**Welcome

Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Pandemic Volunteer Pool!   

The Region, area municipalities, and Volunteer Action Centre have launched this pandemic volunteer program that places volunteers where they are needed most.  It will ensure all agencies, registered volunteers, and the people they serve as part of the COVID-19 response are protected during this state of emergency.

What is the pandemic volunteer pool?

The pandemic volunteer pool is a group of community members 18 years of age and over who have been pre-screened and are willing to help agencies who are providing critical community services during the pandemic. In keeping with Ontario public health recommendations, individuals 65 years of age and over are eligible for virtual volunteer positions (i.e. those that can be done from home) if available. For other types of virtual volunteer positions check out the Volunteer Action Centre.

I don’t fit into the required age category. Can I still help?  

If you are under 18:

Please check out the Volunteer Action Centre’s youth page for potential volunteer opportunities.

What are the benefits of being part of the pandemic volunteer program?

Registered volunteers that placed with an agency through the pandemic volunteer program are eligible for WSIB coverage.  Volunteers are not usually eligible for WSIB coverage but there are provisions under the WSIB Operational Policy Manual Volunteer Forces (12-04-02) and Emergency Workers (12-04-03), that allow for emergency volunteers to be eligible for coverage.

How can I join the volunteer pool?

To join the volunteer pool, you must complete an online application form, participate in a telephone intake interview, provide satisfactory references, and agree to the pandemic volunteer policies and waivers. If you are interested in joining the pool, please apply by clicking on the orange button on the right. Please see our FAQs for more on the information you will need to have with you when you apply.

What happens if I am accepted into the volunteer pool?

If you are placed in the volunteer pool, you will be considered for all relevant pandemic response volunteer opportunities. If there is a position that matches your skills and interests, you will be introduced to a volunteer supervisor at the agency in need. The supervisor may do additional screening/intake to confirm that it’s a good match for you and the agency. If it is, you will become a temporary volunteer for the agency and will receive orientation and training.

Community members stay in the volunteer pool until:

• They are no longer available to volunteer;
• They are successfully placed as a volunteer with an agency; or
• The Region of Waterloo’s State of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act ends.

If I am placed in the volunteer pool, am I guaranteed a position?

Volunteers will be matched with positions based on needs determined by the Pandemic Response Community Control Group. We cannot guarantee that you will be placed immediately but will be sending you positions that match your application and availability as soon as possible. 

What skills and experiences are needed for the Volunteer Pool?

We expect that agencies may be looking for volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks that may include:

• Customer service
• Office work
• Food preparation
• Driving and transportation
• Computer-based work

Currently, the majority of positions we receive require a Vulnerable Sector Check. Detailed instructions on how to pursue this, if you are amenable, will be forwarded once you have completed the intake process. 

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the application process, matching, and placement.