Living out the words of Jesus through practical help in our community.
JESUS SAID
“You are the light of the world.” –Matthew 5:14
“Whatever you do to the least of these you do to me.” –Matthew 25:40
“Love your neighbour as yourself.” –Matthew 22:39
If Harvest Barrie ceased to exist, would our community even notice?
Are we making a hands-on difference in this city and county?
We ought to be.
5000 Hours is Harvest Barrie’s initiative to encourage us all to live out the words of Jesus.
We established this vision at Thanksgiving 2015, completed our first 5000 hours in March 2017, and our second in May 2019. We’ve re-set the counter so be sure to record your contributions as we serve our community together.
FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN HELP
With your family, friends, small group, ministry team or on your own, decide where you’d like to help out and then get that done.
Volunteer Opportunities
The focus of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County’s work is in support services: support groups and supportive counselling for individuals living with dementia and for care partners; education for the general public, care partners, people living with dementia and community care partners both in community agencies and long term care facilities; advocacy, individually, locally and provincially; and fundraising.
Volunteer opportunities include: Office administration, support services, education and fundraising events.
Contact:
Marguerite Glanfield
20 Anne Street South, Unit 3
PO Box 1414
Barrie, Ontario L4M 5R4
Telephone: 705-722-1066
Email: mglanfield@alzheimersociety.ca
Website: alzheimer.ca/simcoecounty
The Bob Rumball Home for the Deaf is the only long-term care facility in Canada that is specifically designed to meet the needs of deaf seniors. Emphasis is placed on communication and eliminating the isolation many deaf seniors experience. They are committed to enhancing the quality of life and self-determination of deaf seniors. They believe in ensuring a unique environment, which promotes and preserves deaf culture, language and heritage.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Porter residents to and from events
- Outings
- Daily activities
- Friendly visits
Contact:
Jennifer Pilon
Phone: 705.719.6700 ext. 314
Email: jpilon@bobrumball.org
The Canadian Cancer Society provides answers to questions about all types of cancer, diagnostic tests, treatments, side effects, clinical trials and many other cancer-related topics and connects people living with cancer and caregivers with trained volunteers who offer encouragement and share ideas for coping – all from their unique perspective as someone who’s been there.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Fund raising
- Peer support
- Drive people to appointments
Contact:
Volunteer application
Community support services provide services to help seniors live independently in their own homes. There are opportunities available daytime and evening. Mileage is reimbursed.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Meals on Wheels delivery volunteers
Meals on Wheels dispatchers
Transportation drivers
Friendly visitors
Telephone assurance callers
Contact info:
Heather.Stone@redcross.ca
1.800.387.2251
The Children’s Aid Society protects children who have suffered abuse or neglect (or are at risk of harm) by assisting and supporting their families to reduce harmful circumstances and by offering guidance, counseling and referral services to families whose children are at risk of abuse or neglect.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Childcare
- Driver
- Office
Contact:
1.800.461.4236
Volunteer form
Christmas Cheer is a volunteer charitable organization whose
purpose is to generate contributions in order to provide food, gifts, and a sense of community spirit to those in need.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Books and toy collection
- Gift wrapping
- Transporting and movement of gifts and food
- Assembling of meals
- Delivery of meals and gifts
- Setup and cleanup
Contact:
volunteer@barriechristmascheer.com
The David Busby Street Centre focuses on reducing the impact of poverty, homelessness, insufficient employment, addiction and mental health issues through outreach and services to participants in the Simcoe County area.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Communications
- Public relations
- Mobile outreach
- Planning
- Fundraising
- Board members
Contact:
Volunteer application
The Envisage Pregnancy Services (formerly Barrie Pregnancy Resource Centre) opened in December 2006 to provide support and assistance to anyone facing unplanned pregnancy or pregnancy-related crisis. Envisage is a non-profit, charitable organization, supported by individuals, businesses and churches.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Reception
- Cleaning the Centre
- Baby Bottle Distribution and Count Day
Contact:
705.739.7280
info@envisage.ca
It is the mission of the Barrie Food Bank to provide temporary food relief to individuals and families of the community who are in need, and to serve as a resource to guide them along the road to self-sufficiency.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Volunteer during food drives
