9 Best Volunteer Groups in Ottawa
Has life been good to you and do you feel like giving back to those in need? The great news is that there’s always a group that can benefit from your volunteered time and effort!
There’s no shortage of people and causes that need help so you won’t have a hard time finding one that resonates with you. In fact, there’s a special section at the City of Ottawa website that’s dedicated to volunteering.
But for this listicle, we’re also featuring the best volunteer groups in Ottawa for you to consider.
Does It Cost Anything to Volunteer in Ottawa?
We made sure to carefully vet the organizations we’re featuring in this article so you won’t fall prey to scam “voluntourism” groups that fool well-intentioned people into paying them.
So if it isn’t a voluntary program abroad, there’s no real reason for you to pay a fee to volunteer for Ottawa groups at all. However, getting involved in different causes under legitimate organizations does require some official steps.
We made a table to show some of the typical steps that a real organization requires of volunteers. Besides, each one is either a linked resource or a more practical description of how and where to obtain it.
| STEPS TO VOLUNTEERING IN OTTAWA | RESOURCE |
| Police records check | Ottawa Police |
| Accessibility training | IASR Training for volunteers |
| Parental consent | Parents or guardians of volunteers under the age of 18 |
| Application, interview, orientation | Website or office of the chosen volunteer group |
Of course, not all volunteer-based groups will have the same application process and requirements. It’s good to do your own research or speak to a resource person from the organization you’re interested in volunteering.
The Best Volunteer Groups in Ottawa
Are you ready to share your time, energy, skills, and other personal resources for a good cause? Then let’s take a closer look at some of the best volunteer groups in Ottawa.
1. Ottawa Humane Society
| SERVICES | Lost and found, community outreach, mobile spay/neuter services, room rentals |
| ADDRESS | 245 West Hunt Club Rd. Ottawa, ON K2E 1A6 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-725-3166 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://ottawahumane.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Municipal Animal Shelter: Monday to Friday 11 AM – 7 PM. Saturdays 10 AM – 5 PM Sundays 11 AM – 4 PM *Closed on Statutory Holidays Adoption Centre by appointment only |
Year after year, the Ottawa Humane Society has been caring for thousands of homeless, injured, and sick animals. This registered non-profit has been around since 1888 and has continued its animal welfare programs with the support of volunteers and community members.
Some of its most popular services include a mobile spay/neuter clinic, animal emergency shelters, adoption programs, and Humane Education programs for kids.
There are three main ways to get involved with OHS’s programs: by volunteering, attending or organizing events, and launching a career with the organization. If you want to volunteer, you must be 18 years or older, have useful skills to contribute, and can commit to at least a year in the volunteer program.
There’s a youth volunteer program in place for those who are under 18 years old. Unfortunately, OHS is not currently recruiting under this program.
You can also get involved by taking part in events. It’s as easy as creating a Facebook Fundraiser or a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of the Ottawa Humane Society!
Pros
- Allows completion of high school community service hours
- Child and youth programs are available
- Regular community calendar events
Cons
- No cooperative education placements for student volunteers
- The adoption centre is closed until early September
- The youth volunteer program is currently not recruiting
Customer Reviews
Read the following feedback on the Ottawa Humane Society:
“We’re fortunate to have services like the Ottawa Humane Society. Unwanted pets and rescue animals etc need our help sometimes. It’s understandable why people can’t afford to keep their pets anymore. There could be many reasons why. Bringing them to the humane society is the best step if there aren’t any other options. We needed to sadly let go of a couple of rescue cats because it wasn’t feasible. The society was helpful and courteous and took them in. I’m sure they will find a good home. Thank you!” – “Yodaman”
“I have had all 3 of my rescue kittens fixed and microchipped at the mobile clinic and it has always been a pleasant experience. They are polite and very professional. All 3 procedures went well and never had any complications. 5 Stars!” – Jackie
2. Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa
| SERVICES | Volunteer-based charity building simple, decent, and affordable homes, sells with no-interest mortgages to local families of all faiths and cultures |
| ADDRESS | 3 Iber Road Ottawa, ON, Canada K2S 1E6 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-749-9950 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://habitatgo.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa recognizes the need for affordable housing for tens of thousands of low-income Ottawa families. So instead of the usual five-year waiting time to access social housing, this organization aims to streamline the process and turn them into homeowners instead.
The organization does not provide free homes to people. Instead, it works with volunteers and partners to build homes and sell them to needy families with no downpayment and at a fair market value.
And because volunteers are what keeps Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa going, there’s room for your shared time and efforts here. You can opt to volunteer at build sites, with the ReStore, or at the various community events in Ottawa.
