Volunteer
Volunteers are the heart of Project SHARE

Why Volunteer
Volunteering at Project SHARE is an impactful way to provide healthy food to those in need.
Some benefits of volunteering:
- Help Others – provide your time and energy to help those in need
- Meet New People – become a part of the community and form new friendships
- Get Active – improve your own physical and mental health
- Learn New Skills – volunteering provides an opportunity to learn new skills and advance your career
- Feel Good About Yourself – volunteering brings fulfillment to your life. Build confidence while having fun!
Volunteer Positions
Please note volunteers must be at least 16 years old to volunteer in our warehouse and food room. All volunteers over the age of 18 must provide a Police Criminal Reference Check.
NOW RECRUITING: Long-Term Summer & Fall Volunteers!
Project SHARE is currently seeking reliable, long-term volunteers to support our programs throughout the summer and into the fall.
Join us in making a lasting impact in our community!
(*Long-term indicates at least 1 volunteer shift per week for a period of 4-6 months*)
Food Room Shopping
Our core group of volunteers give their time to assist families in need that receive emergency food. These volunteers provide a friendly welcome and help to make families feel comfortable when visiting Project SHARE. Volunteers assist clients through their shopping experience in the emergency food room and assist clients based on their individual needs.
Position Responsibilities & Requirements
Requirements:
- Personable, caring, courteous, and respectful are qualities that need to be present. Patience is necessary as clients have diverse needs and abilities.
- Able to work independently.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Communication skills and critical thinking skills.
- Able to lift (up to forty pounds)
- Able to stand for the duration of the shift.
- Proficient in the English language.
- Most volunteers are 18 years or older, however there are high school co-op positions available but are limited to two students per semester. These students will be supervised by the food room coordinator or volunteer coordinator.
- Access to reliable transportation to get to and from the Project SHARE location
- Submission of a clear Police Record Check (PRC)
Other Preferred Experience:
- Bilingual
- Studies in a related field (eg. social service worker)
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training
Produce Sorting
As a Produce Sorting Volunteer at Project SHARE, you will play a vital role in ensuring that fresh produce donations are properly sorted, cleaned, and repacked for distribution. Your efforts will help provide individuals and families in need with high-quality, safe, and nutritious food.
Position Responsibilities & Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
- Produce Sorting & Inspection:
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Sort through donated produce, removing spoiled or damaged items.
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Ensure that all produce is fresh, clean, and suitable for distribution
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- Cleaning & Repacking:
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Wash or wipe produce as needed to improve presentation
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Repack produce into appropriate containers for efficient storage and distribution
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- Composting Unsuitable Items:
- Place any produce that does not meet food safety and quality standards into designated compost bins.
- Warehouse Maintenance:
- Keep the produce area clean and free of hazards
- Dispose of waste properly and follow food safety protocols
- Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with other volunteers and staff to ensure an efficient workflow.
Requirements:
- Attention to Detail: Good organizational skills and the ability to maintain food safety standards.
- Team Player: Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Reliable Transportation: Volunteers must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from the Project SHARE location.
- Food Banks Canada Safe Food Handling: Upon application, warehouse volunteers will receive a link and password to access the training. Once completed, they can download their certificate and email it to the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Submission of a clear Police Record Check (PRC)
Warehouse Sorting
Assist in sorting and inspecting food donations to ensure safety and quality, in accordance with Food Banks Canada safe food handling guidelines. Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting food distribution to those in need.
Position Responsibilities & Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
- Food Sorting & Inspection:
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Sort and check food donations for safety and quality.
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Inspect cans for unsafe dents, ensure packages are sealed, and verify best-before/expiry dates to ensure food is safe for consumption.
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- Organization & Labeling:
- Sort donations into banana boxes by category, being mindful not to exceed 40 pounds per box.
- Clearly label each box with the type of food and the best-before date (e.g., Beans-2022).
- Safe Work Practices:
- Follow food handling and safety guidelines as recommended by Food Banks Canada.
Requirements:
- Safety Footwear: Volunteers must wear safety shoes (steel/composite toe footwear) for protection while working in the warehouse.
- Physical Capability: Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 40 pounds. Reaching and bending.
- Attention to Detail: Commitment to maintaining food safety standards.
- Reliable Transportation: Volunteers must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from the Project SHARE location.
- Food Banks Canada Safe Food Handling: Upon application, warehouse volunteers will receive a link and password to access the training. Once completed, they can download their certificate and email it to the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Submission of a clear Police Criminal Reference Check.
Not currently accepting applications
Warehouse Stocking and Packing
As a Warehouse Volunteer at Project SHARE, you will play a vital role in supporting our mission to provide food to individuals and families in need. This position involves packing food items, stocking shelves, and ensuring that our warehouse remains organized and efficient. Your efforts will help ensure that food is readily available for distribution to our clients.
Position Responsibilities & Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
- Packing:
- Assemble food boxes and pack items for distribution based on client needs and program requirements.
- Stocking Shelves:
- Restock food items on shelves in an organized manner, following inventory rotation guidelines (e.g., first in, first out).
- Inventory Support:
- Assist with inventory management by checking stock levels, reporting shortages, and helping with reordering supplies when necessary.
- Warehouse Maintenance:
- Keep the warehouse clean, organized, and free of hazards.
- Break down boxes, dispose of waste, and maintain safety standards.
- Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with other volunteers and staff to ensure smooth warehouse operations and efficient workflow.
Requirements:
- Safety Footwear: Volunteers must wear safety shoes (steel/composite toe footwear) for protection while working in the warehouse.
- Physical Capability: Ability to lift and carry boxes weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Attention to Detail: Good organizational skills and the ability to maintain food safety standards.
- Team Player: Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Reliable Transportation: Volunteers must have access to reliable transportation to get to and from the Project SHARE location.
- Food Banks Canada Safe Food Handling: Upon application, warehouse volunteers will receive a link and password to access the training. Once completed, they can download their certificate and email it to the Volunteer Coordinator.
- Submission of a clear Police Criminal Reference Check.
Not currently accepting applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment for volunteering?
We ask that our volunteers commit to at least 3 to 6 months of service, with a regularly scheduled weekly shift of 3.5 hours. This helps us provide consistent support to our community and ensures a meaningful experience for you as a volunteer!
Do you provide student placement opportunities?
Coop student placements are available at Project SHARE but are limited to 2 students per semester. Administrative and warehouse positions are also available. Some administrative duties can include photocopying, data entry, creative design and assisting with events. Warehouse duties include sorting food, janitorial duties, lifting and recycling.
Coop opportunities are offered through an interview process with our Volunteer Coordinator and the coop school administrator.
Do you require a Police Criminal Record Check?
All volunteers are required to complete a Police Criminal Record Check. This is a free process offered through the Niagara Regional Police Service. Project SHARE will provide a letter.
Do you have any volunteer positions for special events?
Yes! There are opportunities to volunteer at annual food drives, parades, and an assortment of other community events. After business hours and weekend opportunities are available occasionally throughout the year.
Please contact volunteer@projectshare.ca to inquire about specific dates and opportunities.