Volunteer Fairs

The next Volunteer and Leadership Fair will be held in October 2013. Check this page again during the summer to find out the exact date!

What is the Volunteer and Leadership Fair?

The Volunteer and Leadership Fair is an opportunity for students to meet representatives from 40 community organizations right on campus and learn about the opportunities available to them, both in Montreal and abroad. It has been organized by Counselling and Development since 2005.

What organizations are represented at the fair?

Most people who first start exploring volunteer opportunities are surprised at the variety of opportunities available.  The organizations present at the Fair provide you with a sample of this variety.  Join us to learn about opportunities to volunteer with children, the elderly, individuals with special needs and/or get involved in a cause you care about, such as health and wellness, the environment, education, etc.

The following organizations were present at our last Volunteer Fair, on October 10th 2012:

• Alzheimer Society
• AMI Quebec
• Apathy is Boring
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Montreal
• Big Brother Big Sisters of West Island
• Boys and Girls Club of Dawson Community Centre
• Boys and Girls Club of Lasalle
• Canadian Liver Foundation
• CCS Community Services
• Centre for the Arts in Human Development
• Chinese Family Service of Greater Montreal
• Concordia Alternative Spring Break
• Concordia Volunteer Abroad Program
• CSSS Cavendish - CLSC René-Cassin
• Cummings Centre
• Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre
• End Poverty Now
• Entraide Bénévole Métro
• Face a Face
• Jewish Eldercare
• Kidney Foundation
• Les Amis de la Montagne
• Logifem
• MADD Montreal
• Missing Children's Network
• Montreal Children's Library
• Montreal South West Community Ministries
• NDG/Montreal West Volunteer
• NOVA Montreal
• Oxfam Quebec
• Royal Victoria Hospital Volunteer Services
• Red Cross
• Santropol Roulant
• Scouts Canada
• Shelter and Assistance for Victims of Elder Abuse (SAVA Centre-Ouest)
• Special Olympics
• St-Antoine 50+ Community Centre
• St John's Ambulance
• St Mary's Hospital
• Toujours Ensemble
• Tyndale St-Georges Community Centre
• Volunteer Bureau of Montreal
• Welcome Hall Mission
• West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH)
• Yellow Door

What happens at the Fair?

People who want to find out more about volunteering visit the different kiosks and talk to representatives of the recruiting organizations. It's a good way to learn more about the organizations that interest you and find out which organizations provide the best fit for you, in terms of your interests, goals, and of course, your schedule. (For tips on choosing the best Volunteer Opportunity for you, refer to First Time Volunteering? or Make a Career Move: Strategic Volunteering).

What if none of the opportunities offered at the Fair fit with my goals?
In addition to finding out about many organizations and their current opportunities, the Fair is a great place to approach Volunteer Coordinators and present them with an idea of your own!  How would you go about this?

1. Find out ahead of time which organization will be at the Fair and what they do (click on the links above to go to their websites!).  Do you see a fit with the experience you are looking for?  For example, a Music student might approach an organization that provides weekly activities for seniors and propose to play for them once in a while.  The organization may not have posted this opportunity but could be glad to hear your proposal!  (for more information, see section on Strategic Volunteering)
2. Consider the organization’s needs and think through your offer to be realistic (for example:  how much time do you have available? When?). 
3. Then simply take the initiative, get the Volunteer Coordinator’s contact, and follow-up!

Of course, if you don't find the perfect opportunity for you at the Fair, you can drop by at the LIVE Volunteer Resource Centre and discuss with a Volunteer Ambassador in the days that follow! Chances are, if what you are looking for exists, we can help you find it!