For Healthcare Providers

Our Volunteers

Compassion in Action. Community in Care.

Volunteering at Oak Ridges Hospice is more than just giving your time—it’s about bringing comfort, dignity, and connection to individuals and families during life’s most tender moments. Whether you’re sharing a smile with a resident, supporting grieving families, baking a fresh batch of muffins, or helping organize a community fundraiser, your time and energy help create a place of warmth and peace.

Volunteer Roles

We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to suit different interests, schedules, and comfort levels. Each role plays a unique part in making Oak Ridges Hospice a warm, welcoming, and supportive place for everyone.

Administrative Support Volunteer

Assist hospice staff with essential administrative tasks such as data entry, photocopying, assembling packages, and making phone calls. Your organizational skills will help maintain the smooth operation of our hospice services.​

Direct Support Volunteer

Provide companionship and non-medical assistance to residents and their families. This includes offering emotional support, helping with light housekeeping, and giving caregivers much-needed respite.

Kitchen Volunteer

Create a warm, home-like environment by preparing and serving meals, baking treats, and ensuring the kitchen area is clean and welcoming. Your efforts contribute to the comfort and well-being of residents and their families.​

Welcome Desk Volunteer

Be the first point of contact for visitors by greeting them warmly, answering phone calls, and providing information. Your friendly demeanor will help create a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter the hospice.

Grief and Bereavement Support Volunteer

Offer compassionate support to individuals coping with loss through phone calls, one-on-one meetings, or group sessions. Your empathy and understanding can provide comfort during difficult times.

Occasional Skill Sharing Volunteer

Share your unique talents—such as music, art, gardening, or crafts—to enrich the lives of residents, families, and staff. Your skills can bring joy and therapeutic benefits to our hospice community.

Special Events and Fundraising Volunteer

Assist in organizing and executing fundraising events that support hospice programs. Tasks may include event planning, setup and takedown, and administrative support, helping to raise essential funds for our services.

Volunteer Testimonials

“Volunteering at ORH has been a blessing for me, I can even say a life changing experience, I am truly grateful to the ORH Team.”

Nadine L, Direct Support

“To me, volunteering at Oak Ridges is about showing up for others, to listen, to lend a hand, to offer service to others. I feel like it’s a small way to make a difference and it fills me with great joy to do so”

Ellen B, Reception Volunteer

“Being the Monday Night Reception Volunteer I find the love and compassion of the visitors is combined with a feeling of relief that their loved one’s final days are filled with the care and consideration of our support staff. I began volunteering during Covid when everyone was isolated and alone. My wish is to show that, if only for the brief moment when I greet them at the front door, I am there to welcome them into our hospice family.”

“It’s hard to express just how much volunteering at Oak Ridges means to me. It may seem unusual, but some of my most fulfilling days have been spent in the kitchen, preparing meals for the residents. While there is an underlying sadness in knowing our residents are nearing the end of their lives, the time they spend at ORH can be filled with love, laughter, and special times with their families.”

Aly M, Kitchen Volunteer & Hockey Night in Port Perry Committee

“I am one of your gardening volunteers and I have been doing it for 2 years now. After my mom passed away at the hospice, I wanted to help the hospice out but I was not sure what I could do. I enjoy gardening and after talking with some staff I learned they needed help looking after the gardens. I enjoy working on the gardens because when I leave, I feel I have made a difference in my own small way. If visitors and staff can enjoy the gardens, then it is all worth the effort to work on them.”

Tom A, Volunteer Gardener

“Oak Ridges Hospice is a wonderful part of the community. By volunteering my time on Reception I feel like I am contributing in a small way. The staff members make all the volunteers feel like we are part of the important service provided in this facility. It is an honour to meet the people who come through our doors. I am proud to say I am part of the “team”.”

Shelley Bertrim, Reception Volunteer

“I feel that it is a privilege to “walk a few steps” with people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Hearing and honouring their stories is such a meaningful experience. When trust is built, healing can happen. What an uplifting and hopeful thing for someone to be part of.”

Judy S – Grief and Bereavement Volunteer

“I love coming into Oak Ridges Hospice for my shift and any others I pick up. It is such a positive experience with staff, care team, family members and other volunteers. Everyday I come in, I know I’m leaving with a positive vibe. Thanks for this opportunity to share and to all who get this newsletter, thanks for the work you do; you are appreciated!!”

Ken E, Kitchen Volunteer

“My name is Michelle P. I am a Reception and Direct Support Volunteer at the hospice! I remember the first-time walking through the doors of the hospice and knowing this is where I was meant to be! My role as a reception volunteer gives me the opportunity to meet families and friends of our residents. My goal is to always be warm and welcoming to everyone that comes through the door! I understand how difficult it is for these families and I always try to make things a little brighter for them. I really enjoy being a Direct Support volunteer as it enables me to interact directly with the residents and their families! I love hearing their stories and doing whatever I can to make their journey a little easier. Volunteering has been a part of my life for thirty-five years! The hospice is a very special place and I love volunteering here and knowing I am helping in some small way as families navigate one of the hardest journeys they will ever take.”

Ready to Make a Difference?

Becoming a volunteer at Oak Ridges Hospice means joining a compassionate community committed to care, dignity, and connection. Whether you’re looking for a few hours a month or a regular volunteer schedule, there’s a place for you here.

Open Volunteer Positions