Volunteer
Centred Content
Volunteers are valued members of our team! Each day, volunteers give their time to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families.
Volunteers play an important role in the services Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society provide. Volunteer contributions provide an important link between the agency and the community that we serve.
Why Volunteer with HPCAS?
Volunteers at HPCAS make a difference in the lives of children and youth by:
- helping them to stay connected with their families and additional supports
- supporting learning and the development of important academic and life skills
- providing safety and security when in our care
- building positive experiences and demonstrating the act of caring
Centred Content
Steps to Becoming a Volunteer with HPCAS
If you have questions or are interested in becoming a volunteer with Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 519-271-5290 or 1-800-668-5094 ext. 2341 or teamvolunteer@h-pcas.ca
After speaking with our Volunteer Coordinator, the following must be completed:
- HPCAS Volunteer Application Package
- Children Protection Information Network Record Check
- Criminal & Vulnerable Sector’s Police Check
- 3 non-familial Reference checks (at least 2 professional)
- Additional signed agreements of understanding pertaining to the volunteer role
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act – online training
All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, with the exception of drivers who must be a minimum of 21 years old.
Current Opportunities
This position is the thread of our agency. Driver’s help transport children and youth to access visits, school and appointments. This position is very flexible, and mileage is reimbursed.
The Ignite program is a creative learning program designed to Ignite Curiosity, Ignite Creativity and Ignite Confidence. As a Mentor you will be paired with a child to explore fun weekly activities hosted by the Ignite Program at the Stratford site. Engage together in science experiments, baking, creative art and more.
The Ignite Program is a blend of group programming and individual connections between the Mentee and the assigned Ignite Mentor. The Ignite Mentor and Mentee will spend quality time building connection and enjoying similar interests together in the community. The Mentor will serve as a positive role model in the child’s life. At the end of each month, all enrolled Mentor’s and Mentee’s will gather in Clinton for a creative group program hosted by staff. This blend of programming encourages connection, community, and friendships for everyone in the Ignite Program.
In the Garden Mentor role, you will be responsible for transporting children and youth to the Stratford Community Garden to work in the garden together. Each week, your duties will include planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, and general maintenance. All tools and supplies will be provided for you. In this program, we strive for the Garden Mentor to share their knowledge and passion for gardening with a child. It is an opportunity for leaning and to build connections and lifelong skills.
Provides unique support based on a specific need and volunteer skill set.
Let’s Get Social
1 days ago
Summertime means more screen time. Here are some simple ways to help keep teens and youth safe online 📲
1️⃣ Talk openly about what they're seeing online. Make it clear they can come to you with questions or concerns — without getting in trouble.
2️⃣ Review privacy …settings together. Show them how to keep their personal information private and limit who can contact them or see their posts.
3️⃣ Set reasonable boundaries. Agree on when and where devices can be used. Consider tech-free zones during meals or before bed.
4️⃣ Know the apps they're using. Stay up-to-date about popular social platforms and games. Ask them to show you how they work.
5️⃣ Trust your instincts. If something feels off about their behaviour or mood, check in with them.
6️⃣ Model healthy habits. Kids learn more from what we do than what we say about screen time and online behaviour.
Remember: the goal isn't to eliminate technology but to teach kids how to use it safely and responsibly.
#HPCAS #OnlineSafety
Summertime means more screen time. Here are some simple ways to help keep teens and youth safe online 📲
1️⃣ Talk openly about what they're seeing online. Make it clear they can come to you with questions or concerns — without getting in trouble.
2️⃣ Review privacy …settings together. Show them how to keep their personal information private and limit who can contact them or see their posts.
3️⃣ Set reasonable boundaries. Agree on when and where devices can be used. Consider tech-free zones during meals or before bed.
4️⃣ Know the apps they're using. Stay up-to-date about popular social platforms and games. Ask them to show you how they work.
5️⃣ Trust your instincts. If something feels off about their behaviour or mood, check in with them.
6️⃣ Model healthy habits. Kids learn more from what we do than what we say about screen time and online behaviour.
Remember: the goal isn't to eliminate technology but to teach kids how to use it safely and responsibly.
#HPCAS #OnlineSafety
3 days ago
A reminder to join us this Thursday for Kinder Cookers in partnership with EarlyON!
You and your children are invited to learn some quick and simple recipes they'll love to make — and eat! We'll have all the ingredients you need 🍊
Register with your KEyON account or …scan the QR code. See you there!
#HPCAS #EarlyON
A reminder to join us this Thursday for Kinder Cookers in partnership with EarlyON!
You and your children are invited to learn some quick and simple recipes they'll love to make — and eat! We'll have all the ingredients you need 🍊
Register with your KEyON account or …scan the QR code. See you there!
#HPCAS #EarlyON
4 days ago
Share some kindness with our Kindness Kits and help give meaningful support to children, families and youth in our community when they need it most. 💚
These thoughtfully made kits are focused on the unique needs of each recipient and can include everything from back-to-school supplies …and hygiene essentials to birthday celebrations and employment gear. Our four main categories cover Personal Wellness, Home Wellness, Connection and Starting Out needs, to help address the real challenges families face in a practical way.
Your donation helps us provide complete kits or goes toward building unique packages to meet a family's needs.
