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Volunteer Opportunities
There are several ways that you can get involved as a volunteer with S.H.I.F.T.
Quick Access
S.H.I.F.T. Frontline Volunteer Opportunities
S.H.I.F.T. Behind-the-Scene Opportunities
Volunteer candidates interested in working in roles that work in direct contact with service users must follow the application process below prior to beginning their volunteer placement:
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Submit your interest by email
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Complete a screening questionnaire
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Attend an interview
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Completed relevant virtual training
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Attend an onsite orientation session
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Submit a recently completed Vulnerable Sector Screening criminal record check.
Our volunteers help in various aspects of our organization, from direct interaction with program participants, to behind-the-scenes roles.
The following are volunteer opportunities:
S.H.I.F.T Frontline - Volunteer
Volunteers are needed in various direct roles, which includes working with S.H.I.F.T. participants, often face-to-face, in our program settings.
Opportunities include:
Emergency Overnight Shelter Program
Volunteers carry out various duties to assist staff in ensuring that the space is safe and welcoming during the service users’ stay. Tasks include assisting with meal times, kitchen inventory/re-stocking, supply kit preparation, light cleaning and assisting in fostering a housing-focused atmosphere.
The program runs daily, year-round.
Shift Options:
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Early Morning
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Late Evening
Time Commitment:
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Weekly
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At least two (2) shifts per month to remain active
Shelter Volunteer Requirements:
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Over the age of 18
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Pass screening, interview and record check process
Daytime Drop-In Program
Volunteers work as part of a team to assist staff in ensuring that the space is safe and welcoming for service users who access the space throughout the day. Tasks include assisting with meal and snack service, inventory/re-stocking, light cleaning, and assisting service users with onsite resources.
The program runs daily, year-round.
Shift Options:
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Morning
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Afternoon
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Dinner Service
Time Commitment:
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Weekly
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At least two (2) shifts per month to remain active
Drop-In Volunteer Requirements:
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Over the age of 18
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Pass screening, interview and record check process
Outreach Program
Outreach Team volunteers participate in various activities including:
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Performing inventory of Outreach supplies, preparing Harm Reduction kits, stocking Outreach van, and preparing sandwiches/pre-packaged meals.
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Driving with the Outreach Worker to meet with individuals in our community.
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This may include scheduled stops throughout South Simcoe, unscheduled meet ups with individuals or working with community partners
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Walking through wooded areas or around town to connect with people living outdoors.
* Volunteers who assist on outreach van will always be accompanied by a member of our staff team. *
Shift Options:
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Mornings and afternoon/evenings
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Onsite or mobile
* Applicants with weekday daytime availability needed*
Time Commitment:
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At least one (1) shift per month to remain active
Outreach Volunteer requirements:
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Must be over the age of 18
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For outdoor opportunities – must be able to stand/walk for extended periods of times.
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Pass screening, interview and record check process
Meal Maker
Individuals or teams of people prepare a meal (from home) and deliver the finished product to the S.H.I.F.T space at a specified time. Meals are delivered daily for the Emergency Overnight Shelter program and on designated days for the Outreach program.
Program Specific Expectations:
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Shelter Meals - deliver meals, on assigned day, prior to 5:00pm
Time Commitment:
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Meal makers may sign up for available days, as much or as little as desired.
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Typically meal makers sign up for 1 meal per month.
Meal Maker requirements:
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Must commit to delivering meal(s) at designated time.
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Healthy, hearty meals prepared for between 10-20 individuals are preferred.
Sandwich Makers
Individuals, or groups, prepare sandwiches (from home) and deliver the finished product(s) to S.H.I.F.T. prior to 5pm. The sandwiches are used for drop in lunches and or the Outreach program. .
Shift Times:
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Delivery before 5pm
Time Commitment:
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Sandwich makers may sign up for available days, as much or as little as desired.
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Typical sign up is twice a month, or more, minimum requirement is 1 day
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Currently seeking 20-30 sandwiches per day
Meal Maker requirements:
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Must commit to delivering on designated day signed up for.
S.H.I.F.T Behind-the-Scenes - Volunteer
Volunteers are needed for all sorts of behind-the-scenes roles, that does not include interaction with S.H.I.F.T. participants in face-to-face or direct program settings.
Opportunities include:
S.H.I.F.T. Board of Directors
Board members have an important role to play in overseeing the management the organization and ensuring its long-term success. Our board is actively involved in many aspects of operations; however key responsibilities include:
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monitoring financial performance
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ensuring compliance with legal, ethical and industry standards
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setting the overall direction and strategy of the organization
We are actively receiving nominations for members of our Board of Directors.
S.H.I.F.T. Advisory Committee
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
The S.H.I.F.T. Advisory Committee is an important part of our leadership. As a member of the committee you will:
~ Drive action that impacts our community
~ Influence strategic decisions for the future of S.H.I.F.T.
~ Enhance the quality of our services
~ Improve our Participant's experiences
Public recruitment for S.H.I.F.T.'s Advisory Committee is underway until May 14th. Click on the button below to head to the S.H.I.F.T. Advisory Committee Nomination Form - fill it out for yourself or for something that you think would be a great fit!
S.H.I.F.T. Fundraising Committee
This committee is a team of volunteers focused on the planning, developing and execution of key fundraising events to support the operational costs of S.H.I.F.T. Working alongside our Donor Relations & Stewardship Officer and a member of our Board of Directors, this committee plays an important role in ensuring the organization has adequate funds for operations.
If you have sales/fundraising experience and a passion for this community, we would love you to join us! We are a fun group, promise!
Time commitments will vary depending on the time of year and the specific event. You don’t need to commit to being part of every fundraising event but we do ask that you have a minimum of 4 hours a month to give to this committee and the responsibilities that come with it.
Coldest Night of the Year - Event Volunteer
Volunteers are a large part of the success of our annual CNOY event!
Every year between October and the end of February we look for volunteers to join us in having a blast to raise much needed funds and awareness for S.H.I.F.T.
There are lots of fun volunteer roles to choose from in the Coldest Night of the Year! Roles include: Check-In Crew, Greeters, Route Marshalls, Food Team, Rest Stop Hosts, Send-Off/Welcome Back Crew, and more! Many of our roles are needed for most of the day, while others have shorter timeframes.
Click on the button below to head to the CNOY Volunteer Registration page - select "Alliston - S.H.I.F.T." in the "Choose Your Location..." drop down menu to get your started. After you register to volunteer you'll receive a confirmation email outlining all of the information you've provided to us. Then, expect to hear directly from the Event Volunteer Leader, who will give you more details on volunteering.
Don't see something listed here but have a particular skill or idea?
Contact us to discuss potential opportunities!
Let's Work Together
Volunteering with S.H.I.F.T can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The most important personality traits of a S.H.I.F.T volunteer include consistency, compassion, and communication and the abilities to set boundaries and maintain confidentiality.