons to apply, as a skills-based board, we are particularly interested in community members who have lived or professional experience in the following areas:

• Francophone, bilingual in French/English
• Indigenous Heritage
• Children Services
• Law
• Finance, fundraising

**Confirmation of all prospective Directors shall be conditional on receipt and review of a vulnerable sector/criminal record check & child welfare record check.

Board members gain an understanding of the issues facing child welfare, children’s mental health and the process of governance. They also help to raise the visibility of the Agency by communicating our purpose and serving as ambassadors within the community.

If you have a desire to make a difference in your community and a heart for the safety and well-being of children and youth, please apply via this link or contact Rosa Aviles, Executive Assistant for the Board, at (705) 726-6587 or Rosa.Aviles@familyconnexions.ca.

There are some restrictions in who can serve on the Board of Directors in order to prevent conflict of interest situations. Individuals cannot be an employee of the agency or immediately related to an employee or have a current connection to the agency (i.e. foster parent, client currently receiving services, etc.). All applicants will be pre-screened and interviewed for the position. Board members are not paid, but are reimbursed for mileage and other approved expenses that they may incur in their work as a member of the board.

Connexions familiales de Simcoe Muskoka (CFSM) fournit des services de protection de l’enfance dans toute la région et des services de santé mentale pour enfants (à Muskoka). CFSM travaille en collaboration avec les communautés pour améliorer la sécurité et le bien-être des enfants, des jeunes et des familles. Nous recherchons actuellement des bénévoles dynamiques et dévoués pour aider à gouverner notre organisme.

Les membres du Conseil d’administration sont des membres de la collectivité qui:
✓ Appuient la Vision, le But et les Valeurs de l’Agence;
✓ Aiment le travail d’équipe et ont de bonnes aptitudes en prise de décision;
✓ Peuvent participer à 10 réunions du Conseil d’administration chaque année, en plus des
réunions des comités;
✓ Ont plus de 18 ans et habitent ou travaillent dans le comté de Simcoe ou le district de
Muskoka.

Les candidats issus de communautés méritant l’équité sont les bienvenus. Bien que nous
encouragions toutes les personnes intéressées à postuler, en tant que Conseil d’Administration basé sur les compétences, nous sommes particulièrement intéressés à trouver des membres de la communauté qui ont de l’expérience professionnelle dans les domaines suivants:

• Francophone, bilingue français/anglais
• Patrimoine autochtone
• Services à l’enfance
• Services juridiques
• Finance

**Pour être considérés(es), tous/toutes les candidat(e)s au poste de Directeur devront fournir une preuve de vérification du secteur vulnérable, d’un casier judiciaire et d’une vérification du casier judiciaire en matière de protection de l’enfance.

Les membres du Conseil d’administration acquièrent une compréhension des problèmes auxquels sont confrontés le bien-être de l’enfance, la santé mentale des enfants et le processus de gouvernance. Ils aident également à accroître la visibilité Agence en communiquant notre raison d’être et en agissant comme ambassadeurs au sein de la communauté.

Si vous souhaitez faire une différence dans votre communauté et si vous avez la sécurité et le bien-être des enfants et des jeunes à cœur, veuillez postuler via ce lien ou contacter Rosa Aviles, Adjointe Administrative du Conseil d’Administration, au 705-726-6587 ou à l’adresse Rosa.Aviles@familyconnexions.ca.

Il y a des restrictions sur les personnes pouvant siéger au Conseil d’administration afin de prévenir les conflits d’intérêts. Les personnes ne peuvent pas être des employés de l’organisme ou des membres de la parenté immédiate d’un employé, ou avoir un lien actuel avec l’organisme (c.-à-d. parent d’accueil, client recevant des services, etc.). Tous les candidats feront l’objet d’une présélection et seront interviewés pour le poste. Les membres du Conseil d’administration ne sont pas rémunérés, mais ils sont remboursés pour le kilométrage et autres dépenses approuvées qu’ils pourraient engager dans l’exercice de leurs tâches en tant que membre du Conseil d’administration.

The post Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions Seeks Volunteer Board Members appeared first on Muskoka411.

Volunteers work throughout the health centre, directing patients and visitors at RVH’s Information Desks and assisting in 37 areas, including Specialized Seniors Care, Imaging Department, Victoria’s Gift Shop, Café Royale, Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) and the Cancer Centre. Last year alone, they contributed over 26,000 hours of volunteer time.

