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Volunteer
At Participation Lodge, volunteers are a vital link between our organization and the broader community. Your time and dedication allow us to expand and enhance the supports we offer to individuals with complex needs.
“Your involvement helps build a more inclusive, connected community—one act of service at a time.”
Opportunities
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Build Meaningful Connections
Spend one-on-one time with individuals and help them feel more connected to their community.
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Share Your Skills or Talents
Offer a hobby, craft, or special talent to individuals or small groups in a fun and supportive setting.
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Create New Experiences
Help someone explore new opportunities, places, and activities they might not otherwise experience.
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Enjoy Time Together
Bond over shared interests, hobbies, or conversation while making a positive impact.
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Lead Active Living Sessions
Facilitate group fitness classes or movement-based activities to encourage healthy living.
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Provide Personalized Support
Engage in one-on-one visits or support tailored to individual needs and goals.
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Support Fundraising Events
Assist with planning, promoting, and running events that help fund essential programs and services.
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Transportation Assistance
Help individuals get to programs, recreational outings, community events, and appointments.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering at Participation Lodge is more than just giving your time—it is an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the social services field while making a real difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and physical barriers.
One benefit of volunteering with us is we offer a welcoming environment with flexible time commitments, a full orientation, and ongoing training to support your growth.
Join us and help make meaningful change—one day, one connection, one life at a time.
Testimonials
Jan R.
Do you have an ability that brings you joy? Is there a way to bring that joy to the residents of PLGB, by volunteering? Is it music, movement, stories, beauty treatments, pets, plants, reading? Please share that joy! We are a caring community, encouraging each other on our life's journey. You are welcome to join us. Everyone has a story to tell, a need for human interaction, a gift to share with the world. My friends at the Lodge are the BEST! Open your heart. Care about others. Share what you have, so we all will be richer. Get to know a resident or all the residents at PLGB. They have a richness to share.
When I volunteer, I have fun! Everyone at the Lodge is unique, and I am made richer by knowing them.
Bronwen H.
I started volunteering in the rec department at Participation Lodge when I was a student in the DSW program at Cambrian college. My role was mainly shadowing the staff on trips and outings, pitching in wherever I was needed, and offering one on one supports. On special occasions I was invited to assist with decorating, carving pumpkins, and making banners alongside the residents.
I found exactly the real world, on the job, experience I was looking for, thanks to patient staff who were willing to teach, and residents who happily let me hang out, or tag along. Participation Lodge gave me my first real look at person-centered care, along with a ton of fun times and memories to take on my way! If you have some hours to spare, I promise you won’t regret offering them to the residents and staff of Participation Lodge. I gained more than I gave, and Sandy and Veronica remain my role models today!
Jackie P.
I was a volunteer at PLGB for a number of years and loved every minute of it. The residents will help you forget your problems, every time you enter the doors.
You will attend events that you might not otherwise go to. i.e. Blue Jays games, Stars on Ice with seats on the ice, RCMP ride, Santa Claus parades, Scarecrow parades, Pumpkin Fest and on and on. You will share the thrills with the residents and watch their enthusiasm when the Owen Sound Attack score a goal - or better still, win the game! Then there are the quiet times when you just sit with a resident and watch a movie, or not say a word but just hold their hand, or colour with them. Of course, there is always the shopping days, and you'd better have your running shoes on.
Helping with theme parties such as Hallowe'en, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Canada Day. If, by giving a few hours of your time a week, or a month, to help add happiness to the residents of the Lodge, would you please consider being a volunteer? It is a job like no other.
