Becoming a Volunteer

Steps to becoming a Baycrest volunteer

Volunteers of all ages are welcome at Baycrest! Just a few hours of your time can make a significant difference in the lives of clients.

Before you apply:

• Volunteers must be 13 years of age or older to volunteer without a guardian.
• A time commitment is required.
• A good command of the English language is required. Fluency in a second language like Yiddish, Russian, Hebrew, Polish, or Cantonese is always helpful.

Preparing your application:

Follow the steps below to begin your journey as a Baycrest volunteer.

• Step 1: Learn about Baycrest and sign up for an orientation!
  • Attend the Baycrest Volunteer Orientation. To reserve your spot, please sign up online here or contact the Volunteer Services Department directly via phone or email.
  • ​Complete eLearning courses. Instructions and log-in ID will be emailed to you upon completion of orientation.
• Step 2: Tell us about yourself and download the forms!
  • Fill out the volunteer application form
    • If you and your pet are interested in volunteering for our Pet Therapy program, please fill out the application for Pet Therapy Volunteers
  • Obtain a signed reference form
    • Please note: references cannot come from a family member
• Step 3: Complete the safety screening process here!
  To help keep our staff, volunteers, and clients safe, all Baycrest volunteers must be screened appropriately. If you have any questions or concerns about our safety screening process, please contact us via email at volunteer@baycrest.org.

  • Complete the Two Step Test for Tuberculosis. This can be done free-of-charge at Baycrest. Call or email the Volunteer Services Department to book an appointment. A parent/guardian signature is required for volunteers under the age of 16.
  • If you are 18 years of age or older, you must obtain a vulnerable sector screening by a police force in your region of residence. Information and paperwork will be received at orientation.
  • Proof of a Tetanus shot within the last 10 years
  • For year-round volunteers only: if you will be volunteering during flu season (December 1 through April 1), you must provide proof of a flu shot. You can get the flu shot free-of-charge at Baycrest.