Volunteer opportunities for every age and interest

There's nothing more rewarding than lending a helping hand to those in need. There are volunteer opportunities to fit a range of interests and skills. There is just something special about sharing a smile, a kind word, or a story with someone who would otherwise never experience it. If you're raring to get started, but aren't sure where to start, here are a few ideas.

Food banks are located in nearly every city and country in the world. People from around the neighbourhood donate foods to these pantries for the poor and homeless. Many of the food banks are run by volunteers and a few administrative personnel to insure all regulations are met.

As the number of homeless and poor increase, there's a real need for volunteers here. Positions that are readily available in soup kitchens include cooks, servers, cleaners, and administrative volunteers.

Stray and otherwise unwanted animals are brought into the animal rescue shelter to be cared for until they can be adopted. The number of animals in these shelters are increasing, so there often aren't enough volunteers available to look after them. Animal rescue shelters typically need volunteers to help them bring in animals, feed and water them, clean them, and play with them. This is a rewarding experience that pays off in more ways than one.

National parks are habitats for local wildlife and recreational areas for visitors. On average, they attract more visits than other landmarks, so they experience a fair amount of littering. This litter not only dirties the park, it puts animals and the environment at risk. If you're passionate about saving the environment and keeping the ecosystem balanced, this could be a rewarding experience for you.