For Gabe Koopmans, who has been volunteering at RVH for more than five years, it’s been a rewarding experience. “It allows me the opportunity to support our heathcare workers so they can focus on other tasks,” says Koopmans. “I enjoy meeting and connecting with the patients and supporting their family and loved ones. It also gives me the chance to expand my social network, stay active and learn something new on every shift. I have appreciated volunteering in different areas of the hospital that are connected to my interests.”

RVH’s Board of Directors, Foundation Board, Research Ethics Board, and Patient and Family Advisory Council are also made up of volunteers who donate their skills, expertise, and time to governing the health centre, as well as representing RVH in the community and providing a patient and family perspective for various initiatives.

In addition to giving their time, RVH Auxiliary member volunteers raise funds in support of equipment purchases and patient care. The RVH Auxiliary is currently working to fulfill a $5-million pledge to RVH’s Keep Life Wild Campaign. Additionally, they are almost halfway to their goal of fundraising $2.5 million for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s (NICU) much-needed expansion.

“I am so proud of our RVH volunteers,” says Giovanna Del Pellaro, Manager, Volunteer Resources. “Their compassion, sense of duty to their roles and their cheerful willingness to support patients, their families and the staff who provide front-line care is truly admirable. We have immense gratitude for our volunteers and look forward to honouring them this week. I also invite members of the community to join our incredible volunteer team. We are always looking for new people and happy to welcome more!”

To become an RVH volunteer, interested community members, high-school age or older, are encouraged to visit rvh.on.ca/careers/volunteering/ for further information. The Volunteer Resources team is actively recruiting volunteers for several areas of the hospital and applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.

The post RVH Celebrates Its Volunteers appeared first on Muskoka411.

Volunteer Application Form: https://forms.gle/KBxx3L1srxwsYE8W7

???? Available Volunteer Positions:

• Props Supervisor: Are you a master of organization with a flair for creativity? As part of our dynamic Creative Team, you’ll oversee the creation and acquisition of all props, ensuring a seamless and visually stunning production. The Props Supervisor works closely with the Director to review the prop list compiled from the script and assist in sourcing any remaining items. They coordinate the borrowing, renting, and building/creation of props; manage the budget allocated for the Props Department; and ensure all props are organized and ready for use by Tech Week (Sunday, March 31st). Prior experience in prop management or theatre production is a plus but not mandatory.
• Set Painters: As a Set Painter, you’ll be an essential part of transforming our stage into a vibrant and visually captivating world! Our team of set painters work closely with the Set Designer to bring their artistic vision to life by painting set pieces and backdrops. Previous experience in set painting or a related field is a plus but not mandatory.
• Hair Supervisor and/or Makeup Supervisor: Are you a maestro with hair or makeup and passionate about creating stunning looks that complement the characters on stage? The Hair Supervisor and Makeup Supervisor collaborate closely with the Director to design a vision for the hair and makeup design of all characters in the show. They supervise and schedule the Hair Assistants/Makeup Assistants to ensure seamless coordination, and support Assistants and cast members aged 7+ in preparing their hair and makeup for the performance. Availability during Tech Week (April 4-7) and show dates (April 11-14) is crucial.
• Hair Assistants and Makeup Assistants: Hair/Makeup Assistants play a crucial role in bringing the characters to life by working under the guidance of the Hair/Makeup Supervisor. They assist in preparing and styling the hair and makeup of cast members aged 7+ in alignment with the overall design. Availability during the entire run of the show is a plus but not mandatory.
• Costume Support: Are you a sewing enthusiast with a passion for transforming fabrics into works of art? Collaborate closely with the Costume Designer to bring costume designs to fruition, assist in the sewing and creation of costumes for various characters in the production, work as part of a team to ensure the timely completion of all costumes, and support fittings and alterations to ensure a perfect fit for each cast member.
• Backstage Crew: Do you thrive in the unseen but critical world of backstage? Our Backstage Crew help set up and strike scenic elements during scene transitions, assist with quick changes for performers between scenes, maintain a quiet and organized backstage environment during performances, and are under the direct supervision of the Stage Manager, responding swiftly to cues and changes. Availability during Tech Week (April 4-7) and show dates (April 11-14) is crucial.
• Youth Guardian Supervisor: The Youth Guardian Supervisor organizes and schedules Youth Guardians to provide support and guidance to the young actors while they are backstage. They facilitate quiet activities such as colouring, reading, listening to music, and bracelet-making during downtime, and ensure that young actors are ready for their onstage cues.
• Youth Guardian: Do you have an enthusiasm for guiding young performers in between scenes and helping them thrive? Youth Guardians supervise quiet activities such as colouring, reading, listening to music, and bracelet-making during downtime, and ensure that young actors are ready for their onstage cues. Experience working with children, with a focus on creating a positive and supportive environment is crucial.

