Volunteer
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On an average day, Good Shepherd serves over 1,000 vulnerable men, women and children in our community. Every year, more than 5,000 volunteers assist in the operations of Good Shepherd programs and services across Hamilton. Learn more about volunteering at Good Shepherd here.
Special Event Volunteers
To be notified of one-time special events requiring volunteers, you can fill out a Special Events Application using the link below or email volunteer@gsch.ca. Events take place in Hamilton, Ontario. Please only fill out one application per person.
Christmas Wonderland Volunteers
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Good Shepherd’s Annual Christmas Wonderland event. If you have questions about this event or would like to be put on the list as a potential volunteer for Christmas 2025, please email volunteer@gsch.ca.
Corporate & Group Volunteer Opportunities
For information about volunteering as a corporate or special group, please contact Maggie Pagotto at MPagotto@gsch.ca or call 905.528.6565 x3321.
Ready to volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering, email volunteer@gsch.ca or call 905.528.6565 x3321
Download these forms to get started on your application! Please send your filled out application and reference forms to volunteer@gsch.ca.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Gain valuable job-related skills
- Personal satisfaction
- Complete school or job requirements
- Spend valuable time with family or friends while helping others
- Team building for organizations and companies
- Give back to the community
- Fill your retirement years
- Share your skills with others
Good Shepherd extends heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who give so selflessly of their time and talent and encourage you to join our team!
Volunteer Opportunities
If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities, please contact Maggie Pagotto at MPagotto@gsch.ca or 905.528.6565 x3321
NOTICE: All programs require volunteers to be 18+ with the exception of Warehouse Volunteers and Special Event Volunteers. Volunteers must be high school aged or older to volunteer in Good Shepherd programs. Please note that volunteering roles take place at locations across Hamilton, Ontario.
Child Minding
Women’s Services (Monday-Sunday)
Jeanne Scott Parent & Child Resource Centre (September – June, Monday-Friday)
Interact, play, read and look after babies and children of all ages.
Wellness Programming
Women’s Services (Monday-Friday)
Lead classes/sessions of yoga, Pilates, Zumba, fitness and arts and crafts.
Experienced massage and reiki therapists are welcome
Cooking, Baking & Food Prep
Various cooking and baking help is needed at a variety of Centres:
- Kitchen Assistant: Assist with food prep and washing dishes at Notre Dame House (weekdays 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
- Prepare comfort foods and soups at Emmanuel House (lunch and dinner)
- Prep cooking at Martha House (breakfast, lunch and dinner and special occasions meals)
- Cooking and baking for families at the Family Centre
- Preparing snacks and lunches at the SAM program (for seniors) *Must be 18+ to volunteer.
- Food prep at The Good Shepherd Centre (Men’s Shelter), (weekdays 9:30 AM-12:00 PM and 1:30 PM-4:45 PM)
- Dorothy Day Place (chopping, serving, clean-up) (Monday – Sunday, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM or 4:00 PM-7:00 PM)
- Food prep at Youth Services (Monday – Friday, flexible shifts during the day)
Reception
Emmanuel House (Monday-Sunday, day & evening available)
Answering phones, directing and screening visitors, assisting with some administrative work.
Serving Meals
Youth Services (Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 am-12:15 pm or 4:00 pm-4:45 pm)
Serve lunch or dinner and interact with youth.
Friendly Visiting
(ON HOLD) Emmanuel House
Barrett Centre
Visiting and interacting with residents in hospice and the Barrett Centre for Crisis Support.
Barrett Centre volunteers must have an interest & experience in mental health.
Program Assistant
SAM Program (Hamilton West, Hamilton East)
- Volunteers to interact and help with seniors programming and activities and help prepare snacks and lunch. (Monday-Friday)
- Volunteers to talk with small groups of seniors and to independently run activities and games (Monday-Sunday)
SAM Aphasia
SAM Hamilton East
Volunteers assist with supporting clients in conversations and/or facilitating group discussions and specific group activities or programs.
Volunteers are trained in Supported Conversation Techniques for Aphasia so they can provide conversational support to clients.
*Must be 18+ to volunteer in this role.
Special Event Volunteers
Occasional: daytime, evenings and weekends
Volunteers are needed throughout the year to help with events such as the Christmas Hamper program, the Christmas Wonderland Dinner, community events, food drives, and special dinners.
Marketplace/Grocery Volunteers
Monday-Friday morning and afternoon shifts
Volunteers are needed to re-stock shelves, fridges, freezers, work with clothing and small housewares, and assist clients at check out by bagging their items.
Warehouse Volunteers
Monday-Friday, morning and afternoon shifts.
Volunteers are needed to assist with receiving & sorting donations (food, clothing, housewares) and re-packaging donations as needed.
Special Skills
We are looking for volunteers who are interested in sharing their passions and skills! Hairdressers, nail artist, yoga, meditation and Pilates instructors, gardening, flower arranging, arts and crafts, music, etc.
Senior Peer Volunteer
Seniors Programs (Flexible Shifts)
Engage in weekly telephone calls to provide support, guidance and non-professional counselling on a one-to-one basis with clients aged 55 and over. Remote or in-person, flexible shift options.
Volunteers for this position must be age 55+ to provide peer support.
Corporate Groups, Companies & Special Groups
Venture Centre & Marketplace (Day Shifts)
The ultimate volunteering and team building experience. Group volunteering offers employees a chance to connect with causes they care about, fostering a sense of purpose beyond their day-to-day life. If you are interested in a Volunteer Day with your company or special group, please contact Maggie Pagotto at 905-528-6565 Ext. 3321 or email MPagotto@gsch.ca.