Group volunteering

The Volunteer Bureau of Montreal is happy to work with groups of volunteers from corporations, schools or other organizations interested in getting involved in the Montreal community. Our list of opportunities for group volunteering is updated as often as possible.

 

Before you start...

The Volunteer Bureau of Montreal is in contact with more than 700 community organizations active in downtown Montreal and surrounding areas. These organizations work with a variety of clienteles and causes, and their needs for volunteers very considerably. Just as you would before organizing any undertaking, we strongly recommend that corporations or other organizations interested in a group volunteering project begin by answering a few questions:

• Who is in your group? Group volunteering can involve a small or large number of participants. In fact, the size of the group is one of the main factors influencing the choice of activity. Try to estimate as accurately as possible the number of participants to expect. What are the ages ? Is there anyone with particular needs (wheelchair access, etc.)
• When do you want to do this? Is there a specific date and time or is there some flexibility?
• Is this a one-time event or are you willing to do something on a repeat basis? Note that while there are organizations which welcome groups for one-time events, it is appreciated much more if you get involved on a regular basis. Also, most organizations are reluctant to allow people they don't know and haven't had time to train to have direct contact with their clientele.
• What are your geographical limits?
• Do the members of your group have cars?
• Are they prepared to travel? If so, how far?
• Would you like to support a specific clientele or cause? (We'll try to find you what you'd like, but there are no guarantees)
• Which language would you prefer to work in?
• Do you have a budget in mind? If supplies are needed (paint, cleaning materials, etc.), are you able to invest in these if the organization cannot?

Consult our "Volunteer opportunities" section to get an idea of some of the possibilities. Please get in touch with our group volunteering service if you have any questions or if your group wants to get involved.  You can reach us by e-mail here or by phone at 514-842-3351 (extension 230). 

Links:
Employee volunteering: connecting companies to communities
Business support for employee volunteers in Canada: results of a national survey
Corporate volunteer programs: boosting employee participation