Volunteer Ottawa: Empowering Community Through Volunteerism and Non-Profit Support

Since its founding in 1957, Volunteer Ottawa (VO) has been a cornerstone of community engagement in the Ottawa region. As a registered charity and social enterprise, VO connects individuals with meaningful volunteer opportunities, supports non-profit organizations, and fosters a culture of giving back. With a mission to strengthen the community by supporting volunteers and the non-profit sector, VO envisions an inclusive and engaged community benefiting from committed volunteers and a robust non-profit landscape. 

Connecting Volunteers with Opportunities

Volunteer Ottawa serves as a central hub for individuals seeking to contribute their time and skills to causes they care about. Through its user-friendly platform, VO offers a comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities across various sectors, including health care, education, environment, and more. Whether you're a student looking to gain experience, a professional seeking to give back, or a newcomer aiming to integrate into the community, VO provides tailored opportunities to match your interests and availability.

Supporting Non-Profit Organizations

Beyond connecting volunteers, Volunteer Ottawa plays a pivotal role in strengthening the non-profit sector. By offering membership to charities, non-profits, and community organizations, VO provides access to a range of benefits, including:

• Volunteer Recruitment: Members can post unlimited volunteer opportunities and access a pool of over 15,000 engaged volunteers.
  
  
• Training and Workshops: VO offers workshops and training sessions on topics like volunteer management, board leadership, and fundraising to enhance organizational capacity.
  
  
• Networking Opportunities: Through events like the annual Volunteer Expo and community breakfasts, members can connect with peers, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives.
  
  

Promoting Volunteerism and Community Engagement

Volunteer Ottawa is committed to promoting volunteerism as a vital component of a healthy and inclusive community. By advocating for the importance of volunteering, VO encourages civic engagement and fosters a sense of belonging among residents. Through initiatives like the VOscars Awards, VO recognizes and celebrates the contributions of outstanding volunteers, highlighting the impact of their service on the community.

How You Can Get Involved

1. Volunteer Your Time: Create a free account on Volunteer Ottawa's website to browse and apply for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.
2. Support Non-Profit Organizations: If you're part of a non-profit organization, consider becoming a VO member to access resources, training, and a network of volunteers to support your mission.
3. Donate: Your financial contributions help VO continue its work in connecting volunteers and strengthening the non-profit sector. Donations can be made securely through CanadaHelps.
4. Stay Informed: Subscribe to VO's newsletters to receive updates on volunteer opportunities, training sessions, and community events. Newsletters are available for individuals interested in volunteering, leadership roles, and non-profit professionals.
5. Spread the Word: If you know of other non-profit organizations or individuals passionate about community service, encourage them to connect with Volunteer Ottawa and explore the resources available.

Be Part of Something Bigger

When you volunteer, donate, or share our mission, you’re not just helping one cause—you’re strengthening an entire community. Join us at Volunteer Ottawa to give back, support local non-profits, and build a more connected, caring city. One act of kindness can spark lasting change. Let’s make it happen—together.