Thanks to thousands of volunteers, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is able to meet the needs of the community and improve the quality of life in the region. Each year, The Food Bank helps to feed approximately 25,000 different people in need of food assistance.  This would not be possible without the generosity and enthusiasm of more than fifteen hundred caring individuals!  That is why the Food Bank opens its doors and offers great volunteer opportunities to individuals, students, families, groups and corporations that want to help their community, acquire new skills, and gain valuable experience.

THE PLACEMENT PROCESS

We have a volunteer placement process at the Food Bank.  It is a simple process that ensures that you, as a volunteer, get the most out of your volunteer experience and that the Food Bank benefits from your skills and talent.

The placement process consists of:

• Filling out an application (for individuals or for groups)
• A brief interview
• A reference check depending on the position

You will be notified of your first placement shortly after your application and interview have been completed and processed.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

For Individuals...

The Food Bank is an excellent place to expand your horizons and increase social awareness.  As a volunteer with the Food Bank you will put to work your skills and talent, meet great new people, and gain valuable experience.  You will find that we offer a wide range of volunteer positions and flexible hours that can be matched to your needs.

Reference Chart -- Individuals

For Groups...

We offer volunteer opportunities for Groups, Organizations, Associations, Clubs or Church Groups.  These volunteer opportunities are designed to ensure that each group participant grows as an individual as well as a team player, creating deeper more lasting bonds between group members.  We have found that groups benefit to a greater extent if their participation includes more than one type of Food Bank activity, and so we recommend that you consider your involvement in more than one assignment.

Reference Chart -- Groups

For Youth...

Opportunities are also available to Youth Groups of all ages.  Please refer to the Group Agreement for more information about supervision requirements for youth groups.  We feel that youth group members would benefit more from their volunteer experience at the Food Bank if their participation consists of a combination of various activities.

Please note that participants under 12 years of age will not participate in traditional sorting due to our health and safety policies.  Instead, these groups will be invited to the Food Bank for an educational evening including a tour, introduction to the Food Bank and our mission, and some hunger and poverty statistics to raise awareness. The participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in a hands-on activity to emphasize the need for food assistance in our community.  Contact Ruth Friendship-Keller, Manager of Community Partnerships for more information or to arrange an educational activity/visit for participants under the age of 12.

For Families...

At the Food Bank we like to welcome families to our Volunteer Team.  We recognize the importance of the family unit and realize that helping out at the Food Bank is a great family bonding activity as well as a great awareness tool.  That is why regularly organize Family Volunteer nights where you and your loved ones can enjoy the volunteer experience in a relaxed family-oriented atmosphere.

Reference Chart -- Families

For Students...

The Food Bank offers many opportunities to students needing to complete their 40 hours of community involvement.  There are, however, a limited number of spaces.  Contact Rose Tanyi, Volunteer Coordinator to apply.  A Volunteer Team Member will verify the number of hours that you contribute to us, and complete any necessary applications as proof of your involvement at the Food Bank.  We also welcome College and University students, days and evenings, all year round.

Reference Chart -- Students

For Business Groups...

Businesses can also take advantage of our volunteer opportunities at the Food Bank.  Our team-oriented activities will develop stronger leadership and interpersonal skills among your team.  Not only that, but it will provide your team with an opportunity to use existing knowledge in a completely new setting. The impact of your team's contribution to the community will be great as it will increase social awareness and improve understanding and co-operation between your company and the public.

A few points worth considering:

• The majority of Canadian consumers prefer to buy from companies that are good corporate citizens. That is to say, that they support companies that are socially responsible.
• Volunteerism increases employee productivity, improves their morale and helps build a good corporate image.
• If your business is interested in sending a volunteer team to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, a presentation can be arranged at your workplace. A Food Bank representative will provide your employees with information about our organization and our mandate, and also emphasize the importance of corporate involvement in the development of the community.

Reference Chart -- Business Groups

In addition, throughout the year a number of different positions are created according to our needs. For more information check our Positions Currently Available listing or contact our Volunteer Coodinator.

SAFETY

The safety of our volunteers is very important to us. We a have a number of policies and procedures in place to ensure that groups and individuals work in a safe environment and receive proper orientation and training.

We seek to:

• Establish a healthy and safe work environment
• Ensure every volunteer receives training and orientation necessary to minimize risks
• Comply with all federal, provincial and municipal laws relating to the health and safety of our volunteers and our organization

TO APPLY, PLEASE SAVE THE APPROPRIATE FILE TO YOUR HARD DRIVE AND SUBMIT AS AN ATTACHMENT.
YOU MAY ALSO PRINT OUT THE ACCOMPANYING FORM AND FAX TO [519] 743-8965 OR MAIL TO
50 ALPINE COURT, KITCHENER, ONTARIO, N2E 2M7.

Volunteer Application

Group Volunteer Application Form

Group Agreement

For more information contact our Volunteer Coodinator.