Volunteer at Sunnybrook

Internationally educated professionals: If you are an internationally educated healthcare professional, please note that while volunteering does not provide the opportunity to practice or gain experience within your specific profession, it can provide general experience within Canadian healthcare. Volunteer roles do not include duties or responsibilities that are performed by a licensed or regulated profession (i.e., physiotherapist, nurse, lab technician, etc.) 

Trainees in healthcare: We do not offer specific volunteer roles that provide the opportunity to practice skills of personal support workers and medical office assistants. 

Employment seekers at Sunnybrook: Volunteers may apply for employment opportunities, but volunteering does not guarantee a job. You also cannot serve as both a volunteer and employee at the same time.

A number of requirements are in place to ensure a safe and successful volunteer experience. 

Age

We are increasing our minimum age requirement to 18 years of age or older.

Attendance and Time Commitment 

Volunteers are expected to commit to a three to four hour shift one day a week on a consistent day and time for a minimum of six to 12 months. Please ensure you are able to reliably fulfill this commitment before you apply. 

Seasonal volunteering

We accommodate those who may be away at certain times of the year due to travel (e.g. travel south in winter.) 

Students

Applications will be considered based on ability to fulfill our commitment expectations, the needs of specific volunteer roles and our available positions. Those not available for six consecutive months may apply and may be accepted if able to volunteer more than one shift weekly. 

Due to the requirements of hospital volunteer programs, we are unable to consider high school students who only wish to fulfill their 40-hour community service requirement. 

Immunization & TB Test 

Upon offer, all volunteers are required to submit documentation of immunization (MMR, TdaP, Varicella) and a 2-step Tuberculosis (TB) skin test. The form must be filled out by your family physician and submitted to Volunteer Resources before you can start volunteering. Sunnybrook does not cover any costs associated with immunization, testing or completion of the form. 

Infection Prevention and Control Protocols 

Volunteers are expected to comply with the hospital’s infection prevention and control protocols. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the hospital according to requirements for specific areas and roles. 

Reference 

Contact information for one reference will be required if you are interviewed and offered a volunteer placement. 

Training 

Participation in online orientation and in-person onsite training is required in order to volunteer. Ongoing training may be required for some roles (virtual and/or in person). 

Technology 

The volunteer application is digital and is available to be completed online. 

Interview and orientation take place through a combination of Zoom & e-learning, and in person arrangement. Ongoing communication is shared through email. Volunteers should have a comfort level using devices and technology. 

Sunnybrook volunteers make a difference!

We sincerely appreciate your volunteer contributions at Sunnybrook. We will make every effort to provide you with a valuable volunteer experience and suitable schedule. 

If you’ve volunteered within the last 24 months, email volunteer@sunnybrook.ca or call 416-480-4129 with your preferred location. If it’s been longer, click here to reapply. 

From working directly with patients, to helping raise funds which support the hospital, we offer a wide variety of opportunities for those who wish to make a positive difference across our sites.

Our goal is a mutually beneficial placement where volunteers can share their time in a meaningful way while helping enhance the patient experience.

St. John’s Rehab (285 Cummer Ave.) 

• Gift shop – retail sales, customer service, interacting with patients and visitors, while raising funds to support programs 

• Coffee bar – sales of coffee/tea and snacks provide an appreciated service to patients and visitors 

• Inpatient unit support – support rehabilitation, help provide opportunities for socialization, recreation and cognitive wellness activities; assist at mealtime 

• Outpatient clinic support – support rehabilitation activities, while working with the physiotherapy team in the “GLAD – Canada” education and exercise program, and the Active Living Program 

• After stroke peer support – individuals with lived experience of stroke offer peer support to current stroke patients through a partnership with March of Dimes Canada. 

Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre (43 Wellesley St. East)

• Outpatient department – volunteers with lived experience (recovered from hip or knee surgery) assist with patient flow through a variety of daily clinics; help patients access information and resources in the patient library 

• Physiotherapy outpatient clinic – volunteers with lived experience (recovered from hip or knee surgery) support patients and the physiotherapy team in the delivery of rehabilitation exercise programs 

• STEP patient support – assist with recreational therapy activities (e.g. arts and crafts); provide socialization and assistance at mealtimes. 

Veterans Centre (2075 Bayview Ave.) 

• Chapel escort – take residents in wheelchairs to faith-based services in Sunnybrook’s chapel or other onsite locations 

• Creative arts therapies – assist staff to provide veterans with art, music and horticultural therapy activities 

• Pet therapy – visit designated veterans with a dog (must be a registered volunteer with a therapy dog organization such as Therapeutic Paws of Canada or St. John Ambulance 

• Recreation therapy – assist staff to provide veterans with recreational activities (i.e. discussion groups, baking groups, games/cards, events and outings, etc.) 

