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.
This program strives to create lasting summer memories for children and youth in our communities. As a Summer Club Volunteer, you will be matched with a local child in your area and enjoy weekly one on one summer outings together. Adventure to neighboring towns and enjoy exploring all Huron-Perth has to offer. Activities can include swimming, nature walks, community events, ice cream visits, crafts in the park and more!
Winter Club is a program designed to keep children and youth engaged and active in the winter months! As a Winter Club Volunteer, you will be matched with a local child in your area and enjoy weekly one on one winter outings together. Activities can include winter walks, swimming, out for hot chocolate, library visits, skating and more.
Provides unique support based on a specific need and volunteer skill set.
If you are a B.Ed student wishing to gain Community Leadership Experience, please apply directly to Team Volunteer teamvolunteer@hp-cas.ca to learn more about available volunteer positions that will meet your program requirements.
Let’s Get Social
2 days ago
May 7th is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day, and it's about something simple but powerful: letting young people know they matter.
When children and youth have adults who genuinely listen and care about their experiences, everything changes. Young people who feel connected …experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher resilience, and a stronger ability to cope. It's not about having all the answers or fixing every problem. It's about being present and showing up consistently.
We work with young people every day who are navigating tough situations. What makes the biggest difference? Having someone in their corner who believes in them and sees their potential, even when they can't see it themselves.
Today we encourage you to find a moment to really connect with a young person in your life. Ask how they're doing and actually listen to the answer. These conversations matter more than we might think.
To find a Children’s Mental Health Centre near you, visit:
https://cmho.org/findhelp/
Resources:
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868
Concerned about a child or youth? Call us 24/7:
519.271.5290 or 519.524.7356
Toll-free: 1.800.668.5094
#HPCAS #ChildAndYouthMentalHealthDay #CMHW2026 #KidsCantWait
May 7th is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day, and it's about something simple but powerful: letting young people know they matter.
When children and youth have adults who genuinely listen and care about their experiences, everything changes. Young people who feel connected …experience lower levels of anxiety and depression, higher resilience, and a stronger ability to cope. It's not about having all the answers or fixing every problem. It's about being present and showing up consistently.
We work with young people every day who are navigating tough situations. What makes the biggest difference? Having someone in their corner who believes in them and sees their potential, even when they can't see it themselves.
Today we encourage you to find a moment to really connect with a young person in your life. Ask how they're doing and actually listen to the answer. These conversations matter more than we might think.
To find a Children’s Mental Health Centre near you, visit:
https://cmho.org/findhelp/
Resources:
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 686868
Concerned about a child or youth? Call us 24/7:
519.271.5290 or 519.524.7356
Toll-free: 1.800.668.5094
#HPCAS #ChildAndYouthMentalHealthDay #CMHW2026 #KidsCantWait
3 days ago
Planning to tackle potty training soon? Join us for Potty Training Strategies for Caregivers of Young Children.
This practical workshop helps you approach potty training with confidence, covering key strategies for all young children, including those with ASD. We'll explore common …challenges and share ASD-friendly supports like visual schedules and sensory considerations.
Our next session is Thursday, May 19, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, virtually.
Scan the QR code or visit the link in bio to register:
bit.ly/4kDGgQQ
Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
#HPCAS
Planning to tackle potty training soon? Join us for Potty Training Strategies for Caregivers of Young Children.
This practical workshop helps you approach potty training with confidence, covering key strategies for all young children, including those with ASD. We'll explore common …challenges and share ASD-friendly supports like visual schedules and sensory considerations.
Our next session is Thursday, May 19, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, virtually.
Scan the QR code or visit the link in bio to register:
bit.ly/4kDGgQQ
Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
#HPCAS
3 days ago
Meet Trish, our Volunteer Coordinator and this month's staff spotlight feature! ✨
For nearly 15 years, Trish has been connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities at HPCAS, building connections that help our community in countless ways.
"I love working with …volunteers who bring kindness, empathy and generosity into everything they do. Knowing that I play a part in enabling those connections gives my work a deep sense of purpose."
What sets this work apart is an intentional focus on creating inclusive volunteer opportunities that deeply reflect our vision, mission and values — diverse communities, removing barriers and ensuring every volunteer feels valued and respected. Every choice Trish makes sees the bigger picture of how individual acts of support create networks that extend far beyond our office.
