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Volunteering with the City of Cambridge
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the City of Cambridge. Volunteers are an important part of developing the Cambridge community. We support, facilitate and value the efforts of all our volunteers. There are many volunteer opportunities in the City of Cambridge, including one-time two-hour commitments and weekly commitments on a year-round basis.
Volunteer Application Process
- Please review the volunteer opportunities below.
- Complete a volunteer application and only select up to 3 volunteer roles you are interested in.
- Once applications are reviewed, applicants will be contacted by a staff person to discuss the next steps.
Thank you to our City Volunteers!
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City of Cambridge Volunteers |
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Thank you to our amazing volunteers who help make waves across Cambridge! Thank you for your time, talent, and energy you share with our community! Barb
Barb’s warm presence and dedication to welcoming new members is a gift to our community. Thank you, Barb!
“Volunteering for me is a way to support and give back to the groups that I am involved with.”
Owen and Sandra 
Owen and Sandra are a volunteer dream team at the Ted Wake Centre. Owen supports programming, serves as President of the Operating Board and volunteers with the Cambridge Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. Sandra, who first got involved after moving to Cambridge, now volunteers as a Hostess and also serves on the Centre’s board. Together, they bring joy, connection and a warm welcome to everyone who walks through the door.
"It gives me much pleasure to help newcomers to the area. To greet them with a smile and helping hand, to show them around, to explain the multitude of activities and events, encourage their membership and volunteerism. To see their face light up with interest".
Navjot 
Navjot volunteers in many roles, including as a Volunteer Outreach Ambassador and Special Events Volunteer. He’s always ready to help & finds joy in seeing others smile and in the energy that comes from a successful event. He finds joy in seeing others smile and in the energy that comes from a successful event.
"The most satisfying thing for me is at the end or during the event I get to see people smile, enjoying and living in the moment. I always love that experience seeing an event being successful.”
Paula and Barb  After retiring and moving to a new neighbourhood, Paula and Barb joined programs at the Ted Wake Centre. Now, they’re on the other side - volunteering together as program convenors and members of the Special Events Committee. They help others stay active, meet new people and have fun! Thank you Paula and Barb!
“Volunteering offers us the opportunity to remain active, engaged, and purposeful within our community. Beyond physical and emotional benefits, it nurtures social connections, cognitive stimulation, and a sense of accomplishment.”
Evelyn
She’s supported youth programs, the Youth Advisory Committee of Council, Cambridge Celebration of the Arts, and even suited up as Willy Melt during Winterfest. Thank you, Evelyn, for bringing your passion and spirit to everything you do!
Sheila
Sheila is a Friendly Visiting Volunteer, visiting with individuals in our community who are socially isolated and at risk of loneliness. Thank you for the impact you make in our community Sheila!
“Volunteering brings such joy to my life. I have seen our friendship blossom as our visits continue. There is beauty in sharing life together! This brings joy to not only myself but to my client as well. We have created a beautiful friendship and we both look forward to our weekly visits.”
Teresa
“Without volunteering, I would not have gotten to know so many awesome people, not just in the club but in other parts of DDC and ARC.”
Dr. Bert Harkness
After retiring from a military career as a counsellor in the detention barracks, Dr. Bert Harkness felt it was a natural choice to volunteer. Dr. Harkness and his wife volunteer at the reception desk at the Ted Wake Centre. Thank you for your support at the Ted Wake Centre Dr. Harkness!
“It is always a joy to meet friends and new acquaintances alike over coffee and memories.”
Sandra
Thank you to volunteers like Sandra! As a member of the Ted Wake Centre for 20 years and having been involved in the programs at the centre, Sandra became a volunteer hostess at the front desk. Sandra is now a board member and program convenor.
“Volunteering and being a member at the Ted Wake Centre, for me, feels like being a part of a community.”
Angela
For 6 years, Angela has been a volunteer at the front desk and on the Operating Board at the David Durward Centre. Angela has now been the President of the Board for 2 years!
“Volunteering is about giving back to the community - but volunteers also get so much back in return!! As a volunteer I've met many people and made friends - life long friends - in my new community.”
Gloria and Tony
Gloria and Tony have taken on several volunteering roles including the Woodworkers Club, the Choir, and the social and program committees at the David Durward Centre to name a few! They volunteer to help give back to the Cambridge community. Thank you Gloria and Tony!
“Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to your community. It gives you a self-satisfaction about being of service to others.”
Sharon
After retiring, Sharon began volunteering at the Ted Wake Centre, in the community that she has been a part of for all her life. Thank you Sharon for your engagement with the community and the positivity you bring to the centre!
Lynda
Lynda is a volunteer on the Operating Board as Secretary and a Greeter at the Allan Reuter Centre. Lynda has helped to make community members’ experiences at the centre extremely positive! Thank you Lynda!
“I really like answering questions, giving tours, and encouraging people to join our welcoming community and maybe one day they’ll join us as a volunteer.” |
Meet Barb! For more than 20 years, she’s been making waves at the David Durward Centre, the Ancient Mariners Canoe Club, and the Cambridge 50+ Choir. 
Evelyn brings creativity, leadership and energy to every role she takes on. 
With a desire to support the Woodworkers Club, Teresa has taken on many roles within the Club, including Club President, Newsletter Editor, and Backup Coordinator. Thank you Teresa!
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Please review the current list of volunteer roles currently available. If you have questions about a particular role, contact information is included with each listing. Some volunteer roles might have required qualifications for volunteers. Please ensure you have those qualifications before you apply. This webpage is updated as new volunteer roles become available, so please check back often.