• Resident transport – escort residents in wheelchairs to physiotherapy and other activities 

• Palliative care visiting – provide compassionate visits to patients and their families at end-of-life (requires additional training provided by community hospice). 

Odette Cancer Centre (2075 Bayview Ave.)

• Chemotherapy unit - provide support and assistance to patients receiving chemotherapy treatment 

• Clinic support (including radiation and blood lab) - assist with patient flow in the clinic 

• Courtesy service – provide directions, information and walking/wheelchair escorts to outpatients 

• Information desk – provide directions and assistance to patients and families 

• Patient buddy – individuals who have lived experience with cancer assist new patients and their caregivers/families throughout their care journey 

• Patient Education And Research Learning Centre (PEARL) - help patients and families access cancer information and resources in the form of printed material, internet access, classes, etc. 

• Symptom screening – help patients complete the electronic screening survey regarding symptoms associated with cancer treatment. 

Reactivation Care Centre ( 200 Church St. / Jane & 401) 

• Wellness/Healthy Stay volunteer – provide social interaction to patients experiencing isolation due to functional or cognitive impairments by engaging patients in a variety of activities to enhance their well-being. 

Bayview campus (2075 Bayview Ave.)

• Courtesy service - provide directions and information to outpatients and visitors; assist with way finding, guiding or wheelchair escort to appointments 

• Emergency Department - provide assistance to staff with general errands, patient comfort and other non-clinical duties; help ease the anxiety of an emergency visit for patients and those who accompany them 

• Family waiting rooms - provide information and general support to family members of patients in the critical care unit or while having surgery 

• Outpatient Clinics - assist with patient flow and information; help to ease the anxiety of a hospital appointment 

• Geriatric Day Hospital - provide assistance with recreational therapy programs to elderly clients 

• Gift shop - provide customer service and assist with sales (proceeds support patient care and comfort activities) 

Evening and weekend opportunities 

There are a few areas where volunteer support is needed, outside of regular business hours. 

Bayview campus 

• Chapel escort in Veterans Centre - volunteers take residents in wheelchairs to faith-based services 

• Critical care unit family waiting room support - provide information and general support to family members of patients receiving care or surgery 

• Emergency department – assist with assorted duties; help ease the anxiety of an emergency visit for patients and those who accompany them 

St. John’s Rehab (descriptions as noted above under St. John’s Rehab) 

• Inpatient unit support 

• Coffee bar 

• Gift shop - provide customer service (proceeds support patient care and comfort activities). 

St. John’s Rehab Volunteer Association 

The St. John’s Rehab Volunteer Association is a self-governed service organization that is managed by an executive committee of volunteers. Volunteer Association members play a vital role in the St. John’s Rehab community, contributing more than 14,000 hours of service.

Full list of roles

• Gift shop
• Coffee bar
• Patient hospitality 
• Sharing time and talent at events 
• Committee work 
• Executive committee 
• Fundraising activities 

Can I volunteer in any area I like? 

Volunteer opportunities are determined based on the needs of the hospital. Applications are reviewed and individuals are selected for an interview based on interests, availability and skills to satisfy the requirements of the role. Our goal is to ensure volunteers support a positive patient experience, and also have a rewarding experience.

Can I volunteer in any area I like? 

Volunteer opportunities are determined based on the needs of the hospital. Applications are reviewed and individuals are selected for an interview based on interests, availability and skills to satisfy the requirements of the role. Our goal is to ensure volunteers support a positive patient experience, and also have a rewarding experience. 

Does your program allow for ‘seasonal’ volunteering? I may not be able to make a consecutive six month commitment. 

While we require a consistent, regular commitment, we are able to accommodate some seasonal absences (e.g. travel/absence during winter or summer). 

How old do I have to be to volunteer?  

The minimum age to volunteer at all sites across Sunnybrook is 16. You must be the minimum age when you submit your application. 

Do you have a student volunteer program? 

We do not have a dedicated summer or seasonal student volunteer program. Post secondary and high school students (minimum 16 years of age) are welcome to apply. Applications will be considered based on ability to fulfill our commitment expectations, the needs of specific volunteer roles and our available positions. Those who are not available for six consecutive months may apply and may be accepted if able to volunteer more than one shift weekly. 

I am a high school student. Can I complete my 40 hours of community service for my secondary school graduation requirement at Sunnybrook? 