- Other year round volunteers needed
Contact:
Evy
705.725.1818 ext 2003
The mission of Gilda’s Club is to ensure that all people impacted by any cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Because no cancer care plan is complete without emotional and social support, their innovative programs of networking and support groups, education workshops and social activities are provided free of charge.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Greeting in the clubhouse
- Helping with outreach in the community
- Putting on a special event
- Helping in the program
- Tending the gardens
Contact:
Susan Haiplik
705.726.5199 ext. 230
Volunteer application
Grove Park Home is a charitable, not for profit nursing home that was started in 1968 as a grassroots Christian ministry to address the need for increased seniors’ facilities in Barrie.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Feeding assistants
- Café volunteers
- Friendly visitors
Contact:
Contact Barb or Nikki
705.792.7398
Volunteer application form
Midland Memorial Hospital offers volunteer opportunities for various community outreach projects and events. Junior volunteer options are also available.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Health fairs
- Food drives
- Campus clean-ups
Contact:
Danielle
danielle.doerr@midland-memorial.com
Midland Volunteer Connections
Mill Creek Care Centre is a long term care facility for 160 residents. Mill Creek fosters a caring environment and promotes the essence of home kinship. Day to day routines and the surrounding environment are as warm and reminiscent of “home” as possible. Through Mill Creek’s programming we encourage a self-care lifestyle that bolsters each resident’s independence and autonomy in activities of daily living.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- musical entertainment
- friendly one to one visiting
- pastoral services
- recreation programs
- language interpretation
- special events
- administration or clerical support
Contact Info:
Mission Thrift Store thrift stores convert donated used goods into cash so that BFM Foundation (Canada) may, through a joint ministry with Bible League Canada, transform peoples’ lives through the living Word of God.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- serve in various areas of the store
- cashier
Contact:
Caleb Crawley, Store Manager
705.797.1587
www.bfmthriftstores.ca
A willingness to contribute your time and talents to the effort to end MS is all that is needed to make a positive difference for people living with multiple sclerosis. Volunteers are truly the lifeblood of the MS Society. Why not join the team that makes a difference each and every day for those with MS in your community?
The MS Society has a volunteer opportunity to meet your needs and availability. Whether it’s serving as a director on the board, pitching in as an event volunteer, joining an event committee or visiting MS clients, we’ve got the job that’s right for you!
Volunteer opportunities include:
Board of Directors
MS Society board volunteers provide the vision, organizational skills and connections required to build and maintain effective chapters and units. Volunteer boards of directors oversee all aspects of chapters and units within their communities. Board experience is not a requirement as support and training is available from both the local chapter/unit board and Ontario Division.
You may be right for the board of directors if you would like to develop or use your skills in leadership in a role involving the planning and development of an organization.
Programs & Services
As a programs & services volunteer you could enable people affected by MS and enhance their quality of life. Here are some of the ways client services volunteers touch the lives of those with MS:
• being a friendly visitor for someone living with multiple sclerosis
• being a support group facilitator
• connecting people with the services they need in their community
Fundraising
We depend on our volunteers to help us raise the valuable funds we need to provide our programs and services to those affected by MS and to fund research to find the cure. Here are some of the fundraising programs that require volunteers: Mandarin MS Walk; MS Bike; MS Carnation Campaign. Many other events across Ontario need your help, including golf tournaments, sporting events, bingos, galas, dinners, and many more!
Social Action
Become active in advocacy efforts by writing letters to different levels of government, and communicating with local politicians to influence policy development.
Public Awareness
Share important MS Society messages by:
• talking about the MS Society of Canada at community events
• working with the local media, distributing public service announcements and other materials to newspapers, television and radio stations
Education
Help people with MS and their families have a better understanding of MS by:
• organizing and facilitating speakers and workshops
• promoting events to MS Society clients
Contact info:
ont-simcoe@mssociety.ca
The mission of Ontario Knits is to warm up Ontario. Hats, mitts, scarves, etc. are needed and will be distriubted to shelters throughout the province. Volunteer opportunities are available for those who can knit or crochet.
