Volunteer

Become a Volunteer

Bridgeport Café, Sharewear, Food Bag Program, and many of our other programs would not exist if not for the support of our wonderful volunteers. It is thanks to them that we are able to continue our initiative of fostering community for those who need it most.

We have many opportunities to get involved and are always looking for people of all ages and backgrounds to help us with our community initiative. If you have a free schedule or only certain hours to commit, let us know and we can always find a volunteer opportunity for you! You can email us, give us a call, or drop by the centre to discuss available opportunities. Please contact volunteer@waterloowayside.org or 519-886-1471 if you are interested in volunteering.

Food Bag Program

Together with the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we hold a Food Bag Program at Emmanuel United Church located on 22 Bridgeport Road West, Waterloo every Thursday from 1pm to 2pm. We distribute a supply of fresh and prepared food that are nutritious and healthy.

If you are interested in volunteering on Thursdays:

- food is unloaded and sorted from 9:30am to 11:30am – this may include unloading food from the delivery truck into the church
- food tables are setup from 9:30am to 12:30pm
- food is distributed from 12:45pm to 3:00pm
- food tables are cleaned and put away from 3:00pm to 4:00pm

We are always appreciative of the extra help with handing out food!

Opportunities

Please contact Linda Oliver (volunteer@waterloowayside.org or 519-886-1471) if you are interested in volunteering at our Food Bag Program.

Bridgeport Café

One of the Wayside Centre’s biggest programs is the Bridgeport Café, an afternoon drop in program for anyone looking for food or fellowship. The Café is volunteer run and led and is open Tuesday to Friday, every week from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The Café offers guests an assortment of hot and cold food and drinks. Board games, cards and movies are available for guests to spend time together. Other forms of programming including music and art are offered at the Café based on the interests and availability of the volunteers.

Bridgeport Café Opener

The Opener arrives 30-60 minutes before the Cafe opens to prepare or help prepare hot food to be ready at 12:00pm when the Cafe opens. As well, the Opener sets up the tables and chairs and any other things for that day. The opener stays until 2:00pm.

Bridgeport Café Closer

The Closer is at the Cafe from 2:00pm to 3:30pm and responsible for cleaning up the kitchen, putting out the garbage, putting away the tables chairs and miscellaneous cleanup of the Fellowship Hall.

Bridgeport Café Host

The Cafe Host should have strong interpersonal skills with an ability to support people of different socio-economic levels and cultural backgrounds. Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills would be an asset in this position.

Bridgeport Café Cook

Create simple but nutritious hot meals using the food available from the food bank. Meals usually consist of sandwiches, soups, salads, etc.

Sharewear

Sharewear roles include:

- Clothing Sorter: Sorters sort clothes according to size and style.
- Clothing Repair: Some donated items require minor repair before they are distributed. Some clients may have a favourite article of clothing that needs repair.
- Clothing Distribution: During Café hours, work with clients to find clothes that suit their needs.