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Why volunteer with us
Being a SickKids volunteer is a unique and fulfilling experience. Regardless of your interests or motivations, our volunteer roles give you the chance to immerse yourself in the hospital's vibrant atmosphere and interact with patients, families and staff. You'll get to challenge yourself, grow and learn, all while contributing to a world-renowned institution.
A diverse volunteer community
We're proud to have a diverse volunteer community of over 1,100 people, ranging from 16 to 80+ years old who dedicate their time across departments, including research, administration and patient support. SickKids volunteers come from all walks of life and join us for many reasons—career aspirations in healthcare, personal connections to SickKids, a love for working with children, or the desire to give back to the community. Across their varied backgrounds, our volunteers unite to form a close-knit community within programs and the larger volunteer team.
A reward and recognition program
- Service milestones: We acknowledge volunteer service commitment at one, three and five years, and then every five years after with certificates, lanyards or service pins.
- Hours awards: We celebrate volunteer milestones of 100, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,500, and 5,000 hours with special recognition.
- Service excellence awards: We recognize exceptional volunteer contributions through our annual service excellence awards.
- Appreciation events: From National Volunteer Week to our Annual Appreciation Event, we find fun and engaging ways to thank our volunteers for their unwavering support.
Learning and engagement opportunities
As a volunteer, you'll have access to a wide array of SickKids' learning and professional development events, from Bioethics Rounds to the Clinical Research Excellence Symposium to resume writing workshops. You'll also have the chance to attend sessions and workshops designed to enhance your experience as a volunteer, explore health-related careers and bring volunteers together.
Volunteer perks
- Free onsite parking and bike storage during your shift
- Free membership to SickKids on-site gym on the days you volunteer
- Discounted Goodlife Gym Membership
- Discounted registration for SickKids conferences and professional development
- Special discount days at SickKids operated stores
Our team is here to support you!
At SickKids, our dedicated Volunteer Resources team is committed to supporting your volunteer journey. As part of the Human Resources department our team manages over 1,100 volunteers, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.
Still have questions? Complete this form and a member of our team will respond to you within one business week.
Volunteer Testimonial
Victoria, Adult Volunteer
My journey with SickKids began as a high school summer volunteer, driven by a desire to gain experience in a hospital environment. By the end of my first shift, I recognized how truly special SickKids is, and became determined to continue volunteering for as long as possible. Years later, I’m still here, having been involved in both child life and research programs.
Volunteering at SickKids has profoundly shaped my life, enhancing my compassion and understanding of how I can best support patients and their families, and influencing my career path into pediatric clinical research.