Find volunteering opportunities and resources

Volunteers have a long history of supporting events and activities in Waterloo. Find openings, other ways to get involved and volunteer resources.


On this page:

  1. Be You @ Waterloo
  2. Current volunteer opportunities
  3. Other ways to get involved
  4. Volunteer resources

Be You @ Waterloo

At the City of Waterloo, we are committed to recruiting a diverse volunteer team that represents the community we so proudly serve. All interested and qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, Black persons, non-Black racialized persons or persons of colour, women, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and those interested in joining our team are encouraged to apply.


Current volunteer opportunities

Assist with aquatics instruction at the WMRC, under the supervision of aquatics staff. 

You must:

  • be age 14 or older with a current Bronze Cross certificate
  • First Aid and CPR certified
  • commit to the full session

We are not recruiting volunteers at this time. Please visit early August to apply for the fall season.

 

Lumen is an annual all-ages festival featuring the work of artists combining light and technology with interactive displays throughout uptown Waterloo. We're seeking event helper volunteers age 16+ to assist with set-up, tear-down or as a festival assistant.

  • date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
  • location: uptown Waterloo

Set up and tear-down shifts:

  • must be available from either 2 to 5:30 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
  • must be 16+
  • must enjoy working with the public, able to follow directions, have great communication skills and work independently 
  • must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds (tents, tables, chairs, AV equipment) and may be required to assist artist's set up or tear down installations

Festival Assistant shift

  • must be available from either 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. or 8 to 11:15 p.m.
  • you will be required to hand out brochures, provide information and give directions at information booths
  • you may also assist artists with installations and line ups
  • you must be customer service focused
  • your tasks will be assigned the day of the event at check-in

Apply now

After you complete an application make sure you go to the next page where you sign up for a shift.

Waterloofest introduces new post-secondary students to the Waterloo community. It features live entertainment, local restaurants and booths, services and businesses. We are seeking event helper volunteers age 16+ to assist with set-up or tear-down.

Set up shifts:

You will help prepare the event grounds including tasks such as preparing vendor areas by transporting and setting up sound systems, canopy tents, chairs, tables and other equipment.

  • must be available from 1 to 3:30 p.m. 
  • must be 16+
  • must enjoy working with the public, able to follow directions, have great communication skills and work independently 
  • must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds

Tear down shifts:

You will help close down the event grounds including tasks such as removing vendor areas by transporting and setting up sound systems, canopy tents, chairs, tables and other equipment.

  • must be available from 7 to 9 p.m.
  • must be 16+
  • must enjoy working with the public, able to follow directions, have great communication skills and work independently 
  • must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds

Apply now

After you complete an application make sure you go to the next page where you sign up for a shift.

Help an older adult or adult with a disability by driving them to local appointments or community programs. We will reimburse you for your mileage.

Volunteer drivers - Waterloo Home Support

You must:

  • be available for 1 weekday shift for a minimum of 3 hours per week, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
  • be a friendly, dependable adult age 21+ with great communication skills
  • have a valid MTO G driver's licence for a minimum 4 years and access to a reliable vehicle
  • have access to a smartphone
  • meet screening requirements
  • we're also searching for drivers who speak additional languages

Volunteer drivers - Lunch program at the Community Pavilion

You must:

  • be available on a Tuesday or Friday from 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to drive older adults with a disability to the Community Pavilion and back
  • be a friendly, dependable adult age 21+ with great communication skills
  • have a valid MTO G driver's licence for a minimum 4 years and access to a reliable vehicle
  • have access to a smartphone
  • meet screening requirements

Volunteer drivers - Senior day program

Help drive older adults from their home to the WMRC Community Pavilion from the WMRC Community Pavilion to their home in the afternoon.

You must:

  • be available for afternoon pick ups on Mondays from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • be a friendly, dependable adult age 21+ with great communication skills
  • have a valid MTO G driver's licence for a minimum 4 years and access to a reliable vehicle
  • have access to a smartphone
  • meet screening requirements

  Apply now


Other ways to get involved

Not all community opportunities are part of our official volunteer program, but they’re still great ways to connect and give back. 

Support your neighbourhood 
Start a neighbourhood project, help with a community event or apply for a grant to bring your idea to life. Visit our neighbourhoods section.

Join a city committee 
Share your voice on issues that matter to you. We recruit residents for committees throughout the year. Learn more about our committees.

Help take care of our parks 
Join us for spring clean-ups, fall plantings, longer-term park projects and more. Explore park opportunities.


Volunteer resources

  • Volunteer Waterloo Region has local volunteer postings from over 150 different organizations
  • Volunteer Canada provides tools and guidelines for those interested in volunteering or managing volunteers
  • PAVRO is the provincial resource for Volunteer Managers
  • VMPC is the national resource for Volunteer Managers.