When not coordinating volunteers, you might catch Trish behind the DJ booth! Alongside 25 years of spinning tracks and getting people dancing, there's also a love for woodworking – a completely different pace that allows for slowing down and building something meaningful.
We could go on and on about the impact Trish makes here, the commitment to equity, connection and community, but what really stands out is how 15 years of dedication has shaped so much of what makes HPCAS strong.
Thank you, Trish, for bringing people together in service of children and families 💚
#HPCAS #StaffSpotlight
Meet Trish, our Volunteer Coordinator and this month's staff spotlight feature! ✨
For nearly 15 years, Trish has been connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities at HPCAS, building connections that help our community in countless ways.
"I love working with …volunteers who bring kindness, empathy and generosity into everything they do. Knowing that I play a part in enabling those connections gives my work a deep sense of purpose."
What sets this work apart is an intentional focus on creating inclusive volunteer opportunities that deeply reflect our vision, mission and values — diverse communities, removing barriers and ensuring every volunteer feels valued and respected. Every choice Trish makes sees the bigger picture of how individual acts of support create networks that extend far beyond our office.
When not coordinating volunteers, you might catch Trish behind the DJ booth! Alongside 25 years of spinning tracks and getting people dancing, there's also a love for woodworking – a completely different pace that allows for slowing down and building something meaningful.
We could go on and on about the impact Trish makes here, the commitment to equity, connection and community, but what really stands out is how 15 years of dedication has shaped so much of what makes HPCAS strong.
Thank you, Trish, for bringing people together in service of children and families 💚
#HPCAS #StaffSpotlight
4 days ago
Last chance to join Mindfully Parenting! Our spring session wraps up tomorrow, May 6.
This virtual program has been helping caregivers develop mindful approaches to parenting challenges and build stronger connections with their children.
Join us for this last session, May 6 from …6:30 pm – 8 pm, virtually.
Scan the QR code or visit the link in bio to register:
bit.ly/4kDGgQQ
Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
#HPCAS
Last chance to join Mindfully Parenting! Our spring session wraps up tomorrow, May 6.
This virtual program has been helping caregivers develop mindful approaches to parenting challenges and build stronger connections with their children.
Join us for this last session, May 6 from …6:30 pm – 8 pm, virtually.
Scan the QR code or visit the link in bio to register:
bit.ly/4kDGgQQ
Community Engagement & Prevention programs are free. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:
📧 CommunityEngagementTeam@h-pcas.ca
📲 519-271-5290
#HPCAS
4 days ago
We work with community partners to build awareness and respond to human trafficking, focusing on prevention and protection.
Supporting well-being, together.
Learn more at h-pcas.ca
#HuronPerthCAS #SupportingWellBeing #SharedLearning
We work with community partners to build awareness and respond to human trafficking, focusing on prevention and protection.
Supporting well-being, together.
Learn more at h-pcas.ca
#HuronPerthCAS #SupportingWellBeing #SharedLearning
4 days ago
Red Dress Day remembers, honours, and advocates for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit people (MMIWG2S).
Created by Métis artist Jaime Black, this day of awareness serves as a powerful reminder of an ongoing crisis. Indigenous women face disproportionately high …rates of violence – experiencing physical and sexual assault at rates far exceeding those of non-Indigenous women.
As a Children's Aid Society, we acknowledge the harmful role child welfare systems have historically played in separating Indigenous families and contributing to this violence. We recognize that attacks against Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit people continue to impact the children and families we serve.
Progress means listening to Indigenous voices, learning from their strength and resilience, and standing with families who seek justice and healing. Today and every day, we commit to doing better.
We encourage you to wear red today in solidarity and remembrance.
Resources:
Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous-centred): 1-855-242-3310
National Family and Survivors Circle: 1-844-413-6649
Concerned about a child or youth? Call us 24/7:
519.271.5290 or 519.524.7356
Toll-free: 1.800.668.5094
#HPCAS #RedDressDay #MMIWG2S
Red Dress Day remembers, honours, and advocates for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit people (MMIWG2S).
Created by Métis artist Jaime Black, this day of awareness serves as a powerful reminder of an ongoing crisis. Indigenous women face disproportionately high …rates of violence – experiencing physical and sexual assault at rates far exceeding those of non-Indigenous women.
As a Children's Aid Society, we acknowledge the harmful role child welfare systems have historically played in separating Indigenous families and contributing to this violence. We recognize that attacks against Indigenous women, girls and 2-Spirit people continue to impact the children and families we serve.
