At Start Me Up Niagara, we value and appreciate our volunteers!

IN AN EFFORT TO PROTECT OUR PARTICIPANTS, ALL VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT PROOF OF DOUBLE VACCINATION.

Working Together

Volunteers play an important role in the functionality of Start Me Up Niagara. We encourage anyone with the time and interest in volunteering to reach out to us about what opportunities exist.

We always welcome our own participants along with community members to be a part of the team.

Volunteering for Start Me Up means you can make a real difference — not just in the lives of others, but in your own life journey as well. While the time volunteers dedicate help us to fulfill our commitment of providing support to individuals facing significant life challenges, many volunteers also find meaning for themselves in giving back, learning new skills and building connections in their community.

Without our dedicated team of volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to offer the programs and activities participants have come to count on. Volunteers help in a number of areas:

"In this world filled with turmoil, it is refreshing to know that there are "angels" walking among us. Those "angels" are the men and women working for Start Me Up Niagara. The efforts they show their clients they assist are endless. They try and make the lives of these clients better. Finding them shelter, food, household goods, dealing with banking issues, doctor issues, and the list goes on."
- Danny

Current Volunteer Opportunities

As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact. For more than twenty years we’ve counted on volunteers to support the work of Start Me Up Niagara in our community. The following volunteer opportunities are currently available.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR BOARD MEMBERS

We currently have vacancies on our Board of Directors and are accepting applications for those who live or work in the Niagara Region. We are seeking committed individuals to provide strategic oversight and leadership for our organization. Experience in human resources, finance and/or Board governance would be an asset.

Interested applicants are asked to submit a letter and resume outlining your qualifications to:
Paul Miller, Board Chair
Email to: paulridleymiller@gmail.com

Also see Call for Applications here: https://www.startmeupniagara.ca/site/board-of-directors

Fundraising & Events
Volunteer with us by representing Start Me Up Niagara at our Delta Bingo Charity events. Volunteers NOW NEEDED 2 times per month. Apply now, shifts available. Mandatory training provided.

Resource Drop-In Centre

Our Centre crew help serve coffee, pastries, clean up, and engage in recreational activities with our participants.

Volunteer Driver for the Second Harvest Food Program

Driving to local restaurants to pick up fresh, unsold food items and then delivering them back to the Resource Drop-In Centre for participants to enjoy. This opportunity requires a commitment of one shift a week and volunteers must have a reliable vehicle.

Community Garden Volunteer

The volunteer program runs from May to September and is out of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Use the adjacent form to apply to be a part of this program.

Submit Your Volunteer Application

To express your interest in a current opportunity, please complete and submit the full application form below.

Date Submitted *

First Name *

Last Name *

Mailing Address *

Phone *

Email *

What volunteer position are you interested in? *

Education Level: (highest level completed) *

Please select your main form of TRANSPORTATION: *

Did you give permission for a police check/ driver's abstract if required? *

Have you had any previous experience as a volunteer? If so, with which organizations and what kind of work did you do? *

By checking the following, I agree that the information provided is correct at this time. I understand that my application is under review and I will be notified should a Volunteer position with SMUN become available. *

I AGREE

Spam Blocker

We thank you for submitting this application and we appreciate your consideration in volunteering with SMUN. We look forward to the possibility of working with you soon. If you have any questions about this application, please reach out to volunteer@startmeupniagara.ca or 905-984-5310, x 108.

News & Updates

Amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet and Start Me Up Niagara

Nov 10th, 2022

Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) is very excited to announce the amalgamation of Niagara’s Mobile Closet (NMC) and SMUN to help those most in need in our communities. SMUN and NMC have a long history of ensuring that those living in low income areas and those experiencing homelessness have access to clean, new clothes, hygiene products and other community services. This mobile program allows individuals easier access to clothing, allows individuals to grow and to participate.

Warming Centre to open in St. Catharines for the vulnerable

Jan 24th, 2022

Jan. 24, 2022 – With temperatures dropping, Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN), Silver Spire United Church and Niagara Region have worked jointly to open a warming centre to give those who are vulnerable and may be experiencing homelessness a safe, warm indoor place to rest and access amenities in St. Catharines. Silver Spire United Church located at 366 St. Paul Street in St. Catharines will be opening its doors for the warming centre on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022.

Volunteer