Ready to help spread some kindness? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how you can get involved. ☀️
#HPCAS #KindnessKits
Share some kindness with our Kindness Kits and help give meaningful support to children, families and youth in our community when they need it most. 💚
These thoughtfully made kits are focused on the unique needs of each recipient and can include everything from back-to-school supplies …and hygiene essentials to birthday celebrations and employment gear. Our four main categories cover Personal Wellness, Home Wellness, Connection and Starting Out needs, to help address the real challenges families face in a practical way.
Your donation helps us provide complete kits or goes toward building unique packages to meet a family's needs.
Ready to help spread some kindness? Visit the link in our bio to learn more about how you can get involved. ☀️
#HPCAS #KindnessKits
6 days ago
If you're calling for snack time at the pool or beach, here's what to do: have ALL the children exit the water first.
Never try to supervise kids in the water while you're distracted — even for a few minutes. When it's time for a break, everyone takes a break …together. Safety doesn't pause for snacks.
#SaferTogether #NDPW2025
@lifesavingsocietyon
If you're calling for snack time at the pool or beach, here's what to do: have ALL the children exit the water first.
Never try to supervise kids in the water while you're distracted — even for a few minutes. When it's time for a break, everyone takes a break …together. Safety doesn't pause for snacks.
#SaferTogether #NDPW2025
@lifesavingsocietyon
1 weeks ago
When you're around the water with little ones, stay close enough to be able to reach out and touch them at any moment. If you have to take even one step to reach your child, you've gone too far.
Provide active supervision and be ready to provide immediate support — both …physical and emotional. Helping prevent water accidents is as simple as being close by and being present.
#SaferTogether #NDPW2025
@lifesavingsocietyon
When you're around the water with little ones, stay close enough to be able to reach out and touch them at any moment. If you have to take even one step to reach your child, you've gone too far.
Provide active supervision and be ready to provide immediate support — both …physical and emotional. Helping prevent water accidents is as simple as being close by and being present.
#SaferTogether #NDPW2025
@lifesavingsocietyon
1 weeks ago
Lifejackets are like seatbelts for the water. They're designed to protect you and your littles for when the unexpected happens — but only if they're worn properly.
Be sure to check your child's lifejacket carefully, making sure it fits snugly, with all straps secured and …all zippers done up. Safety depends on getting these details right.
#NDPW2025 #SaferTogether #WaterSafety
@lifesavingsocietyon
Lifejackets are like seatbelts for the water. They're designed to protect you and your littles for when the unexpected happens — but only if they're worn properly.
Be sure to check your child's lifejacket carefully, making sure it fits snugly, with all straps secured and …all zippers done up. Safety depends on getting these details right.
#NDPW2025 #SaferTogether #WaterSafety
@lifesavingsocietyon
1 weeks ago
It's National Drowning Prevention Week and this year's "Safer Together" theme really resonates with us.
We'll be sharing tips and reminders that could help keep your family, especially your little ones, safe around water — and we encourage you to join us and …share them, too!
#DidYouKnow that over 400 Canadians lose their lives to preventable drowning each year? Sharing water safety tips and reminders is about more than awareness, it's a responsibility.
@lifesavingsocietyon
#NDPW2025 #SaferTogether #WaterSafety
It's National Drowning Prevention Week and this year's "Safer Together" theme really resonates with us.
We'll be sharing tips and reminders that could help keep your family, especially your little ones, safe around water — and we encourage you to join us and …share them, too!
#DidYouKnow that over 400 Canadians lose their lives to preventable drowning each year? Sharing water safety tips and reminders is about more than awareness, it's a responsibility.
@lifesavingsocietyon
#NDPW2025 #SaferTogether #WaterSafety
1 weeks ago
A reminder to join us for Kinder Cookers in partnership with EarlyON!
On July 31, you and your children are invited to learn some quick and simple recipes they'll love to make — and eat! All ingredients are provided 🫐
Register with your KEyON account or scan the QR code. …We hope to see you there!
#HPCAS #EarlyON
A reminder to join us for Kinder Cookers in partnership with EarlyON!
On July 31, you and your children are invited to learn some quick and simple recipes they'll love to make — and eat! All ingredients are provided 🫐
Register with your KEyON account or scan the QR code. …We hope to see you there!
#HPCAS #EarlyON
2 weeks ago
Every person who comes through our doors deserves to feel safe and respected, whether you're a family or individual seeking support, a volunteer, or a part of our team.
This is why we have a zero tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind, including but not limited …to race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. In any form, it's not okay, and it won't be tolerated.
Our culture is built with equality and fairness and we are committed to upholding that. If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, please speak up through the form on our website. Your report will be handled fully confidentially where possible, and there is no backlash for coming forward.
Visit the link in our bio to read our full anti-harassment statement and find our reporting form. We're here to listen and act on keeping you safe.
#HPCAS #Equity
Every person who comes through our doors deserves to feel safe and respected, whether you're a family or individual seeking support, a volunteer, or a part of our team.
This is why we have a zero tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination of any kind, including but not limited …to race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. In any form, it's not okay, and it won't be tolerated.
Our culture is built with equality and fairness and we are committed to upholding that. If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, please speak up through the form on our website. Your report will be handled fully confidentially where possible, and there is no backlash for coming forward.
Visit the link in our bio to read our full anti-harassment statement and find our reporting form. We're here to listen and act on keeping you safe.
#HPCAS #Equity