This is your chance to be part of something amazing! No prior experience is necessary – just a love for the arts and a willingness to contribute your time and creativity.

???? Why Volunteer with Us?

• Be part of a vibrant and enthusiastic community
• Gain hands-on experience in the world of theatre production
• Make lasting friendships with fellow arts enthusiasts
• Contribute to the success of a spectacular musical event in our community

Interested volunteers should fill out the form at the following link: https://forms.gle/KBxx3L1srxwsYE8W7

The post Huntsville Festival Of The Arts Seeking Production Team Volunteers appeared first on Muskoka411.

Tickets for the event are available online at fireandicebracebridge.com/buy-passes. Admission is $10 for ages 13 years of age and older, $5 for children between the ages of six to 12, and free for children under five years of age.

For more information and the full schedule of events, visit fireandicebracebridge.com/2024-schedule.

Call for volunteers
The Fire and Ice Festival is a dynamic event that draws in approximately 15,000 people annually. Play a vital role in celebrating the community and supporting Bracebridge’s tourism sector by volunteering to help make this event happen. New this year, volunteers can register and choose their shifts through an online portal.

Volunteers are needed for the following positions:

• Ticket sales;
• Tube run attendants;
• Parking attendants;
• Mascot/mascot assistant;
• Carnival game attendants; and
• Set up/tear down crew.

High-school aged volunteers will be eligible to receive documentation towards their 40-hours of community service. All volunteers must be over the age of 14.

Every volunteer will participate in a mandatory training session and receive free entry to the event, a fast pass to skip the line for the tube run, and a Fire and Ice toque. Volunteers will also be invited to participate in a volunteer appreciation night event following the festival to celebrate their hard work and achievements.

For more information and a full listing of events, visit fireandicebracebridge.com and facebook.com/fireandicebracebridge.

“Bracebridge is committed to supporting community vibrancy and economic growth. The annual Fire and Ice Festival not only brings the community together to have some fun and connect during the winter months, but also supports our local economy through our tourism sector. This event is brought to life by a dedicated team of volunteers who go above and beyond to create a lasting experience for everyone in attendance. Help support the Fire and Ice Festival by volunteering and have a great time doing so.”
– Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

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Pamela Sweeny, executive director of the Ontario Command, said the trustees were put in place on Nov. 8 to determine why the executives resigned and to see where improvements could be made. Sometimes issues come down to personality conflicts while other times they’re related to by-law adherence, she said, but with 390 branches across the province that rely on volunteers to operate, these situations are par for the course at Ontario Command. The group of trustees is made up of a chair and two members who will work with the legion until Feb. 6, 2024.

“We never want to see a branch close,” Sweeny said. “That’s the thing, it’s not like we’re taking them over. What we’re doing is we’re putting a team of educated people in there to see where the loopholes are, where the inconsistencies are. There are several members of the executive that quit, so why is that?”

When a board of trustees is placed at a branch, it’s typically made up of past district commanders, branch presidents, zone commanders, and others with extensive knowledge and experience, she said. They’re usually implemented for about 90 days to oversee branch affairs, preserve its property and solve any outstanding issues.

Chair Bob Ladouceur and members Wayne Hooey and Fred Cosgrove are helping the branch undergo what the Ontario Command calls a “Legion-type university.” They look at their financial records, observe volunteer interactions, and see how they run meetings and events to determine where the issues are coming from.

Sweeny said they identified several problems and found that certain safeguards weren’t being met, but they’ve also found people who were willing to step up and fill crucial roles. After noting issues with the legion’s handwritten ledgers, they have a new bookkeeper that is using digital accounting software and looking for ways to reduce expenses.

