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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:
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.
Come help clean up Mill Race Park! Volunteer roles include litter clean up, garden clean up, painting and sign refreshing. Supplies and briefing will be provided on site.
Dates: Sunday May 31 and Sunday June 7, 2026
Time: 10am-3pm
Location: Mill Race Park (Meet at LA Frank's Parking Lot), 36 Water St N, Cambridge ON N1R 3B1
Apply now by completing the Volunteer Application Form. If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@cambridge.ca.
Volunteer for Goose on the Grand! A free, family-friendly event with activities, entertainment, food, and a duck race on the Grand. Volunteers will assist with set up, take down, and running the event.
Dates: Sunday June 14, 2026
Time: 10am-4pm
Volunteer Shifts: 8am-1pm and 12pm-5pm
Location: Mill Race Park, 36 Water St N, Cambridge ON N1R 3B1
Apply now by completing the Volunteer Application Form. If you have any questions, please contact volunteer@cambridge.ca.
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.
