Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at the Cummings Centre offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of seniors. By sharing your time, skills, and expertise, in person or virtually, you’ll help provide enriching activities, educational programs, and vital services that enhance the well-being of our community. Whether you’re helping to organize engaging events, providing support, or sharing knowledge, your contributions are crucial to fostering an environment of growth and connection.
Reach out to us
In-Person Volunteer Opportunities
- Adapted Exercise: In a one-hour supervised exercise class, assist participants living with physical conditions such as Parkinson's, MS, or Post-Stroke.
- Ageism Project: This project aims to raise awareness among community groups, schools, and businesses about the impact of ageism on people of all ages. Help is needed to create a learning module to accompany a film on ageism and plan a launch event, promotion, and marketing.
- Boutique: Customer service, sales, and gift wrapping of beautiful gift items, including handmade woodwork from the Cummings Woodshop. Monday to Friday - 2 and ½ hour shifts.
- Café Soleil: Maitre d’, servers, cashiers, and customer assistance at our inclusive community café, working with neuro-diverse employees. Monday to Thursday, 2-hour shifts.
- Crafts: Decorate woodwork for Craft Show and sales. Mondays.
- Drivers / Deliverers for Meals On Wheels: Wednesday morning deliveries of kosher frozen meals to seniors at home. 1 to 2 hours.
- Francophone Social Club: Socialize with participants on Monday and /or Tuesday afternoons. 2 hours.
- Games Club: Assist participants in an open, supervised class setting.
- Greeters / Tour Guides: Welcome the public and members at the front door. Provide tours of the Centre as needed. Daily shifts of 2-3 hours.
- Rooftop garden: Help water, weed, and harvest vegetables and produce on Monday and Thursday mornings. 2 hours. (Summer.)
- Intergenerational projects: From baking to discussion groups, program planning, and celebrating holidays. (Ongoing.)
- LEDA West Island and Montreal (Leadership program for Secondary IV students): Volunteer to be a partner to a student in their leadership project. Twice a month for 1 hour each; the program runs from October to April.
- Program / Event Planning: Be part of a committee of like-minded people to organize stimulating programs, seminars and events.
- Foundation Canvasser: Outreach to potential donors for our CJCS Foundation to help support seniors in need.
- Programming Customer Service: Greet participants of Cummings classes and courses. Follow-up with attendance records. 1-2 hour shifts.
- Social Services Reception: Greet clients requesting service.
- Tech Support in Lounge: Provide 1-hour sessions for individuals requesting tech support help with their computers, tablets, and /or phones. Appointments are set up based on your availability.
- Walking Club: Walk and outdoor fitness with group members on designated Thursday mornings in Hampstead, at the Cummings Centre, and in Cote St Luc. (Summer)
- Wellness Exercise: Be a fitness buddy to support participants through their workout. 2-hour shifts daily.
- Welcome and Information: Based in the Cummings lobby, provide information and assistance to members and the public. This includes information on resources, daily courses, and transportation. 2-hour shifts.
- Woodshop: Create beautiful woodwork pieces that help to support the Centre financially. (Experience needed.)
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
- Social Action (Ask the Expert): Committees plan stimulating and informative seminars to raise awareness and inspire seniors to educate themselves and others. 1 and ½ hour meetings.
- Ageism Project: Bring awareness to community groups, schools, and businesses about the impact of ageism on people of all ages. Help is needed to create a learning module to accompany a film on ageism, plan launch events, promotion, and marketing.
- Event Callers: Contact people to promote upcoming events and programs. 1-2 hours.
- Program / Event Planning: Be part of a committee of like-minded people to organize stimulating programs, seminars, and events.
- Care Calls: Weekly, monthly, and/or seasonal calls are made to seniors to stay in touch and socialize.
- Committee Work: Learning and Development: Plan and implement Leadership Development training sessions and programs to inspire future leaders to enhance the lives of seniors. Other committee work opportunities include Volunteer Outreach and Orientation for New Volunteers.
- C2U: Outreach to inform and bring Cummings’ programming to residences and organizations.
- Intergenerational Pen Pals: Pair with a student and communicate via email or Zoom. Share connections through supportive and fun relationships.
- Tech Support: Provide tech support online for individuals requesting help with computers, tablets, and/ or phones.
Training and supervision for each position are provided.
To get involved or for more information:
Committee Work
As a volunteer on one of our committees, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute your time, skills, and innovative ideas to help plan and implement engaging programs, events and educational workshops that bring awareness and inspire growth of members, participants and volunteers alike.