For safety reasons, the organization doesn’t accept volunteers under the age of 16. However, the Habitat ReStore does accept volunteers aged 16 to 18 years old provided they can work alongside adults.
Note: At the moment, both build and ReStore programs are currently not accepting new volunteers because of the pandemic. But the organization encourages volunteer applications to continue so they can be processed as soon as things get back to normal.)
Pros
- Offers several constructive ways to volunteer or get involved
- Affordable Homeownership Program open for volunteers
- ReStore sells appliances and furniture at reduced prices
Cons
- Currently not accepting build or ReStore volunteers
- Limited donation pickup service for some ReStore items
- 16 – 18-year-old volunteers will require adult supervision
Customer Reviews
The following have good words to say about Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa:
“Their efficiency, ability to provide training to help build, how they prepare the families to own the houses and budget to pay for them, and so much more!” – Marta Varisco
“Habitat GO does tremendous work within the community – they are an amazing organization to work with!” – Ryan McBride
3. Ottawa Food Bank
| SERVICES | Grows, collects, purchases, sorts, and distributes food from various sources to feed Ottawa communities |
| ADDRESS | 1317 Michael Street Ottawa, ON K1B 3M9 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-745-7001 [email protected] |
| WEBSITE | https://www.ottawafoodbank.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 8 AM – 4 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
The volunteers at Ottawa Food Bank are pretty hands-on with what they do. Aside from food sorting tasks at the main warehouse, volunteers can also participate in the organization’s Community Harvest farming program.
The Ottawa Food Bank also allows group bookings with a maximum of 15 volunteers per group. Those who have up to 30 people in a group are encouraged to volunteer as Community Harvest helpers to prep soil, weed, plant, and harvest crops for the food bank instead.
Like most nonprofits, all volunteers are required to be at least 18 years old while pandemic regulations are strictly observed. However, the organization does have youth and student programs in place for younger volunteers.
But unlike other charities and non-profits, volunteering with this organization doesn’t require a minimum time commitment. The Ottawa Food Bank also generally doesn’t require volunteers to undergo a police records check (though this is subject to the decision of the volunteer coordinating team).
Pros
- No minimum time commitment to volunteer
- Allows completion of high school community service hours
- Accepts group volunteer bookings
Cons
- Volunteer shift lengths are on an as-needed basis
- Currently not accepting new volunteers for food sorting
- Drop-in volunteers are not accepted
Customer Reviews
Here is some feedback on the Ottawa Food Bank:
“Doing great work feeding the economically disadvantaged in Ottawa, I contribute to this organization, it is well run.” – David Lesley
“This organization represents the best part of our city!” – Lola Chaar
4. Shepherds of Good Hope
| SERVICES | Supportive housing, transitional shelter programs, community support services |
| ADDRESS | 233 rue Murray Street Ottawa ON K1N 5M9 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-789-8210 reception@sghottawa.com |
| WEBSITE | https://www.sghottawa.com/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Always open Tours by appointment only |
The mission of Shepherds of Good Hope centers around harm reduction and providing hope for the homeless and vulnerable people of Ottawa. It does so via ethical fundraising and financial management with an emphasis on donor-centred sustainability.
Its main services include supportive housing facilities, transitional shelter programs, and other community services. There’s a soup kitchen that serves up 400 meals a day for the community and an evening drop-in centre helping over a hundred people nightly.
There are individual, seasonal, and group volunteer programs in place at this organization. All volunteers need to be at least 18 years old and should fill out the application form for their selected program.
Individual volunteers are needed for a wide range of roles and skills. You can help out at Shepherds of Good Hope’s soup kitchen, as an office administrator, and more.
If you’re aiming to volunteer as part of a group, make sure you don’t go beyond 20 people. Weekends are also typically booked in advance for group volunteers as those are the most convenient times for most people.
Pros
- Accepts seasonal and group volunteer bookings
- Multiple volunteer roles are available
- Personal tours are available
Cons
- Weekend volunteer shifts are usually booked in advance
- Limited slots for seasonal volunteers
- No youth or student volunteer programs in place
Customer Reviews
Read what people have to say about Shepherds of Good Hope:
“Compassionate place that helps homeless and vulnerable people in Ottawa. Great place to work and volunteer. Thanks for all you do, Shepherds of Good Hope!” – Chris O’Gorman
“While I was a member of the Ottawa Police Force I took many people on the street to the Shepherds of Good Hope always they came back to me that they taking care and the staff, the food and the bedding had been the best place to be while getting on their feet. Anyone how to write a review not to be well treated or the food is not good I will tell you; You should spend one night working as a volunteer at that place and see what you can do better. To the personnel God Bless You for what you are doing you cannot do more to those who always see things differently because they do not know any better.” – Andre Lavoie
5. Volunteer Ottawa
| SERVICES | Database of volunteer opportunities, Volunteer Pool, and volunteer resources, helps organizations find the volunteers they need and help volunteers give back to their community |
| ADDRESS | 815 St. Laurent Blvd, Suite 208 Ottawa, ON, Canada K1K 3A7 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | [email protected] +1 613-736-5270 |
| WEBSITE | https://www.volunteerottawa.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9 AM – 4 PM Closed on Saturdays and Sundays |
For a change of pace, we’re including a portal for volunteer opportunities in this listicle instead of an actual organization or charity group.