Contact info and guidelines are available on the Facebook page.
Located in the heart of Ontario’s lake country, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is a community hospital providing regional programs, as well as surgical and medical services to the residents of Simcoe County and Muskoka.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Fundraising events
- Direct mailing
- Special events.
Contact:
705.325.6464
found@osmh.on.ca
The Barrie Public Library is one of the busiest spots in our city, with over 3,000 people a day coming through our doors. People visit us to check out our extensive collection of leisure reading materials, e-books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs and much more. We also offer great programs and events for people of all ages, one to one assistance and workshops for small business owners, homework help and a great variety of social and study spaces.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Children’s program volunteer
- Café customer service clerk
- Shelf reading volunteer
Contact:
Volunteer info
This thrift store, located at 221 Cundles Road East, donates all of its profits to local Christian schools.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Sorting donations
Running the sales floor
Contact:
705.728.7667
The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre is an Advanced Level II facility, serving the needs of the population of the City of Barrie and the surrounding area.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Patient support
- Administrative support
- Information and way finding
- Retail and fundraising
Contact:
705.739.5650
Volunteer info
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Answering telephones, general office work
- Assist in packing food hampers
- Stocking shelves, sorting toys and clothing, and price items at the Thrift Store
- Ringing the bells at Christmas kettles
Contact:
The Youth Centre in Bradford develops mentorship relationships with youth through activities like video games, pool, ping pong, board games, crafts and more. Our goal is to share the gospel and see youth get to know God.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Build mentorship relationship with youth
Contact:
Jenna Wickens
647.861.4425
jenna@ctministries.ca
Unity Christian High School, located at 25 Burton Avenue, has a variety of activities needing volunteers.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Organizing fundraisers
Tutoring
Running the library
Contact:
705.792.6915
The VON Canada SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) ® Program offers exercise classes to community members 55+ who wish to improve their strength, balance and flexibility regardless of current physical ability. SMART’s gentle exercises are facilitated by volunteers who receive specialized training and ongoing education to deliver safe, appropriate physical activities for healthy aging. SMART is funded by the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network, so there is no cost for the participants. Volunteers will learn to lead VON SMART in-Home and/or group classes. They will be provided with training and support. No previous experience is required, just a desire to help others become more able through physical activity. A flexible commitment of only one hour per week (or more) is tailored to your schedule. SMART classes happen through the week between the hours of 8:30-4:30.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Lead a SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) exercise program for seniors.
Contact:
Jen McLellan
705.737.5044 Ext. 221
Woods Park is dedicated to helping seniors live fully, every day. Their commitment is to ensuring the comfort and independence of the residents while keeping them healthy and safe.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Pet therapy visits
Café assistance
Contact info:
Pat Reilly
705.739.6881 ext 427
pat.reilly@woodspark.on.ca
The YMCA is dedicated to the growth of all persons in spirit, mind and body, and to their sense of belonging to each other and the global community.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Promote and educate about the impact of the YMCA in our community
- Children’s programming
- Community services
- Facility maintenance
Contact:
Since 1987 Youth Haven Barrie has worked diligently towards providing homeless and abused youth between the ages of 16 and 21 with the love, support and life skills needed in order to foster our youth’s sense of well-being and security. For over 20 years we have made an important impact on the lives of hundreds of teens a year offering them not only a safe place to stay, but the hope that comes from embracing a life full of possibilities and potential armed with the skills and support systems that we offer.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Fundraising assistance
- The Coldest Night of the Year event
Contact:
Nicole Barkley
705.739.7616
nicolebarkley@youthhavenbarrie.com
If you would like to suggest an organization to be added to this list, please contact Joyce Martin.
LOG YOUR HOURS
Come back to this web page to record what you’ve done. This will encourage others to serve the Lord by helping those around them.
