Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo

THE BREAKFAST CLUB

Provides a warm, welcoming space where community members gather to share a light breakfast, build connections, and access informal health and wellness resources. Open to everyone, the club emphasizes inclusivity, addressing food insecurity, reducing social isolation, and supporting overall well-being through a shared meal and meaningful community engagement.

PURPOSE

The Breakfast Club Volunteer supports the Health and Wellness team by helping prepare, serve, and clean up meals while also actively fostering an inclusive, respectful, and engaging environment. Volunteers play a key role in welcoming participants, sparking conversation, and supporting any social or group activities that may occur during the program.

BENEFITS TO VOLUNTEER

• Gain experience in community food programs and food safety practices
• Contribute to reducing food insecurity in your community
• Develop skills in hospitality, teamwork, and communication
• Build connections with community members
• Volunteer in a diverse and inclusive environment

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Warmly greet participants as they arrive.
2. Support a friendly, respectful, and inclusive environment by engaging in light, positive conversation and encouraging interaction among participants. Respect when individuals prefer quiet or limited interaction.
3. Assist in preparing and serving breakfast in accordance with food safety guidelines.
4. Set up and tidy the program area before and after the program, including dishwashing and organizing supplies.
5. Support any group activity or light programming occurring during the Breakfast Club.
6. Monitor the environment for safety and accessibility, and report concerns to staff.
7. Offer feedback after the session to help improve the experience for future participants.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIRED SKILLS

• Ability to work effectively with culturally and economically diverse individuals, while accommodating a wide range of abilities
• Demonstrate commitment to fostering equity, inclusion, and diversity
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Friendly, patient, and approachable demeanor
• Comfortable encouraging small group conversations
• Must complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check
• Ability to follow food safety and hygiene protocols

SUPERVISION

1. Each volunteer will be assigned a staff supervisor.
2. The staff supervisor or another designated staff will be available (either in person or by phone) if a question or issue arises.

ORIENTATION / TRAINING

1. Complete the Volunteer Application Form.
2. Submit the following before beginning your position: Vulnerable Sector Police Check, Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination, 2 References.
3. Complete orientation training modules and read required policies. Approximately 5 hours will be required to complete this training.

EVALUATION

1. Volunteers receive ongoing performance feedback from their staff supervisor and/or volunteer coordinator.
2. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in an annual volunteer experience survey.

TIME COMMITMENT, REQUIRED HOURS & LOCATION

Time Commitment: 4 months

Required Hours: Fridays 9:30 am-11:30 am

Location: 44 Francis Street South, Kitchener