Types of Volunteer Opportunities
Click on the volunteer roles below to find out more about the role and qualifications.
Front Desk
Front Desk Volunteers play a key role in ensuring that Wellspring is a warm and inviting place. For those seeking support, whether in person or by phone, Front Desk Volunteers are the first point of contact for patients, their family members and the public in general. They provide warm and welcoming greetings, direct visitors within the centre, assist with program information and registration, and offer general administrative support.
To qualify as a Front Desk Volunteer, one must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- be willing to meet at Wellspring for discussion about the role
- attend Wellspring’s orientation and training programs.
Although many Front Desk Volunteers are cancer patients or caregivers of cancer patients, any member of the community is welcome in this role.
Peer Support
Peer Support Volunteers have had a personal experience with cancer, as a patient or caregiver of a patient. They speak privately and in confidence with those seeking support at Wellspring to address the needs and concerns that brought them to Wellspring. Peer Support Volunteers share information about their own experiences and, in doing so, provide comfort, hope and practical information about coping with cancer. Peer Support Volunteers also provide program information, suggestions for programs to meet the needs expressed, and assist in registration.
To quality as a Peer Support Volunteer, one must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- have had cancer, or cared for a cancer patient.
- provide Wellspring with a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search
- successfully complete Wellspring’s orientation and training programs.
Support Group Co-Facilitator
Wellspring's support group programs are co-led by a professional program leader and volunteer peer. The professional leader manages the group process, and the volunteer peer brings to the leadership the voice of experience and personal understanding of a cancer diagnosis.
To qualify for this role, one must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- have attended a support group program for their own purposes
Energy Services
Wellspring provides Reiki, Therapeutic Touch and Healing Touch to members on a by-appointment basis. These services are made possible through the generosity of qualified volunteers.
To qualify as an Energy Practitioner Volunteer, one must:
- have one of the following levels of certification:
- Reiki: A 2nd Degree certification
- Therapeutic Touch: Certification as a Recognized Practitioner
- Healing Touch: Certification as a Healing Touch Practitioner
- Have completed a minimum of 20 energy sessions prior to volunteering
- provide Wellspring with a clear Vulnerable Sector Police Records Search
- Attend Wellspring’s orientation and training programs.
Administrative Support
Wellspring welcomes individuals who wish to assist in an administrative capacity through helping with our library, mailings and filing. No special skills or minimum age are required, however, computer skills are an asset.
Cancer Exercise Volunteers
Volunteers provide assistance to our professional leaders of the Cancer Exercise program. These volunteers help with the set-up and take down of the exercise equipment, assist with the administration of program documentation, and provide assistance to members participating in the program under the guidance of the professional program leaders.
To qualify as a Cancer Exercise Volunteer, one must:
- must be 18 years of age
- have completed Wellspring’s Cancer Exercise program, or have a background in physical fitness or education
Organize an Event
Do you have a great idea for an event to support Wellspring? For hints and tips to help make your event a success check out the Resources for Event Organizers page.
Event Volunteer
One of the ways that Wellspring raises funds is through special events in the community. Events are held on Wellspring's behalf, such as golf tournaments, fashion shows and silent auctions. There are many events throughout the year, and Wellspring is asked to provide volunteer support at some of them. Specific duties, and their scheduling, vary depending on the event. Event Volunteers receive a full briefing about each event, and the specific duties they are asked to perform.
Spokesperson
Wellspring is sometimes asked to provide a speaker at its fundraising events who can talk about the meaning of Wellspring and their experiences they have had. Hearing first hand from the pople who use Wellspring programs, gives event guests a greater sense of the impact their support for Wellspring has.
To qualify as a Spokesperson, individuals must have an aptitude for speaking in public, a willingness to share their personal stories and experience at Wellspring.
Corporate Volunteer Opportunities
Whatever the size of your organization or the level of commitment you can give, Wellspring can work together and help those who have been affected by cancer. Please contact
Eva Thurlow at 416-961-1928 to discuss the unique ways that your organization and Wellspring can make a difference.