VOLUNTEER

The Orléans-Cumberland Community Resource Centre (OCCRC) was founded in 1988 thanks to a group of volunteers.

Through the years, the contribution and dedication of volunteers have been critical to the evolution of the OCCRC.

As an OCCRC volunteer, you can make a difference in many people’s lives. You also play a role in fulfilling the OCCRC’s mandate by supporting its vision and embodying its values.

BENEFITS OF BEING A VOLUNTEER

  • Diversify your experience in the workplace
  • Develop your skills
  • Share your talents and expertise
  • Meet people and make new friends
  • Make your resume more attractive to potential employers
  • Increase your sense of self-worth by helping people
  • Participate in fun and rewarding activities
  • Get the opportunity to make a difference in your community

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS

  • Interesting tasks that can be completed on a flexible schedule
  • Support in a welcoming, stimulating and fulfilling environment
  • Opportunities to participate in trainings
  • Opportunities to develop leadership skills
  • Networking activities

HOW TO BECOME AN OCCRC VOLUNTEER

First step: Interview

  • First, you will have an interview with the Volunteer Program Coordinator.
  • This process allows the Coordinator to find out about your interests and skills.
  • As the two of you talk, she can assess whether your interests and skills are compatible with current volunteer opportunities at the Centre.
  • She can also establish when you are available for volunteer work (hours and days of the week).

Subsequent steps if your interview was successful

  • You will be asked to complete a Mandatory Police Record Check.
  • Once you are chosen and assigned to a position as a volunteer, you will be provided with orientation training.
  • You will complete the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) training.
  • You will need to sign a confidentiality policy form.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE!

Want to learn more about current volunteer opportunities?
For more information, please contact Rosanne Canzanella or call 613-830-4357 ext. 307.

FAQ

Once you’ve signalled your interest, an interview will be arranged:

  • You will learn about the volunteer positions available.
  • The Volunteer Program Coordinator will explore your interests, skills, and availability to find a good match.
  • You will be required to submit a Police Record Check. (The OCCRC will accept one issued within the last 6 months.)
  • A letter will be provided by the Volunteer Program Coordinator to waive the fee to obtain the Police Record Check.
  • Acceptance to the Centre will be determined by the outcome of the screening process.

The average time is 1 to 2 weeks, from when the Volunteer Program Coordinator receives the Police Record Check and finalizes the screening process.

The Volunteer Program recruits new volunteers throughout the year for specific positions but generally has two annual periods of recruitment:

  • from September to November; and
  • from February to May.

Certain programs at the OCCRC are in high demand, such as the Food Bank:

  • Therefore, new volunteers often want to support that program and spots are not always available.
  • If that is the case, the Volunteer Program Coordinator will ask if you wish to have your name on the wait list.
  • When a position becomes vacant, the Coordinator will call the next person on the wait list to schedule an appointment.

Youths 15 years of age and up can obtain a volunteer placement with the Centre during the summer months, and depending on the positions available.  (The Centre receives a high volume of requests.) Youths can apply during the months of April to May.

The Centre will provide orientation, on-the-job training, and ongoing training throughout the volunteer placement.

You can make a donation; monetary and food donations are a great way to support the OCCRC.  Click here to donate.

Depending on the volunteer position, the OCCRC will usually ask for a commitment of 6 months of service. Successful matches may continue past that point. As a volunteer, you are free to leave whenever you like.  Talk it through with the Volunteer Program Coordinator and give the OCCRC advance notice of your intentions. Regular volunteer hours range from 3 to 4 hours weekly.

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