Volunteer FAQ

I’m thinking about volunteering, what should I consider?

Determine if you are able to commit time every week to volunteering. Think about your interests and skills as this will assist Volunteer Services to determine where you might be best suited to volunteer.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Youth volunteers must have a signed parental consent form when applying.

What is the process to volunteer?

Applying to volunteer is much like applying for a job. Volunteers must fill out an application form and submit it online or by mail to Volunteer Services. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have signed parental consent form when applying. Once your application is received, you will be contacted by staff from Volunteer Services. All volunteers will go through an interview process and will be asked to provide three references. Successful volunteer candidates will attend an orientation session and receive training for their volunteer assignment.

Do I need a Criminal Record, an Adult Abuse Registry and Vulnerable Persons Checks?

All volunteers 18 years and older are required to submit a Criminal Record Check, an Adult Abuse Registry and Vulnerable Persons Check. After 60 volunteer hours, a volunteer can request for a reimbursement of the Criminal Record Check.

How do you decide where to place volunteers in the Centre?

Many factors are considered when matching volunteers to a placement including the volunteers availability, interests and skills and our current vacancies.

Is there a specific time commitment required in order to volunteer?

We require a minimum commitment of six months or sixty hours. Most volunteers enjoy volunteering at DLC and stay longer than the minimum six months that is required.

How long are the volunteer shifts?

Volunteer shifts vary depending on the placement but are approximately 1 to 4 hours in length. Volunteers usually work one shift per week but we can place volunteers to work more frequently if they are available.

What type of references do I need for my application form?

You will be asked to provide three references. References may include teachers, coaches, supervisors, co-workers etc. Please note that references from family or from personal friends will not be accepted. We will need their full name and contact information. Be sure to ask permission to use their name as a reference and have their current phone number.