Welfare Avenue
Volunteer
Be part of the engine connecting people to the help they need. Build leadership skills while creating measurable impact.
Why volunteer
Join a youth-powered movement
Volunteering with Welfare Avenue is more than giving back: it is belonging to something bigger. No experience needed; our team leads show you the ropes on the day.
- Build real connections in your community
- Learn new skills in a supportive, welcoming team
- See the difference you make at every serving
Volunteer opportunities
Serve
Set up the tent and serve meals with care. Servers arrive by noon on serving Sundays.
- Every second Sunday
Cook
Prepare home-cooked meals for the serving, from the main dish to dessert.
- Every second Sunday
Drive
Pick up and drop off food and supplies before and after the serving.
- Every second Sunday
Wash dishes
Keep the kitchen moving so the next meal is ready on time.
- Every second Sunday
Take photos
Capture the day for our stories, with care for everyone’s privacy.
- Every second Sunday
Not sure yet?
Tell us what you enjoy and what you are good at, and we will find the right spot for you.
- Every second Sunday
How to join
Sign up
Tell us how you would like to help and pick the Sundays that work for you.
Get confirmed
We confirm each date by text the week of the serving.
Show up and serve
Servers arrive by noon. Dress for the weather; the rest is teamwork.
Sign up to volunteer
Ready to make a difference?
Pick the Sundays that work for you. We confirm each date by text the week of the serving.
- 600+volunteers since 2020
- 250+servings since April 2020, in Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa
Next servings in Montreal
Sign up to serve
Sign-ups open here soon. In the meantime, write to us at info@welfareavenue.com.
Volunteer in Toronto
In Toronto, our volunteers run free food events at shelters and drop-in centres, with food from partners like Daily Bread Food Bank and Aangen Kitchen. Register and we will be in touch as events are planned.
Register for Toronto
Sign-ups open here soon. In the meantime, write to us at info@welfareavenue.com.
“Being part of the Welfare Avenue’s project gives me a sense of accomplishment. I have learned how important [it] is for those in need to be seen, to be acknowledged and to feel that we all are part of the same community.”
Bring your team
Schools, clubs and companies can serve together, 10 to 15 people at a time. Write to us at least four weeks ahead and we will find a Sunday that works.