FAQ: Volunteer

No, you do not need to be a YMCA member to volunteer in the YMCA of Oakville. While our focus is to promote and encourage volunteerism through our membership base, we welcome and encourage YMCA members and non-members to get connected to their community through volunteering. If a volunteer is a non-member and therefore does not have membership privileges, access to the facility will need to be arranged with the centre on the day of volunteering. YMCA memberships are not provided to volunteers.

There are numerous volunteer positions available at the YMCA for varying lengths of time, such as ongoing volunteer opportunities and one time event opportunities. Volunteering is about sharing your skills with others and learning new ones! 

All potential volunteers will be asked to complete an application form. The form is available online or at the Peter Gilgan Family YMCA. Complete the form and return it to the YMCA. Your application will be reviewed for available volunteer opportunities matching your interests and skills.You will then be contacted for an interview and asked to provide references.

You don’t need any particular skills or background to help the people in our community! Just let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll try to match you to a volunteer opportunity that suits your needs and skill level. 

Yes. On the application form, you will be asked to identify three non-relative references. References will be checked as part of the interview process. In addition, before you can start your volunteer placement, all volunteers (with the exception of informal volunteers volunteering for one day events) are required to submit a current Security Clearance Request with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

With a focus on youth leadership, individuals can volunteer at the YMCA starting at the age of 14, for licensed child care, individuals have to be at least 16 years old. Parental consent will be required for all volunteers under the age of 18.

Yes. By volunteering at the YMCA you will gain volunteer time toward the 40 hours you need to graduate from high school. You will also gain valuable experience, an evaluation of your performance and will also be able to confirm your hours at your request.

You can choose how much time you would like to give as a YMCA volunteer. Whether you want to help out occasionally or on an ongoing basis, we’ll work together to find a role that meets your availability and schedule.

All volunteers will be asked to maintain a professional image at all times when volunteering at the YMCA. There are several roles in program that are required to wear a YMCA uniform. This uniform (usually a yellow t-shirt and name tag) will be provided by the YMCA at no cost to the volunteer.