Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to volunteer?

The minimum volunteer age at Lakeridge Health is 15 years old when you submit your pre-screening form.

Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine to volunteer?

Yes. All volunteers placed in a Lakeridge Health facility must provide proof of at least two COVID-19 vaccines.

How will I know when you receive my pre-screening form?

After you submit your pre-screening form, you will receive a customized thank you message from Volunteer Resources. Please check your junk mail and/or spam folder if you do not receive an email within 24 hours of submission.

How will I know when you receive my application?

When will you contact me for a volunteer interview?

Once you complete the pre-screening form, Volunteer Resources will contact you within three business days.

Please check your email’s junk mail and/or spam folder if you do not hear from us after three business days post pre-screening form submission.

If I have a successful interview, how long does the onboarding process take to complete?

Most new volunteers complete this within four to six weeks. Mandatory onboarding requirements include:

• Proof of at least two COVID-19 vaccines.
• Health screening (i.e., two-step tuberculosis (TB) test and physician sign-off confirming immunization status).
• Volunteer Declaration and acknowledgement sign-off. (Note: a police record check with the Vulnerable Sector Screening may be required depending on your Volunteer Declaration.) A police record check with Vulnerable Sector Screening is a mandatory requirement for all Lakeridge Gardens Long-Term Care home volunteers.
• Lakeridge Health Statement of Confidentiality sign-off.
• Completion of e-learning modules.
• Attendance at a virtual volunteer orientation session.

How long do I have to complete the onboarding process?

New volunteers must complete all onboarding requirements no more than eight weeks from the date they receive their first onboarding email. New volunteers who do not communicate with us or complete all their requirements will not be eligible to volunteer.

Where can I complete my health screening? Does Lakeridge Health cover any costs?

We will send you health screening information at the start of the onboarding process.

Two-step TB Test:

Lakeridge Health’s Occupational Health team is available to administer volunteers’ two-step TB tests at no cost. Lakeridge Health cannot reimburse you should you choose to complete testing with your chosen health-care provider.

Volunteer Immunization Status:

We provide a form to all volunteers in-process that they must take to their family physician or walk-in-clinic for completion. Any costs associated with this are the volunteer’s responsibility.

How do you place volunteers? 

We ask applicants to confirm the areas they are interested in on the volunteer application and during the interview. We place volunteers based on the needs of our facilities and the applicant’s availability and interest(s). While we do our best, we cannot guarantee a specific placement area. Please visit the website to learn more about our volunteer roles.

What is the minimum commitment to volunteer?

We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of six months (i.e. one shift per week, between 3-4 hours, on the same day and at the same time every week).

Do volunteers need to wear a uniform?

Yes, all volunteers are required to wear a uniform and a Lakeridge Health photo identification (ID) badge while volunteering. Depending on the volunteer type (i.e., adult, post-secondary student, or high school student) and facility location. (Note: there may be a uniform cost, which the volunteer would be responsible for).

Can volunteers take vacation or holidays?

Yes! We ask all volunteers to notify us and/or their team member designate about any known absences as soon as possible.

Do volunteers pay for parking?

Can I have a reference letter?

Volunteers who provide more than 50 hours of service are eligible for a reference letter. (Note: all volunteers, regardless of their service hours, are entitled to a verification of hours letter).

Can high school students volunteer?

High school student opportunities are only available at Lakeridge Gardens long-term care home in Ajax. In-hospital high school student roles are currently on hold at all hospitals.

Can I complete 40 hours of required volunteer service for high school?

Unfortunately, no. All high school volunteers are required to meet the minimum commitment of one, three-to-four hour shift once a week for at least six months.

Do you offer a high school co-op program?

Our high school co-op program remains on hold with no timeline as to when it will return.

Are there any research opportunities?

Research opportunities are an additional benefit for current volunteers who have at least 50 hours of service.

Will I be able to observe medical procedures or shadow team members (i.e., doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.) as a volunteer?

We currently do not offer any observation or shadowing opportunities for volunteers. Job shadowing is coordinated through Academic Affairs. Please visit the website for more information. If you have further questions, please call 905-576-8711 and ask Switchboard to transfer you to Academic Affairs.

I have international education, training, and credentials as a health-care professional. Can I volunteer in my health-care field?

Unfortunately, no. While we welcome volunteers with a health-care background, we do not offer any opportunities for health-care professionals to develop their skills or provide clinical support for patients or team members.

Is Lakeridge Health more likely to hire volunteers?

While volunteering provides experience and builds a resume, our Human Resources team handles employment applications. If you are interested in a career at Lakeridge Health, please visit the careers page.

Can Post-Secondary Students volunteer only during the summer (i.e. May - August)?

We are unable to offer post-secondary students with a summer-only volunteer opportunity (i.e. May - August). We ask post-secondary students to commit to a minimum of six months (i.e. one shift per week, between 3-4 hours, on the same day and at the same time every week).