50+ Programs and Services
| 50+ Recreation Centres |
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Our four 50+ Recreation Centres offer numerous recreation programs, clubs and special services. Below is a list of volunteer roles our centres offer:
For more information on the above roles, please email our 50+ recreation staff. If you do not see a role you are interested in please email the 50+ recreation staff to discuss other roles that may be of interest. Volunteers are asked to commit for at least for 9 months. |
| Friendly Visiting Program Volunteer |
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The Friendly Visiting program matches a volunteer with a socially isolated older adult, or an adult living with a physical disability, for regularly scheduled social and recreational visits. By volunteering for Friendly Visiting, you can bring joy to an older adult in just a few hours a week. Learn more about getting involved. |
Cambridge Centre for the Arts Events
| Potters Market |
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Event Dates: May 2 - May 4, 2025 Volunteer Orientation: Friday May 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Location: Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street Shifts:
If you have any questions, email the Volunteer Coordinator. |
| Print Fair |
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Event Date: May 31, 2025 Volunteer Orientation: Friday May 30, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Location: Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street Shift: May 31: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (half day shifts available)
If you have any questions, email the Volunteer Coordinator. |
| Art Attic |
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Event Dates: June 13 - June 15, 2025 Volunteer Orientation: Friday May 30, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Location: Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street Shifts: TBD
If you have any questions, email the Volunteer Coordinator. |
| Life Drawing Marathon |
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Event Date: June 22, 2025 Volunteer Orientation: Friday May 30, 2025, 2:00 p.m. Location: Cambridge Centre for the Arts, 60 Dickson Street Shift: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (half day shifts available)
If you have any questions, email the Volunteer Coordinator. |
Special Events
| Cambridge Celebration of the Arts |
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Volunteer for Cambridge Celebration of the Arts! This event showcases local artists and their visual, literary, and performing arts talent and has been held annually for more than 20 years. The minimum age to volunteer is 13 years of age. Volunteer duties can include: event setup, takedown, information booth, volunteer helper, and event greeter. Volunteering with Celebration of the Arts is a great way to collect volunteer hours and give back to your community.
Event Date: Friday June 13, 2025 Volunteer Orientation: Tuesday June 10, 2025 Location: Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson Street Shifts:
If you have any questions, email the Volunteer Coordinator. |
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Canada Day |
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Join the City of Cambridge as we Celebrate Canada Day! A fun filled inclusive day starting with the Fishing Derby and Parade, with the main Event Activities starting at noon. Volunteers will be immersed in all the Canada Day Action from the Kids Zone, Vendor Alley, Food Trucks, & Live Music. Get excited about the spectacular fireworks Grande finale! Come support City Event Staff with Event support, Canada Day Parade, Gate Monitors, Activity Area, Info Booth, Beer Garden, Kids Zone, Setup, & Event Cleanup.
Event Date: Tuesday July 1, 2025 Volunteer Orientation: Wednesday June 18, 2025 Location: Riverside Park, 49 King Street W Shifts:
If you have any questions, email canadaday@cambridge.ca. |
Youth, Aquatics and Leisure
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Aquatic Assistant |
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W.G. Johnson Centre or John Dolson Centre Volunteers are partnered up with a certified Swim Instructor to provide support to preschoolers, children, and youth in swimming lessons. This is a great opportunity to start gaining experience for future employment and in preparation for Aquatic Leadership courses. You must be pursuing your Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR B certification. Volunteer applicants must show proof of registration in a Bronze Medallion and EFA course or proof of previous certification and be at least 12 years of age at the time of application.
For more information, email Lauren (mccullochl@cambridge.ca) or call 519-623-1340 ext. 4469.
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Summer Camp Volunteers - Ages 13+ |
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Sign up for a week or more of summer fun with our City of Cambridge Summer Camps. Volunteers will assist with running games and crafts in an engaging way. Volunteers can sign up at one of our locations around the City. Training will be provided.
For more information, please reach out to Youth@cambridge.ca. |
Corporate and Group Volunteering
- Corporate and group volunteer opportunities are possible
- Recognize your staff team, while giving back to the community
- Show your organization’s commitment to the community by volunteering
- Volunteering is a great opportunity for team building
- Email the Volunteer Coordinator for more information, to discuss possible opportunities and how to get started
Cambridge City Green
Cambridge City Green is a group of volunteers who encourage and coordinate community projects that benefit our local environment. The group leverages the enthusiasm and effort of thousands of volunteers. Cambridge City Green is a subcommittee of the Cambridge Environmental Advisory Committee (CEAC). Projects led by Cambridge City Green volunteers include the Cambridge Community Clean Up, walks (e.g. TREEmendous Cambridge, Jane's Walk, etc.) and planting projects (e.g. Cambridge Pollinator Preserve, seed balls, etc.). For more information contact CambridgeCityGreen@Cambridge.ca or sign up to get notification of upcoming events at www.CambridgeCityGreen.ca
Volunteer Waterloo Region
Not finding a volunteer role with the City of Cambridge? Visit the Volunteer Waterloo Region's website for a database of region-wide volunteer opportunities with local agencies.
Advisory Committees and Boards
More information can be found on the Advisory Committees and Boards webpage.
Why volunteer for the City of Cambridge
We encourage citizens to get involved and volunteer in our community. There are many benefits to becoming a volunteer, including:
- Gaining personal satisfaction
- Working with the City to offer great recreation and leisure programs and services
- Contributing your knowledge and skills in a valuable and meaningful way
- Developing new knowledge and skills such as leadership, event management, fund-raising, public speaking, media relations, book keeping and interpersonal relations
- Meeting new people and building friendships in your community
- Having fun
- Enjoying a sense of accomplishment from setting and meeting goals
The City of Cambridge is a proud member of Volunteer Canada.
Contact Us
For more information on volunteering with the City of Cambridge please contact the Volunteer Coordinator.