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Volunteer – York Region Educational Services

Volunteer Success Program

York Region Educational Services (YRES) is a proud recipient of Canada's Volunteer Award, dedicated to leading community volunteerism!

🏆 Canada's Volunteer Award Recipient

Make a Real Difference Through Volunteering

Help support accessible education programs, mentor youth, and build real community impact across the GTA alongside an inspiring team of volunteers and staff.

Sign Up Now Learn More
YRES Presents: Volunteer Success
Funded in Part by Canada Service Corps | Canada

The Youth Volunteer Success Program is funded in part by the Canadian Service Corps, a national movement empowering youth aged 12–30 to gain experience and give back. Learn more at canada.ca/canadaservicecorps →

1,000+ Communities Served
385,000+ Volunteer Hours
200+ Community Partners
3,000+ Total Volunteers
50+ Networking Events
Nationwide Volunteer Reach
2025 Yearbook

Volunteer Success Program Yearbook

A look back at our achievements and the incredible volunteers who made 2025 unforgettable.

See It In Action

Hear From Our Volunteers

Get a glimpse of what it's like to be part of the YRES Volunteer Success Program.

How it works

Steps to Join the Volunteer Program

From application to impact — here's how to get started in just a few steps.

1

Apply Online

Click "Sign Up Now" and complete the short intake form. It takes only 2–3 minutes.

2

Meet Your Advisor

A Youth Advisor will reach out to help match you with the best volunteer placement.

3

Get Trained

Attend orientation and training sessions. All hours here count towards your total.

4

Volunteer & Grow

Complete your placement hours, attend events, and build real community impact.

5

Get Recognized

Receive your Certificate of Recognition verified by the Government of Canada, plus digital badges that acknowledge your contributions.

Free Perks

What You Get as a YRES Volunteer

Everything is completely free — no hidden fees, no costs, just opportunities.

🤝

Monthly Networking Events

Free monthly events with peers, professionals, and community leaders — complimentary refreshments included at in-person events.

🎓

1:1 Training & Coaching

Personalized training materials, free books, and direct coaching from Youth Advisors.

🏆

Volunteer Conferences & Fairs

Invitations to YRES's annual volunteer conferences and fairs across Canada with employers and partner organizations.

📋

Personalized Skill Plans

Custom development plans tailored to your future career goals. 45% of YRES summer staff were former YRES volunteers!

🎖️

Official Recognition

Eligible volunteers receive a Government of Canada Certificate of Recognition. All YRES volunteer hours also count toward your school board's community service requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

🎖️

Earn an Official Certificate of Recognition

Volunteers who complete 120 hours with YRES receive an official Certificate of Recognition verified by the Government of Canada.

This trusted credential strengthens your career profile and stands out on applications and resumes. All YRES volunteer hours also count toward your school board's community service requirement for the OSSD.

More About Volunteering With Us

Who Can Volunteer & What You'll Build

Open to youth and adults across Canada — here's what to expect and what you'll gain.

Eligibility

📍

Location

GTA, Ottawa, Vancouver, and across Canada

🎂

Age

12+ for both virtual and in-person roles

💰

Cost

100% Free — no hidden charges

🗓️

Commitment

Min. 10 hrs/month virtual; flexible in-person

💻

Requirements

Internet access and a passion to serve

🏫

OSSD Hours

All YRES activities count toward graduation hours

Skills You'll Build

Leadership

Take on roles that develop your ability to lead, delegate, and guide teams and youth.

Communication

Sharpen public speaking and writing skills working alongside experienced professionals.

Teamwork

Collaborate with a diverse, nationwide team committed to community change.

Problem Solving

Navigate real challenges in community programming, events, and educational delivery.

Event Coordination

Help plan, organize, and run community events, fairs, and volunteer conferences.

Tech & Digital Skills

Support roles in tech, photography, social media, and digital outreach initiatives.

Current Openings

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

In-person and virtual placements available across the GTA, Vancouver, Ottawa, and more.

York Region Volunteer Fair 2026
Apr 25 2026

York Region Volunteer Fair 2026

Explore volunteer opportunities, connect with community organizations, and learn how to get involved across York Region and beyond.

View details →
Summer Camp 2026
July – Aug 2026

Summer Camp 2026

Be a camp counsellor, activity lead, or support volunteer for our flagship summer program.

View details →
Library Info Sessions
Mar – Jun 2026

Library Info Sessions

Support educational info sessions at local libraries across the York Region area.

View details →
Networking

Connect, Grow & Give Back

Open to everyone! Fun games, free prizes, and complimentary refreshments at in-person events. Invite up to 3 guests.

In-Person Markham Networking

Connect face-to-face with peers, professionals, and community leaders at our Markham office.

📍 605-3100 Steeles Ave East, Markham
🗓️ Dates coming soon
RSVP Here

Virtual Networking Events

Join from anywhere in Canada for online networking sessions via Zoom with youth and professionals.

💻 On Zoom
🗓️ Dates coming soon
RSVP Here

Canada-Wide Events

Events hosted in cities across Canada — including Vancouver, Ottawa, and the Greater Toronto Area.

🇨🇦 Multiple locations
🗓️ See RSVP form for dates
RSVP Here
Volunteer Voices

What Our Volunteers Say

Real reflections from the YRES volunteer community.

