Volunteer
Help us bring the power of a wish to children, families and communities across Canada. Become a Make-A-Wish volunteer today and join a dedicated, nationwide network of Canadians who give their time and skills to help create moments of hope for children diagnosed with a critical illness.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have a variety of opportunities available throughout the year, based on the ongoing needs of the organization.
Wish granting
These volunteers are actively involved in the wish granting journey to create an unforgettable wish experience.
Special events
Provide onsite assistance at one of the many fundraising events held across the country to raise funds to support granting wishes.
General volunteer
Participate in a wide variety of events, including event support, hosting an information booth, fundraising, and much more!
Celebrating Our Volunteers!
National Volunteer Week is an important time for us to recognize, honour, and celebrate our dedicated volunteers. Their passion, commitment and generosity are what make life changing wishes possible for children when they need them most.
Volunteer of the Year Awards
These awards honour volunteers who have made a significant impact through their selfless dedication and commitment to serving children with critical illnesses, their families and communities.
Benefits of Volunteering
Whether you are a professional, retiree, or student, live in a big city or in a rural area – you can benefit from volunteer engagement with Make-A-Wish Canada through various opportunities across the country. As an integral part of our team, we will support you every step of the way.
Volunteering allows you to:
- Meet new people and build connections
- Improve existing skills or learn new ones
- Try new things and step out of your comfort zone
- Build your resume and gain experience
- Engage with your community
- Make a difference in a child’s life
- Have fun and be awesome!
Volunteers across the country
1,200
General Frequently Asked Questions
Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions. For detailed FAQs tailored to each volunteer opportunity, please visit the respective opportunity pages.
You must be 18 years of age or older when applying.
Some special events accept volunteers under the age of 18. Please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected].
Your application will be reviewed by a member of our Volunteer Engagement Team. They use this application as a preliminary screening tool to help determine where your skills could match with the roles available along with our current program needs.
If you are selected, the local Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will reach out to schedule an interview – this can be in-person or virtual. We meet with each potential volunteer to have a two-way conversation about available roles and to learn more about how you envision your volunteer path unfolding. This is your opportunity to learn more about Make-A-Wish Canada and help determine if we are the right fit for you.
If successful, the local Volunteer Engagement Coordinator will request further documentation from you including: a criminal background check and 2 references.
No. References need to be unrelated and someone who has known you a minimum of 1 year. We will ask for one professional and one personal reference.
Due to the high number of applications received, we are only able to contact successful applicants. If you applied more than 3 months ago, you are welcome to reapply.
No, we do not guarantee positions.
Yes. Due to the nature of our work, all volunteers must successfully complete a criminal background check as part of the initial onboarding process and every three (3) years thereafter.
Make-A-Wish Canada uses the services of Sterling Backcheck to complete all staff and volunteer background checks. Currently*.
*Subject to change without notice
Make-A-Wish Canada will not onboard/utilize a volunteer who has been convicted of a crime that is violent or sexual in nature. Other criminal convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
At this time, the process can take up to 4 weeks following the interview to complete*. However, the volunteer onboarding process does require the submission of forms by the applicant. The time it takes an applicant to submit forms can either lengthen or shorten the time it takes to complete this process.
*This time is an estimate – during peak times, this may increase.
Yes. All volunteers will receive training relevant to their role.
Wish Granting Application
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Make-A-Wish Canada.
At this time, we have paused the acceptance of new volunteer applications, except for wish-granting volunteers in the following regions:
- Manitoba
- Saskatchewan
- Centre-du-Québec, Estrie, Montérégie, Outaouais and Saguenay Regions (Quebec)
If you live in one of the regions listed above and would like to express your interest in becoming a wish-granting volunteer, please email us at [email protected] with your name, phone number, email address, and home address. We currently have sufficient volunteers in all other regions to meet our wish-granting needs.
Special Events Application
Want to volunteer at a special event in a major city near you? We’re looking for volunteers across Canada to support our regional fundraising events. Help promote brand awareness and raise vital funds to grant life-changing wishes! Please note: Event volunteers do not take part in wish reveals or the wish-granting process.
Before applying:
- For youth volunteering inquiries, please email [email protected]. Opportunities are very limited.
- Volunteer hours vary depending on the event.
- All volunteers must complete a criminal background check during onboarding and every three (3) years after. Make-A-Wish Canada will not onboard volunteers convicted of violent or sexual crimes. Other convictions are reviewed individually.
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