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Volunteers are the heart of our community.
Across Cambridge in our parks, facilities, events, programs, and neighbourhood initiatives volunteers help bring our city to life. Whether you’re supporting a festival, mentoring youth, preserving our heritage, enhancing green spaces, or lending your skills to a local cause, your time and talent make a meaningful difference.
Through the City’s Volunteer Program Framework, we are building a more connected, inclusive, and accessible volunteer experience one that makes it easier than ever for residents to get involved, give back, and grow.
No matter your age, background, ability, or availability there is a place for you here.
Every hour matters. Strengthen your community. Volunteer with Cambridge.
Volunteering with Cambridge is more than giving your time, it’s about building community, creating connections, and shaping the future of our city.
As a City volunteer, you can:
Through our centralized Volunteer Framework, the City is committed to providing:
We believe volunteering should be impactful, rewarding, and supported every step of the way.
We welcome all volunteers, including:
If you’re passionate about community, we’ll help you find the right fit.
Be part of the excitement that brings our community together. Volunteers in this category support major City events, parades, cultural celebrations, and seasonal festivals. Opportunities may include event set-up and tear-down, guest services, information booths, entertainment support, accessibility assistance, and behind-the-scenes logistics. Perfect for individuals or groups who enjoy high-energy environments and creating memorable community experiences.
Help residents stay active, connected, and engaged through recreation. Volunteers support a variety of programs such as community sports leagues, drop-in activities, tournaments, and instructional programs. Roles may include coaching assistance, program support, registration help, and participant engagement.
Play a key role in winter recreation by supporting outdoor rink operations. Volunteers may assist with rink set up and maintenance and helping create a safe and enjoyable skating experience for all ages.
Celebrate and preserve the stories, creativity, and cultural fabric of our community. Volunteers can support the Centre for the Arts, galleries, public art initiatives, cultural events, and educational programming. Opportunities range from exhibit support and guided tours to event hosting and creative program assistance, ideal for those passionate about arts, history, and cultural expression.
Make a hands-on impact in keeping our natural spaces vibrant and sustainable. Volunteers contribute to environmental stewardship initiatives such as tree planting, community clean-ups, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and pollinator garden projects. This category is perfect for individuals, families, and corporate groups who enjoy outdoor work and environmental action.
Civic Engagement & Advisory Committees
Shape the future of your city by lending your voice and expertise. Volunteers in this area serve on advisory committees, task forces, and civic boards that provide input on municipal programs, policies, and initiatives. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with Council and staff, represent community perspectives, and contribute to informed local decision-making.
Support community safety and emergency preparedness initiatives. Volunteers may assist with public education campaigns, event support for fire and emergency services, and community outreach related to safety awareness. Roles are structured, meaningful, and contribute to building a more resilient community.
These programs are designed for older adults looking to stay active, social, and engaged. Volunteers support programs, events, and services that enhance quality of life for residents aged 50+. Opportunities may include program facilitation, peer support, event hosting, administrative help, and social engagement activities that foster inclusion and wellbeing.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Opportunities
Examples:
Dedicated section to support youth engagement strategy. These include:
Our Adult/Older Adult Recreation Centres offer a number of volunteer opportunities that require the following:
Your involvement helps ensure older adults feel valued, connected, and informed, while supporting the centre in delivering excellent programs and services.
For more information on Adult/Older Adult Recreation Centres Volunteer Opportunities, please email 50plus@cambridge.ca
Role Overview
As a Volunteer at the Older Adult Centre, you will help create a warm, welcoming environment for members, visitors, and program participants. This role combines front-line hospitality with light administrative support to ensure older adults feel comfortable, informed, and connected to services.
