Volunteering
Volunteer opportunities are available for people over 18 years of age. Please see the "Get Involved" section of the website to access the Volunteer Application Form.
Centre 454 has been very fortunate that so many people come forward to volunteer. Thank-you to the many of you who do help out in so many ways at the Centre.
We would very much like to speak to you about volunteering at the Centre. There are many ways you can volunteer!
Here’s How You Can Help!
Centre 454 is always looking for on-site. Volunteers work at reception, in social recreation and in the kitchen at 216 Murray Street.
Reception volunteers assist by welcoming participants to the Centre and answering their immediate questions. The reception area is a hub of activity.
Reception volunteers engage with our participants by:
- providing them with games, dominoes, cards, etc.
- providing them with their mail and phone messages
- making appointments for the participants to do their laundry
- answering the phone, transferring phone calls and taking messages
- letting participants know where front line and in-reach staff are in the Centre
- chatting with our participants and getting to know them
Kitchen volunteers assist with the making of the coffee and serve tea and juice. They monitor the food in the kitchen and see if there is food for a snack. They will check for cups both inside and outside the Centre and ensure they get washed using the dishwasher. Frequently, they will work alongside a participant volunteer in the kitchen. Social recreation volunteers engage with participants in the drop-in area of the Centre. They may have a coffee, play a game of cards, or have a conversation with a participant. The Centre likes to ensure that everyone who comes in is greeted and is acknowledged.
Centre 454 is also looking for volunteers who have special skills, such as musical talent or arts and crafts skills. Would you like to come for one afternoon or morning and play an instrument? Could you plan a craft activity that you think participants might enjoy? Let us know...
Volunteers usually work one shift a week 8:00 am to 11:30am and from 12:30 to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.
You can also volunteer from home, or involve your church or place of employment in volunteer activities.
Volunteers can bake special cookies, muffins and fruit loaves for the participants as well as provide nutritious snacks. Volunteers can also organize special sock, toiletry and underwear drives or a third party fundraising event for the Centre.
You can provide opportunities for Centre staff to come and speak to one of your church committees or groups in your parish or organization about how Centre 454 supports the marginalized and homeless in our community. We are always looking for opportunities to spread the word about what we do and how members in the community can help.
Volunteer Information Sessions
We look forward to talking with you about these opportunities.
All potential volunteers are asked to complete a volunteer application, to provide two references, be interviewed and, if volunteering at the Centre, to complete a police record check.
We appreciate everyone’s interest in volunteering with us; however, if we feel we do not have a volunteer position that matches your skills, interests or aptitudes we will help you find a more appropriate volunteer position in the community.
If you would like more information about volunteering, please contact Elizabeth at
613-235-4351 ext. 229 or vpc@ottawa.anglican.ca