"

I realized I was missing a sense of connection and wanted to find a meaningful way to give back, so I started volunteering. Honestly, the skills I've developed — stronger communication and a real reckoning of purpose — have changed how I approach my daily life. The team at YRES is so welcoming: it genuinely feels like I'm making a difference every time I step through the door. If you're considering joining, my advice is simple: bring your positive attitude, stay open to new people, and just enjoy the ride. It's truly rewarding!

Clement S.
Clement S.
March Break Camp Volunteer
"

YRES is an excellent program for youth who are eager to make a positive impact in their community. It provides exceptional support to volunteers, helping young people build confidence and develop practical life skills that are essential for personal growth. This is an opportunity not to be missed, and I encourage all interested youth to get involved in this meaningful program.

Adrian S.
Adrian S.
Summer Camp Volunteer
"

Some experience I've gotten from working with YRES is that I have gotten much better at telling the kids what to do — what is right and what is wrong. My leadership skills have also improved and I am now not as afraid to speak up. It has also gotten a lot easier to wake up earlier since my mind is more occupied with the responsibility of arriving on time to take care of stuff at the camp.

Tiffany C.
Tiffany C.
Camp Volunteer

Read all volunteer reflections →

Events Calendar

Volunteer Opportunities Calendar

Stay up to date with upcoming events, camps, and networking opportunities.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before applying.

How do I apply?
Click the "Sign Up Now" button to register for our Volunteer Success Program. Complete the intake form and a Youth Advisor will reach out to help match you with the right placement.
Do I need prior experience?
No, the program is open to all youth regardless of experience. We welcome first-time volunteers and provide all the training you need.
Can I volunteer remotely?
Yes! Some opportunities are available remotely across Canada.
What volunteer roles are available?

📍 In-Person

Camp

  • • Counsellor-In-Training
  • • Camp Operations Assistant
  • • Camp Marketing Volunteer

Fairs, Special Events & Library Info Sessions

  • • Booth Assistant
  • • Floater / Crowd Control
  • • Entrance / Exit Volunteer
  • • Brand Ambassador

Lego Workshop

  • • Lego Workshop Assistant

💻 Virtual

  • • Data Analysis Assistant
  • • Market Research Assistant
  • • Blog Writing Assistant
  • • Web Developer Assistant
  • • Social Media Assistant
  • • Teaching Assistant
  • • Well-Being Project Assistant
Will I receive training?
Yes! Volunteers receive mentorship, workshops, Google Classroom training, and in-person/virtual sessions tailored to their growth.
What do I gain from this program?
You will receive: a certificate of completion, networking opportunities with professionals and organizations, and transferable skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
Are there networking opportunities?
Yes! We host monthly networking events and an annual Youth Conference & Volunteer Fair. Click here for details.
What are the qualifications and requirements for volunteers?
Volunteers must be 12 years old or older to join our volunteer program for both virtual and in-person roles. You must reside in Canada for the duration of your volunteer period, have access to a computer and the internet, be passionate about education, be enthusiastic and ready to learn, and be able to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per month in the virtual volunteer program. For in-person recurring events, you must not fail to show up without prior notice more than once; otherwise, your registration will be withdrawn.
Can volunteer hours from YRES be used towards fulfilling community involvement hour requirements for high school graduation?
At YRES, any training, meetings, lessons and activities you participate in will count towards your hours! Only community activity hours at YRES or other not-for-profit organizations can be counted to the OSSD requirement. When your volunteer period has ended, send us the record form from your school or school guidance to have it signed off via volunteer@yorkeducation.ca. Please fill in as many blanks as you can before sending it across. *OSSD activity hours eligibility may differ.
How will I get my volunteer hours?
When your volunteer period has ended, send us the record form from your school or school guidance to have it signed off via volunteer@yorkeducation.ca. Please fill in as many blanks as you can before sending it across.
Do I need to do both in-person and the virtual volunteering to join the team?
No, you don't. You have the option of signing up for in-person, virtual, or hybrid, in the sign up form.
Am I confirmed for a shift after signing up and providing my availability?
No, there is a volunteer selection process that takes place after the response window closes. We take your availability into consideration and send a confirmation email to selected volunteers closer to the date of the event.
Can I volunteer if I am an international high-school or university student currently studying in Canada?
Yes, you are welcome to join our volunteering opportunities so long as you are currently residing in Canada for the duration of your volunteer commitment.
Can YRES volunteer hours be used towards fulfilling placement hours?
YRES Volunteer hours cannot be used to fulfill placement hours. Volunteer roles and placement/co-op positions are separate and cannot be used toward placement requirements. To explore our placement or co-op opportunities, visit the Join Us page.
What counts towards my hours?
Only community activity hours at YRES or other not-for-profit organizations can be counted to the OSSD requirement. At YRES, any training, meetings, lessons and activities you participate in will count towards your hours! *OSSD volunteer hour eligibility may differ.
How can I get in touch for more questions?
Email: volunteer@yorkeducation.ca
Phone: 647-808-3398
Website: yorkeducation.org
Instagram: @york.education
Contact Us

Get in Touch

Call Us

(647) 808-3398