VOLUNTEER CORPS

NEW PORTAL MATCHES VOLUNTEERS WITH WAYS TO HELP

Image credit: ISMAEL PARAMO on Unsplash.

Ontario citizens 16 years of age and older can help their communities in times of crisis by joining Volunteer Corps Ontario. The new program will register, screen and train volunteers so Ontario is better prepared to mobilize volunteers and safely respond to emergencies from public health crises to natural disasters.

Volunteer Corps Ontario builds on the success of the COVID-19 Volunteer Portal launched last year which matched volunteers to public health units to support vaccine deployment. The new Volunteer Corps Ontario database will be made available to ministries, municipalities, First Nation communities and NGOs in need of emergency volunteers so they can respond quickly and consistently should an emergency arise.

“With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and flooding and fire seasons around the corner, I hope people from all backgrounds and abilities will answer the call to join Volunteer Corps Ontario,” said Parm Gill, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

All volunteers would be required to take online foundational courses prior to deployment.

The Ontario government recently recognized the exceptional contributions of volunteers through the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award. This year’s award recipients include Ranil Mendis and Rukshan Para. Register online at volunteercorps.gov.on.ca.