Whether you’re passionate about organizing events, highlighting senior rights, or contributing creative ideas to enhance our Centre’s programs, your participation is essential in fostering a supportive and dynamic community for seniors. Whether you volunteer virtually or in person, you can make a meaningful impact, leaving a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Together, we can ensure our senior community remains connected, active, and empowered.
Corporate Volunteering
We encourage Corporate Social Responsibility by inviting companies to volunteer with us at the Cummings Centre. Give back in ways that make an impact on the lives of seniors. We have varied volunteer opportunities with flexible hours for one-time or ongoing volunteer engagement and / or annual events.
In addition to the meaningful rewards of volunteering, corporate volunteers experience positive outcomes:
- Greater employee satisfaction and higher morale.
- Stronger relationships within the community.
- Motivation for employees to contribute to a common cause which promotes teamwork.
- Collective development of a sense of community belonging.
To inquire about corporate volunteering:
Student Volunteering
Are you a High School, Cégep, College or University student interested in volunteering with us?
The Cummings Centre offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for students! We have flexible placements that can be tailored to your schedule. Our professional staff will help you gain new skills while making a meaningful contribution to your community.
By volunteering with us, you can:
- Build on your skills related to your area of study.
- Enhance your CV.
- Gain necessary job-related skills.
- Explore career options.
- Develop your leadership skills, i.e. Communication & teamwork skills.
- Become familiar with the activities and programs of a senior centre in the Montreal Jewish community.
- Explore your strengths and talents.
- Develop and learn in a supportive environment.
- Receive a certificate of participation from a recognized Leadership Program (Secondary IV High School program).
Cégep & University: What’s Your Major?
Social Work / Psychology
- Friendly Visiting
- Group Animation
- Awareness of Seniors’ Rights
- Deliver Kosher Meals-on-Wheels
Food Services
- Servers
- Cashiers
Business / Administration
- Data Entry
- Computer Trouble-Shooting
- Gift Boutique
Fine Arts
- Decoration/Painting of Handicrafts
- Assistance in the Adapted Art Program
- Planning/Implementing Art Shows
Kinesiology
- Fitness Coach in Wellness Centre
- Assistant in Adapted Exercise Classes
Law
- Group Facilitation
- Social Action- Awareness of Seniors Rights
Event Planning
- Organize and Plan events
- Publicity
- Marketing
Sales & Marketing
- Writing/ Editing/ PR
- Design
- Translation
- Gift Boutique Sales
Recreation & Leisure
- Recreation & Leisure Group animator
Occupational Therapy
- Plan and facilitate group activities
Computer Technology
- Mentor in computer/tablet and phone usage
High School Students
For High School students interested in fulfilling their community service hours and interacting with seniors in a warm atmosphere, the Cummings Centre is an ideal place to volunteer.
The Cummings Centre also offers a leadership training program (LEDA – Leadership, Education, Development, Action) for secondary IV students from Herzliah, Ecole Maimonides, Kuper Academy and Bialik High Schools.
The goal of LEDA is to enable students to take a leadership role while:
- Developing skills and work experience to enhance their CVs.
- Meeting seniors and understanding their needs.
- Benefiting from hands-on experience.
Intergenerational Volunteering
The Cummings Centre promotes intergenerational volunteering as a way for multiple generations to connect and learn from one another. Examples of enriching experiences include engaging in various program areas such as Adapted Exercise Clinic, Art Studio, and Café Soleil as well as getting involved in projects such as the Rooftop Garden, Holiday Baking, and Pen Pals.
Training
- We offer training customized to your volunteer role.
On-site Training by Staff
Prior to starting your volunteer position, your staff supervisor will provide you with the necessary information and training so you can carry out your responsibilities. You will also be provided with ongoing updates and new procedures as they unfold. Your staff supervisor is there to answer all of your questions and support you through your volunteer engagement with us at the Centre.
Orientation
Our new volunteer orientation ensures you are well-prepared and confident as you begin your journey with us. This orientation is the first step in joining a caring and dedicated team. You will be given the information needed to carry out your responsibilities, including the Mission and History of the Cummings Centre and our Policies & Procedures for volunteers. We look forward to working together to make a difference!
Skills Development & Workshops
Unlock your potential and enhance your abilities with our Skill Development Workshops for volunteers. Whether you’re looking to boost an existing skillset, explore new areas of growth, or connect with others, our diverse range of hands-on workshops enables you to carry out your volunteer role with confidence and care.
Helen Levy Leadership Development Program
This comprehensive and stimulating leadership development program empowers graduates to take on leadership roles at the Cummings Centre. Learn how you can make a lasting impact in the lives of seniors and bring about positive change.
