Are you looking to find a job?
Consider volunteering, unpaid work. It may take you to your dream job. Volunteering not only makes an impact on others, but it also helps you gain new skills and make new connections.
Volunteering may help you:
- Gain Canadian work experience,
- Acquire knowledge of Canadian workplaces,
- Increase your chances of finding your dream job,
- Network with fellow volunteers and employment mentors,
- Develop interpersonal and intercultural communication skills,
- Engage with projects that make Kingston a better place to live,
- Practise your English or French,
- Train yourself in overcoming practical challenges, and
- Hear about issues that affect the community and paid opportunities!
In short, volunteering is a fulfilling way to increase your chances of getting paid jobs.
Are you interested but don't know where to start?
Queen's University has a resource webpage to help you begin your search. Volunteer Kingston lists several opportunities, too. You may support persons with disabilities or help newcomers to Canada. I tutor within Kingston Literacy & Skills (KL&S). It is such a rewarding position: I am proud that one of my former students, a newcomer to Canada, recently got a job at Queen’s! Kingston Youth Employment Centre (KEYS) has volunteer positions as well.
Still don’t know how to start?
Attend Kingston Community Volunteer Fair on April 15! The event will take place from 12-1pm. Hosted by Kingston Health Sciences Centre, this virtual fair will feature several organizations.
Big Brothers Big Sisters creates impactful connections between an adult mentor and a young person in need. You will get to spend regular time with your mentee, building a meaningful relationship while enjoying a range of sports and fitness, arts and crafts, and nutrition activities.
Community Living Kingston and District supports individuals with an intellectual disability. The organization matches volunteers and mentees based on mutual availability, compatibility, and preferences. This position might be for you if you enjoy going to movies and theatre, bowling, watching local sporting events, shopping, joining a club together, or just meeting up for coffee or tea. Can you teach a particular skill, like playing a musical instrument, or act as a tutor? You can help at a local childcare centre.
Made up of Kingston General Hospital, Hotel Dieu Hospital, and outpatient satellite sites, such as the Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program and Detoxification Centre, Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is actively recruiting for roles to contribute to higher quality patient care. Consider volunteering for the KHSC!
Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) provides support to people who want the comfort and peace of mind of living in their own homes and communities. Do you drive? You might be one of the Meals on Wheels volunteers they are actively seeking.
YMCA of Eastern Ontario (YMCA) offers programs that help locals become more physically fit, better connected to their communities, and equipped with the skills needed to achieve success in work and life. Why not help someone achieve their goals in several YMCAs in Kingston?
Remember! Kingston Community Volunteer Fair is on April 15. Register here.
Any conversation about jobs is also one about insurance! Do you or a family member need a new Social Insurance Number? Service Canada is offering services at Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC). Drop in for this free, in person service in Mitchel Hall between 12 and 4 pm on April 10 and then April 15.
Stay enthusiastic, helpful, and well.