As a Driver volunteer, you will provide transportation services for clients who are not able to drive or use public transit or other forms of assisted public transportation services (i.e., Para Transpo). PAL Ottawa volunteers use their own well-maintained vehicle to escort clients to appointments and to carry out other errands. Volunteer hours are flexible, dependent on client need, and gas/mileage is compensated.

Commitment: 6-12 months.
Police Check Required: Yes.

As an in-person visitor, you commit to meeting with a PAL Ottawa client (up to) twice a month, with a phone call check-in between visits. While PAL Ottawa matches volunteers and clients with similar interests, your schedule is determined by you and the client.

This role is suitable for post-secondary students seeking practical experience (i.e. gerontology/social work programs) or anyone with experience and interest in connecting with senior arts workers. If you are curious, have well-honed conversation skills, and enjoy another’s company, you would make a great ‘visitor’ for PAL Ottawa’s clientele!

Commitment:  Minimum one year.
Police Check Required: Yes

As a Check-in and Chat volunteer, you commit to a weekly telephone call to an isolated senior arts worker. Call timeframes are within a schedule, agreed to by both parties. A person with patience and compassion who is open-minded, reliable and possesses excellent interpersonal skills is well-suited for this role. PAL Ottawa matches volunteers with clients of similar interests. No in-person visits are required.

This role is suitable for post-secondary students seeking practical experience (i.e. gerontology / social work programs) or anyone with experience and interest in connecting with seniors.

Commitment: One year+, ongoing.
Police Check Required: Yes

As an Arts Companion volunteer, you will accompany a senior arts worker to arts and cultural events. This service offers isolated clients the opportunity for social contact and companionship. Volunteers may be required to use their own well-maintained vehicle; gas/mileage is compensated. This social interchange provides personal enrichment through shared enjoyment of arts and cultural events. Hours are flexible and dependent on events.

Commitment: 6-12 months.
Police Check Required: Yes

As a volunteer, you will shop for clients’ food, (non-alcoholic) beverages, pick up medications, or other small items that align with a client’s needs. Hours are flexible, depending on client needs.

Commitment: 6-12 months.
Police Check Required: Yes

As a Resource Referral Facilitator, you will assist clients with referrals to community-based social service agencies, health and well-being organizations, as well as municipal, provincial and federal government programs and departments. The volunteer is provided a current resource list and brings good listening skills. They are sensitive to others’ needs and are detail-oriented.

PAL Ottawa offers resources in conjunction with the Resource Referral Facilitator assistance. 

Commitment: 6-12 months.
Police Check Required: Yes

To help ensure the client’s home is well-maintained and clean, you will complete light housekeeping activities within the client’s home. Tasks may include dusting, making the bed, doing the laundry, vacuuming, etc.

Commitment: One year+, ongoing.
Police Check Required: Yes.

As a Handy Helper you will assist with odd jobs to ensure senior arts workers enjoy a well-maintained and safe home environment. You might change light bulbs, reset clocks, replace batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, hang pictures, set up a TV or an electronic device, or other small jobs.

Commitment: One year+, ongoing.
Police Check Required: Yes.