Volunteer at the Y!
Fun! Rewarding! Amazing! That's just some of the ways YMCA volunteers describe their volunteering experience. Join us!
How to Volunteer
Step 1: Discover how you want to help
Browse our programs below to find the right fit for you. Click on a location to view available volunteer opportunities and detailed role descriptions.
Step 2: Complete our application form
Fill out an online application and create an account with Better Impact.
Step 3: Check your inbox for updates
A YMCA staff member will review your application and connect with you as soon as possible.
Child Care & Family Development
The YMCA is the largest not-for-profit child care provider in Canada. With over 50 years of experience and hundreds of licensed programs throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Y offers high-quality child care programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-aged children. Our highly trained Registered Early Childhood Educators partner with parent and volunteers to support each child's development and provide families with the security of knowing their child is in a safe and nurturing environment during these formative years.
Use our Find a Y to locate your nearest child care program.
View our Opportunities by Region:
Camps and Outdoor Education
Camps are for everyone! The Y offers a variety of day programs at more than 50 locations across the GTA to ensure we meet campers' needs and interests. Programs range from creative arts and cooking to filmmaking, science programs, swimming lessons, outdoor adventure, and more!
In addition to our local camp programs, we have two Outdoor Education Centres that run year-round:
- YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre, located in the Oak Ridges Moraine, just 45 minutes north of Toronto
- YMCA Camp Pine Crest, located on Clear Lake in the heart of Muskoka
Employment and Community Services
YMCA of Greater Toronto's Employment Centres offer a variety of services to help youth and adults gain employment. Job seekers can benefit from our free employment programs and resources, attend free workshops and get one-on-one personalized support from our staff.
View Volunteer Opportunities:
Health and Fitness
The YMCA is a place where you can be yourself, meet new friends, and have fun. Our Health and Fitness Centres support members as they strive to reach their potential and work toward their personal goals. Our drop-in programs for children, youth, adults, and families provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space to build a foundation for physical fitness that will last a lifetime.
View Volunteer Opportunities by Centre:
Immigrant Services
The YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomes newcomers and provides a variety of services to support individuals who want to make Canada their new home. Supports include providing workshops and resources to help with settlement, language assessment and youth programs.
View Volunteer Opportunities:
Please Note
- Due to the large volume of applications we receive, it may take up to 4 weeks for one of our staff to contact you.
- If you are an applicant with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our positions, please inform us in advance by contacting our Volunteer Development team at volunteering@ymcagta.org. Please include the volunteer role and YMCA centre in the subject line.
- Please email volunteering@ymcagta.org if you have any questions about volunteering with the YMCA.
Frequently asked questions
We welcome volunteers of all ages. Some volunteer roles do have a minimum age requirement. To find out how old you need to be to perform a certain job, take at look at our job descriptions in our current Volunteer Opportunities.
Each volunteer role is unique and requires a different time commitment. In addition, our programs and locations have different hours of operation. Once we receive your application, our staff will connect with you to discuss what each volunteer role entails.
Absolutely! If you are looking for a student placement opportunity contact the location you are interested in directly to see if there are any openings available. You can find a list of YMCA locations here.
You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to volunteer with us. Although volunteering does not provide you with member benefits, arrangements will be made to grant you access to areas that require membership. You are welcome to become a YMCA member at any time.
Our onboarding process includes completing the following:
- Application
- Interview
- References
- Vulnerable Sector Screening for those 18 years of age or older
Volunteers in child care will be required to submit a health assessment and immunization record.