Volunteer Ottawa aims to fortify the non-profit sector by providing users access to tens of thousands of pooled volunteer resources. It’s meant primarily for the legitimate organizations in Ottawa and its surrounding areas that regularly need around 40,000 volunteers to help them with their work.
The website has helpful articles on volunteering, leadership, and training for different kinds of non-profit vision missions. We find the volunteer pool feature especially handy for non-profits who want to get a comprehensive picture of what a volunteer can contribute to their organization.
The Volunteer Profiles will easily determine if a person is the right candidate for a particular cause. To sweeten the deal, nonprofits who are members of Volunteer Ottawa can enjoy several benefits like unlimited postings, discounted workshop registration fees, and more.
So whether you’re in need of volunteers or want to be one, you can register to join this site and get notifications for opportunities for either (or both).
Pros
- Pools resources on volunteer profiles for Ottawa nonprofits
- Virtual volunteering opportunities are available
- Makes volunteer opportunities streamlined and easy to find
Cons
- Services and benefits are geared more for nonprofits than volunteers
- Volunteer Management and other workshops are not free for members
- Undetermined response time between organization and volunteer
Customer Reviews
The following have good things to say about Volunteer Ottawa:
“Discovered this awesome site and looking with great anticipation in getting the Volunteer position that I am after. I have a very positive attitude and know in time that I will reach the goal that I am looking for with these awesome people, very highly recommended.” – Vivian Rank
“Absolutely recommend! The demand for volunteers is greater than ever so the work done here is critical. They are making great progress.” – Dennis Jackson
6. LiveWorkPlay
| SERVICES | Employment Partnership Development, Community Outreach and Support, Workplace Inclusion Specialists, and Employment Discovery Specialists |
| ADDRESS | Ottawa, ON, Canada |
| CONTACT NUMBER | Contact them via their website |
| WEBSITE | https://liveworkplay.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open 24 hours |
LiveWorkPlay is an amazing volunteer group that helps people with intellectual disabilities and autistic individuals become more involved in their community and find employment. As a high school student, I had the privilege of volunteering with them, and it was truly a rewarding experience.
One of the things that stood out to me about LiveWorkPlay is their dedication to helping these individuals lead fulfilling lives. Whether it’s assisting them in finding employment opportunities or providing support to navigate community activities, LiveWorkPlay is committed to making sure everyone feels included and valued.
Additionally, LiveWorkPlay doesn’t just focus on the individuals they directly work with. They also educate and advocate for inclusion within the larger community. Through workshops and outreach programs, they strive to raise awareness and promote acceptance of people with disabilities.
Being a part of LiveWorkPlay taught me so much about empathy, patience, and the importance of inclusion. It was inspiring to see the positive impact that their programs have on the lives of those they serve.
Pros
- Virtual volunteering opportunities are available
- Makes volunteer opportunities streamlined and easy to find
Cons
- Busy during peak days
7. Dress for Success: Ottawa
| SERVICES | Support Network for women and gender nonconforming individuals to achieve economic independence + professional clothes donation |
| ADDRESS | 200 Catherine St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K9, Canada |
| CONTACT NUMBER | [email protected] +1 613-277-0111 |
| WEBSITE | https://ottawa.dressforsuccess.org/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | By appointment, 9 to 5 pm Monday to Friday and 9 to 2pm on Saturday |
Dress for Success Ottawa National Capital Region fills the gap for the corporate needs of disenfranchised women and gender nonconfirming people. The systems in place are already difficult as it is for women and nonbinary folk, so Dress for Success: Ottawa is here to cover all the basic needs.
Their main niche is providing professional attire for their constituents that are preparing for the workplace. However, they also provide career development tools to help people upgrade their skills, online courses, virtual workshops, peer support and networking.
This charity organization also arranges their volunteers to create safe spaces and support systems for the women and nonbinary individuals which could range from being Wardrobe Consultants, Career Specialists, Committees Members and more.
They also have a program for long-term placement for students. Not only do they help people in need, but they also take care of their own.
Dress for Success Ottawa is 100% funded by the generosity of Ottawans. So, if you’re not in the area to donate your clothes you can still help the cause by making a financial donation online.