Progress means listening to Indigenous voices, learning from their strength and resilience, and standing with families who seek justice and healing. Today and every day, we commit to doing better.
We encourage you to wear red today in solidarity and remembrance.
Resources:
Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous-centred): 1-855-242-3310
National Family and Survivors Circle: 1-844-413-6649
Concerned about a child or youth? Call us 24/7:
519.271.5290 or 519.524.7356
Toll-free: 1.800.668.5094
#HPCAS #RedDressDay #MMIWG2S
5 days ago
The Huron-Perth CAS is building our next Strategic Plan — and we want to hear from you.
What priorities should be guiding our work? We want to know.
A short, anonymous survey is now open to all stakeholders to share your perspective. It takes about 5 minutes and you don't …need to answer every question.
Responses will be accepted over the next week.
Your input will help shape the priorities and goals we carry forward. All responses are seen only by our consulting team and are completely anonymous – no identifying information is collected.
Visit the link in our bio or scan the QR code to share your thoughts.
Thank you for taking the time to share.
#HPCAS #StrategicPlanning #CommunityInput
The Huron-Perth CAS is building our next Strategic Plan — and we want to hear from you.
What priorities should be guiding our work? We want to know.
A short, anonymous survey is now open to all stakeholders to share your perspective. It takes about 5 minutes and you don't …need to answer every question.
Responses will be accepted over the next week.
Your input will help shape the priorities and goals we carry forward. All responses are seen only by our consulting team and are completely anonymous – no identifying information is collected.
Visit the link in our bio or scan the QR code to share your thoughts.
Thank you for taking the time to share.
#HPCAS #StrategicPlanning #CommunityInput
5 days ago
We recognize that health and well-being are shaped by social and economic conditions, and we work with partners to address them.
Supporting well-being, together.
Learn more at h-pcas.ca
#HuronPerthCAS #SupportingWellBeing #SharedLearning
We recognize that health and well-being are shaped by social and economic conditions, and we work with partners to address them.
Supporting well-being, together.
Learn more at h-pcas.ca
#HuronPerthCAS #SupportingWellBeing #SharedLearning
5 days ago
Today is the start of Mental Health Week 2026 with the theme "Come Together" – a reminder that connection is one of our most powerful tools for wellbeing.
What happens when we connect with others? Our brains release dopamine and oxytocin, chemicals that boost our motivation to …bond and support our overall wellbeing. These moments of connection – whether it's sharing a meal, calling a friend, or even exchanging words with a stranger – activate our brain's reward system in meaningful ways.
When connection is missing, our bodies feel it. Loneliness triggers stress responses that can affect our mood, focus, energy levels, and even our immune systems. In Canada, 13% of people say they feel lonely "always or often," with youth reporting some of the highest rates at 17%.
But here's what's encouraging: social connection acts as a protective factor against stress and promotes resilience. Having supportive relationships, participating in community groups, and feeling understood and valued by others creates a buffer against life's challenges.
This Mental Health Week, we encourage you to take a moment to reach out. Call someone you care about, join a community activity, or simply be present with the people around you. Small acts of connection make a real difference – for yourself and others!
#HPCAS #MentalHealthWeek2026 #ComeTogether #MentalHealthMatters
Today is the start of Mental Health Week 2026 with the theme "Come Together" – a reminder that connection is one of our most powerful tools for wellbeing.
What happens when we connect with others? Our brains release dopamine and oxytocin, chemicals that boost our motivation to …bond and support our overall wellbeing. These moments of connection – whether it's sharing a meal, calling a friend, or even exchanging words with a stranger – activate our brain's reward system in meaningful ways.
When connection is missing, our bodies feel it. Loneliness triggers stress responses that can affect our mood, focus, energy levels, and even our immune systems. In Canada, 13% of people say they feel lonely "always or often," with youth reporting some of the highest rates at 17%.
But here's what's encouraging: social connection acts as a protective factor against stress and promotes resilience. Having supportive relationships, participating in community groups, and feeling understood and valued by others creates a buffer against life's challenges.
This Mental Health Week, we encourage you to take a moment to reach out. Call someone you care about, join a community activity, or simply be present with the people around you. Small acts of connection make a real difference – for yourself and others!
#HPCAS #MentalHealthWeek2026 #ComeTogether #MentalHealthMatters