As our services return to full capacity after the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re facing an unprecedented volunteer shortage

Volunteers are the bedrock of mission delivery at RMHC Toronto. Pre-pandemic, over 500 volunteers supplemented our workforce, significantly reducing our operating cost, but more importantly, ensuring that thousands of families every year found comfort and compassion at RMHC Toronto.

When the pandemic hit, protecting the vulnerable children in our care became an urgent priority. We reduced our capacity so that the families in our House had more space to stay inside while maintaining social distancing. As our hospital partners tightened their restrictions, our Family Rooms were forced to close. All volunteer shifts were cancelled and staff were reassigned to cover off their duties.

During the years of the pandemic we all faced innumerable challenges. RMHC Toronto continued to operate as an essential service, but our unused volunteer force atrophied as closures and lockdowns dragged on longer than anyone had expected.

Now with the pandemic behind us, we are thrilled to be back to full capacity. We are able to welcome 81 families into our House in downtown Toronto and all seven of our in-hospital Family Rooms are re-opened. Our programs are back – from activities for children to providing home-cooked meals for the whole family. But with the sudden increase in our capacity and programming, our need for volunteer support has never been greater.  

“Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization and they are essential to our mission,” says Candice Gurwitz, Chief Operating Officer at RMHC Toronto. “They make a tangible difference in the lives of families staying at RMHC Toronto. From creating a welcoming atmosphere to organizing activities that bring smiles to young faces, they embody the spirit of care and empathy.”

For families with seriously ill children, the services offered at RMHC Toronto are a lifeline. To ensure that we can continue to be there for them, we seek compassionate individuals – individuals like you – to join our mission. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or dedicate more time to our mission, your gift of time will have a profound impact on families going through the unthinkable.

If you’re interested in being a part of this work, we invite you to explore our volunteer opportunities.

Join us at RMHC Toronto, and together, let’s make a difference for families facing the most challenging time of their lives.