But if you are in the area, you have multiple ways to help. Outside of donating your clothes and volunteering, this charity organization is also encouraging you to host fundraisers and donation drives with their assistance.
Pros
- Remote volunteer programs available
- Casual Volunteer Positions available
- Long-term student placement programs available
- Different volunteer roles and opportunities available
Cons
- Most Volunteering Opportunities are remote
- Some volunteering opportunities require a Police Record Check
Customer Reviews
The following have good things to say about Dress for Success: Ottawa:
“Amazing volunteer based boutique for assisting in getting you clothes for your next interview and job“
“Psyched about this charity and what they are doing for women in the ottawa area. I’ll be bringing another box of stuff to their next donation day. This charity takes donations once a month that are gently used and interview appropriate to help women in need in the ottawa area on their road to success.“
8. Caldwell Family Centre
| SERVICES | Lost and found, community outreach, mobile spay/neuter services, room rentals |
| ADDRESS | 1475 Caldwell Avenue, Ottawa ON K1Z 5L6 |
| CONTACT NUMBER | 613-728-1800 |
| WEBSITE | https://caldwellfamilycentre.ca/ |
| OPERATING HOURS | By appointment basis |
We recently had the pleasure of engaging with the Caldwell Family Centre, and we were genuinely impressed by the quality of their services. Their dedicated team of volunteers was always welcoming and went above and beyond to meet our needs.
Moreover, the efficiency with which the centre operates is commendable. Despite the high demand for their services, we never had to wait long for assistance, showcasing their well-organized system.
Additionally, affordability is a significant aspect of the Caldwell Family Centre’s appeal. Their services are either free or available at a very low cost, making them accessible to everyone in the community.
Furthermore, the facilities at the centre are clean and well-maintained. From the food pantry to the support services area, everything is designed to ensure comfort and convenience for all visitors.
Overall, the Caldwell Family Centre stands out due to its exceptional service quality, efficient operations, and accessible pricing. We would highly recommend their services to anyone in need.
Pros
- Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
- Holistic Approach to Food Security
- Collaborative Approach to Funding
Cons
- No promos at the present
9. Parkdale Food Center
| SERVICES | Volunteer, Youth Programs |
| ADDRESS | 30 Rosemount Ave #2, Ottawa, ON K1Y 1P4, Canada |
| CONTACT NUMBER | +1 613-722-8019 |
| WEBSITE | https://parkdalefoodcentre.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Tuesday: 9 AM – 2 PM Wednesday: 9 AM – 2 PM Thursday: 9 AM – 3 PM |
Parkdale Food Centre (PFC) has a tangible impact on the community, distributing over 14,000 meals, rescuing nearly 114,000 pounds of good food, and engaging 125 youth in their Thirteen Program. The commitment to building healthier and more connected neighborhoods is evident through these measurable outcomes.
With regular shifts from Monday to Friday, PFC provides flexibility for volunteers to engage in activities that suit their schedules. This allows a broader range of individuals to contribute, including those with work commitments during standard hours.
Furthermore, PFC offers diverse volunteer opportunities, including preparing food orders, unloading deliveries, sorting and packaging food, shopping with neighbors, delivering groceries, and assisting in the kitchen. The variety of roles allows volunteers to contribute based on their skills and interests.
While PFC mentions that workshops can be held either in-person or virtually, there is limited information on the extent and availability of virtual volunteering opportunities. Clear communication on virtual options would benefit individuals unable to volunteer on-site.
Overall, Parkdale Food Centre’s volunteer program offers a meaningful and diverse range of opportunities, aligning with their commitment to community well-being and food security.
Pros
- Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
- Holistic Approach to Food Security
- Community-Focused Volunteer Orientation
- Collaborative Approach to Funding
Cons
- Limited Information on Virtual Volunteering
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their clients:
“I found myself in a tough spot once and needed help, and did I ever get lucky that I was in their service area.. They’re kind & compassionate without being emotional or making the process more difficult than it has to be. I only ended up needing their service once, but that one time made a huge difference & definitely helped me get back on my feet.”
“Parkdale food center, especially the not-for-profit Cooking for a Cause are such a huge relief for the community. The food rescues they perform and deliver to shelters etc and the meals they cook are wonderful. The neighbours near by are friendly and often volunteer.”
FAQs About Volunteer Groups in Ottawa
We hope you’ll soon find the organization you’d want to help now that you read about the best volunteer groups in Ottawa.
Did we leave out a volunteer group that’s worth mentioning? Send us a message so we can review it.
Aside from volunteering, there are other ways you can get to know this city. Read our listicle on the weird things to do in Ottawa for some offbeat recommendations.