“All of that stuff is part of running a business, which is really what the legion does, as well as … being a support organization for veterans,” she said. “In a lot of cases, because of towns like Gravenhurst, it’s the hub of the community. You want it to be a welcoming place and you want it to remain active because there’s so many supports in the community that the Royal Canadian Legion helps with.”

It’s common for volunteers in any organization to get burnt out and leave before all of their insight has filtered down through the next generation of helping hands, but knowledge is power, Sweeny said. She and her team are doing what they can to empower their members with defined roles, clear guidelines and ongoing support.

While the Gravenhurst branch has its problems, she said the Ontario Command has hope for its future. She encourages locals to show their support by getting involved.

“Pop by, help out if you can,” Sweeny said. “We’re always in need of volunteers, and it’s a fun place to be. People definitely want to see this prosper in the community, which it has, and community involvement certainly goes a long way.”

Gordie Merton, sergeant-at-arms for Gravenhurst Legion Branch 302, echoed Sweeny’s statements, saying it makes a big difference for people to attend events, become members and make financial contributions. But more than anything, they need people who are willing to donate their time.

“The most important support is honestly helping us with volunteers,” Merton said. “Come in and volunteer for anything… We have a lot of different stuff going on, so a lot of events like our snooker night and all of that, it would be awesome to have some volunteers.”

Merton also said the cancellations announced on Dec. 7 have nothing to do with the trustees and their process. TGIF (Thank Gravenhurst It’s Friday), the take-out meals program and Thursday night bingo were cancelled due to issues with their bingo license and other unforeseen challenges, but despite the rumours, the legion isn’t closing. 

Community members can still enjoy the Saturday meat draw, the New Year Bash and Friday night karaoke on the first and third Friday of each month. 

“The branch is still open,” Merton said. “We’re fully functioning, and we just have a board of trustees to help guide us.”

For ongoing updates from Gravenhurst Legion Branch 302, visit their Facebook page.

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Taking place between September 15 to 17, 2023, the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance presented by Porsche is looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers to help with an assortment of different jobs during the week leading up to the event and over the event weekend.  As part of our volunteer team, you will receive several benefits including 1 (one) General Admission ticket for Sunday, September 17^th, a Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance limited edition golf polo t-shirt and 1 (one) meal voucher, valid for Sunday, September 17^th.  Volunteers will also have the opportunity to see the rare and elegant automobiles and motorcycles while being an important part of this extraordinary community event which supports both the Owen Sound Regional Hospital Foundation and the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation.

“Volunteering at the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is a great opportunity to get involved in a world-class event happening right in our own backyard,” said Rob McLeese, Founder and Show Chair of the Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum 4-hour shift, depending on the position and the given day.  There is a range of jobs available, including parking assistant, registration, class host, people’s choice awards and food and beverage assignments, just to name a few.  A volunteer orientation meeting will be held on Monday, September 4th at the Cobble Beach Golf Resort and attendance is strongly advised. To register to become a volunteer please visit www.cobblebeachconcours.com/volunteers.

Being an automotive enthusiast, however, is not a prerequisite to enjoy this event. If you are looking for hands-on knowledge of golf course operations, spend 4-6 hours with us and see what goes on, on property. Are you a high school student in need of volunteer hours for the ‘23/’24 school year? Looking for a career in events? Come and spend some time with us to see how a large-scale event operates from the inside out.

Proceeds from the Concours d’Elegance presented by Porsche will benefit two hospitals, the Sunnybrook Foundation and the Owen Sound Hospital. Funds raised will help build the new home of Sunnybrook’s Garry Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, the only facility in Canada where treatment of the three most common brain disorders — dementia, stroke, and mood and anxiety disorders – takes place, while the Owen Sound Regional Hospital will use the generated funds to support the purchase of a new MRI machine.

What is a Concours d’Elegance? Derived from the French term meaning a competition of elegance, the Concours d’Elegance has a historic story dating back to 17th Century French society. An event that began with horse-drawn carriages being paraded through the parks of Paris, France has evolved into a display of antique and classic cars for both competition and celebration. The 2023 Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance presented by Porsche will be held on the 18^th fairway of Cobble Beach Golf Resort & Community overlooking the beautiful waters of Georgian Bay. Tickets are now available along with information regarding all other events at www.cobblebeachconcours.com.

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