Volunteer

Volunteering in a hospital setting is an exciting opportunity to join an exceptional group of individuals with a shared desire to contribute to health care of our community. Volunteers are an essential part of the Lakeridge Health team, helping to create a caring, collaborative, and compassionate environment across our hospitals, community sites, and long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens. 

In order for us to get to know you and for you to truly make an impact in your role, we ask for a minimum commitment of six months of volunteer involvement.

Please email us at volunteer@lh.ca with any questions or call 905-576-8711 extension 33310 to leave a message and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.

The Outstanding Commitment to Our Community

It was with great appreciation that our Volunteer Resources team recently received 174 applications in March, during their first recruitment period blitz for adult and post-secondary students.

The amount of applications received is a remarkable show of the commitment people have to strengthen the health care community in Durham Region.

As the Volunteer Resources team continues to embark on the interview process of its new applicants, the team continues to enjoy learning more about the applicants, what inspired them to apply, and what they are looking for from their volunteer activities. Our new volunteers will complete the onboarding process and get started in patient-facing roles in April and May so our facilities will be buzzing with their energy and enthusiasm ahead of the summer months.

Although our web application is not open again until July 2023, our Auxiliaries continue to accept the paper applications they have available. The Auxiliary activities are geared toward participation in gift shops, cafes, and out-of-hospital stores, where the volunteers raise funds that they provide to the hospitals for much-needed equipment. These teams love what they do and the retail areas welcome more help all year round.

Also, remember to visit this webpage for any details on our future plans to welcome back a high school student program. Please note that the return of high school Co-Op in September 2023 has not yet been approved.

Wishing all volunteers a very happy National Volunteer Week 2023!

National Volunteer Week 2023

Volunteer Recruitment Periods

Our proposed in-hospital and long-term care home volunteer application dates for adult and post-secondary students:

1. The spring and summer recruitment period has ended.

2. For new volunteers starting in roles no later than the week of September 1, 2023:

  • Applications are open from July 3 to 28, 2023.
  • Interviews are from August 1 to 18, 2023.

3. For new volunteers starting in roles in February 2024:

  • Applications are open from December 1 to 22, 2023.
  • Interviews in early January 2024.

If you have any questions about volunteering or our current opportunities at Lakeridge Health’s five hospitals (Ajax Pickering, Bowmanville, Oshawa, Port Perry, and Whitby) or Lakeridge Gardens long-term care home in Ajax, please call 905-576-8711 extension 33310.

Please note, as a safety measure, we continue to require proof of a minimum of three (3) COVID-19 vaccinations from anyone who registers with us (volunteers and Spiritual Care providers).

Also, please visit this webpage regularly as we make plans to welcome back a high school student program.

Steps to Becoming a Volunteer at Lakeridge Health

Submit only ONE (1) Volunteer Application Form to be considered for any Lakeridge Health site.

You will receive confirmation that your application has been submitted.

Individuals will be invited to attend a virtual interview. In-person interviews are not always available at this time due to COVID-19 precautions. If you are unable to attend a virtual interview, a phone interview may be provided.

After a successful interview, we will send you a number of pieces of information to help you become comfortable with the volunteer program and expectations. These include a link to a welcome session presentation, orientation documents, and training module links.

Volunteers must complete and submit ALL required documentation. The following forms will be discussed and provided to you:

  • Volunteer acknowledgement (general orientation information).
  • Proof of vaccination with at least three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and an immunization record signed by your health-care provider. The annual flu shot is encouraged, but not mandatory.
  • Two-step TB test results (available through the Lakeridge Health Occupational Health team).
  • Sign our statement of privacy and confidentiality.
  • Volunteer declaration, plus proof of police check for all volunteers over the age of 18. The level required will be determined by the role you accept. Please do not apply for a police check until you have completed the interview process as we must provide you with a letter for your application.
  • Volunteers that are under the age of 18 must provide signed consent by a parent/guardian. Note: the high school student program is currently on hold.
  • Assignment of volunteer role with final details, including sign off on the role description, confirmation of shift day and time, training plan, photo ID badge, volunteer sign-in, parking activation, and uniform information.