Due to orientation/training, as well as other requirements to volunteer in a hospital, we are not able to accept students who only wish to complete 40 hours. If you are able to fulfill our minimum commitment expectations, (one weekly shift during school year September to June, or 3-4 shifts weekly during summer), you may apply. While the volunteer hours accumulated at Sunnybrook can be used to meet your secondary school community service requirements, we will only provide confirmation of hours to those who have fulfilled our program requirements. For those wishing to only complete 40 hours of community service, there are a variety of organizations in need of volunteers. One resource to check is www.volunteertoronto.ca. 

I am professionally trained in a healthcare field. May I practice or gain experience as a volunteer? 

No. Volunteer roles do not include duties or responsibilities that are performed by a licensed or regulated profession (e.g., physician, physiotherapist, nurse, lab technician, etc.). All volunteers, regardless of their prior background or training, are restricted to performing duties approved for volunteers and as outlined in the volunteer role description. 

How do I get a reference for volunteering? 

Whether we are able to provide a reference depends on several factors. At minimum, we are usually able to provide confirmation of volunteer activity. 

If you wish to request a reference, please approach your Volunteer Resources Coordinator providing as much advance notice as possible; a minimum of 2 weeks to one month, depending on the type of reference needed. 

Whether we are able to provide a reference for volunteering depends on several factors: 

1. Fulfillment of Commitment: Have you reliably fulfilled the expected commitment? This typically means volunteering consistently on a weekly basis for a minimum of 6 months to 1 year or completing 75 hours or more. 
2. Quality of volunteering: Did you display Sunnybrook’s values and follow all policies and guidelines? 
3. Type of Reference: What type of reference do you require? Common types include: 
   • Academic Reference (for admission to educational institution) 
   • Employment Reference 
   • Confirmation of Volunteering (how long and in what area you volunteered) 
   • Verification of Hours (number of hours you contributed) 
   • Scholarships/Awards 
   • Character Reference 
   • Professional Reference 

4. Does Volunteer Resources staff know you well enough? Whether they are able to provide a reference depends on their familiarity with you, your conduct and role, and the type of reference requested. Each type of reference requires a different level of knowledge about you, your performance, character, etc. If the Volunteer Resources staff don’t feel they have the level of knowledge needed, they may not be able to provide you with the type of reference requested. However, they may instead be able to confirm volunteer activity, be a verifier, etc. Volunteer Resources staff reserve the right to determine whether and what type of reference can be provided. 

5. Time since volunteering: How long has it been since you volunteered? If it has been more than 2 years, we may only be able to confirm your volunteer activity but might not be able to provide a detailed reference. 

6. Notice for request: Have you provided sufficient notice for your reference request? We require a minimum of two weeks to one month (depending on type of reference); but longer notice is preferable, especially if this is one of your hospital volunteering goals or many details are required to satisfy your reference requirements. Remember you are one of many volunteers who may be requesting this. 

Please consider these factors when requesting a reference. We are happy to provide references to volunteers who meet the criteria, and will do our best to provide you with the reference you need. 

Can I volunteer in more than one area, or for more than one shift? 

New volunteers begin with one placement. Additional opportunities may be considered after completing a minimum six-month commitment and if there is a suitable opening. 

Will I need to pay for parking? 

Volunteers receive complimentary parking during their volunteer shift. A $10.00 refundable deposit is required. 

Does the hospital provide TTC tokens for those who take transit? 

Transportation to and from volunteering is the responsibility of the volunteer. 

I understand volunteers are required to have a medical form completed. Can I have this done at the hospital? 

Successful applicants will be required to complete a medical form within one month of their start date. This form includes immunization status and completion of a two-step tuberculosis (TB) test that must be completed by your family physician. Proof of vaccination for COVID-19 is also required. 

Will the hospital cover any costs from my doctor associated with the medical form? 

Any costs associated with the medical form are the responsibility of each volunteer applicant. 

Do volunteers wear a uniform? 

All volunteers are required to wear a provided uniform. This includes a hospital photo ID badge. 

Are volunteers provided with orientation and training? 

Yes. All volunteers receive orientation and training provided online via Zoom, E-learning modules as well as in-person

Orientation and training documents: 

• Healthy Stay Volunteer Program (elearning module)
• Bayview Site Volunteer Quick Facts (PDF)
  (includes Odette Cancer Centre and Veterans Centre)
• St. John’s Rehab Volunteer Quick Facts (PDF) 
• Holland Centre Volunteer Quick Facts (PDF) 

Other resources: 

• Bayview Campus map 
• St. John’s Rehab map