Key Responsibilities
Skills and Qualities
Older Adult Tuck Shop and/or Kitchen (Ages 18+)
Role Overview
We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to support the daily operations of our tuck shop and kitchen. This hands-on role is perfect for someone who enjoys food prep, customer service, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you’re chopping veggies or serving up a warm bowl of soup, your contribution helps create a welcoming and nourishing environment for our community.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation
• Wash, peel, and chop vegetables for meals and snacks
• Bake muffins and assist with other simple baked goods
• Assemble sandwiches and prepare light meals like soup
Serving & Customer Interaction
• Serve drinks, snacks, and meals to customers in a friendly manner
• Handle basic transactions (if applicable)
• Answer questions about menu items and ingredients
Tuck Shop & Kitchen Maintenance
• Keep food preparation areas clean and organized
• Restock shelves, fridges, and supplies as needed
• Ensure tuck shop displays are tidy and appealing
• Follow basic food safety and hygiene guideline
• Weekly commitment of 4 to 5 hours
Skills and Qualities
• Friendly and approachable demeanor
• Basic kitchen skills
• Attention to cleanliness and detail
• Team player with a positive attitude
• Willing to obtain Safe Food Handling Certification
Older Adult Special Events (Ages 18+)
Role Overview
Are you passionate about bringing people together and creating memorable experiences? Join our Special Events Volunteer team! This role involves helping plan, prepare, and run community events—from seasonal celebrations to fundraisers and themed gatherings. Volunteers meet monthly to brainstorm and organize, and play a key role in making each event a success on the day.
Key Responsibilities
Event Planning & Coordination
• Attend event day and monthly planning meetings to brainstorm ideas and assign tasks
• Help develop event themes, menus, and activity schedules
• Assist with sourcing supplies, decorations and entertainment
Event Day Support
• Set up tables, food stations, signage, and décor
• Serve food and beverages safely and efficiently
• Greet guests and help facilitate activities
• Maintain a clean and welcoming environment throughout the event
Post-Event Duties
• Help with cleanup and packing away supplies
• Provide feedback and suggestions for future events
Skills and Qualities
• Willingness to assist with food preparation and service
• Safe Food Handling certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Smart Serve Certification will be required if alcohol is serves at the event
• Ability to work collaboratively and follow instructions
• Friendly, flexible, and proactive attitude
Friendly Visiting Program Volunteer (Ages 18+)
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.
The City of Cambridge Adult Day Programs is a supportive social recreational program that enables older adults and adults with physical disabilities to have a day out with peers to socialize, enjoy games, arts & crafts, music, exercise and enjoy nutritious snacks and a 3 course meal prepared in the day program kitchen located at the William E. Pautler Centre. Meals are the highlight of the day for many of the participants.
Kitchen Volunteer (Ages 16+)
Come join our food services team and help prepare and serve delicious and nutritious food and bring comfort and joy to our older adults. Volunteers are needed to support the cook to plate and serve food, set up and clean up the dining room, wash dishes and food preparation. The minimum age to volunteer is 16 years of age.
Locations: William E. Pautler Centre & Allan Reuter Centre
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday
Shifts: 3 to 4 hours in length between 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (will consider shorter shifts for those not able to commit to a full 3 hours).
For more information, please email our 50+ recreation staff.
Cambridge Celebration of the Arts
Volunteer for the Cambridge Celebration of the Arts! Roles include: event helper, greeter, stage support, and set up helper.
Date: Friday June 19 - Saturday June 20, 2026
Location: Cambridge City Hall, 50 Dickson St
Time:
Volunteer shifts:
Friday June 19:
Saturday June 20:
For more information, email event staff.
Volunteer for the Canada Day Parade and Event in Riverside Park! Roles include: shuttle bus attendant, parking attendant, children’s area helper, vendor set up helper, activity attendant, event support, stage support, accessibility support, greeter/floating help, tear down crew.
Date: Wednesday July 1, 2026
Locations:
Parade Shift: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Riverside Park Shifts:
For more information, email event staff.
We have opportunities for all age groups but individuals under the age of 18 will require parent/guardian permission.
No experience needed, just your willingness to give back!
Absolutely, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer with your friends. Sign up for events or helping at one of our parades are just two examples.
Yes, there are many opportunities to volunteer on the weekend. Ice Rink maintenance, working at our rec centres, helping at an event, doing a community clean up are just a few examples of volunteer opportunities that can happen on the weekend.
By signing up to be a volunteer through our volunteer portal you will create a profile. Once you have been assigned a volunteer opportunity you will be able to track your hours through your profile.
