Volunteer at TOH

Volunteer With Us: Help Reshape the Future of Health Care

Our volunteers represent diverse cultures, age groups, abilities, and life experiences. Some are looking ahead to future careers in health care; others are looking back over the rich life experiences that have equipped them for their role as volunteers. Whatever their backgrounds, all our volunteers are working to help The Ottawa Hospital reshape the future of health care.

A volunteer’s gift of time, talent, and energy are invaluable to patients, visitors, and staff.

To volunteer, all you need is the following:

• A willingness to help people
• Some time to share
• A desire to challenge yourself

Commitments and Qualifications

• Volunteers must be 16 years or older.
• Eight-month commitment. Cottagers and snowbirds are welcome!
• Most assignments require one shift of 3-4 hours per week.
• The desire to always provide EXCELLENT customer service.
• Excellent at working in a cooperative team environment.
• Eager to participate in courses and change practices in continuous pursuit of excellence.

Timelines and Opportunities

We have a thorough screening and training process. If a good fit is found for your interests and availability, it can take 1 to 2 months to start volunteering.

Please note that for information to be current, we keep applications for a period of four months, after which, you need to re-apply.

Here are some of the volunteer roles at The Ottawa Hospital:

• Wayfinding (Info desk. entrance navigator and Infoguide+)
• Recreational therapy
• Virtual Program (Info desk, courtesy calls, chemo teach)
• Inpatient and Outpatient Units (ED, ICU, Eye Care Centre, Surgical Day Care, Hemodialysis, Cancer Centre)
• Office Helpers
• Wellness Centre Support
• Musical Moments
• Transitional Care (offsite locations)
• Pet Therapy (Pet Therapy volunteers must first be certified by either St John’s Ambulance or Ottawa Therapy Dogs to volunteer at The Ottawa Hospital)

We continue to work with our TOH leaders to develop new and exciting volunteer roles and programs and welcome great new ideas from our volunteers, staff and families.

Now Accepting Volunteer Applications

We’re excited to welcome new volunteers and are currently accepting applications.

As you consider applying, please note:

• The majority of our volunteer roles take place during weekday business hours (Monday–Friday).
• Weekend and evening opportunities are limited.
• Opportunities for high school students are very limited; For high school students, the best way to get involved is through our High School Co-op Program (please speak to your school for more information).
• We do not have a set closing date for applications; Our application period will remain open based on the number of applications we receive.

We truly appreciate your interest in volunteering with us to support our patients.

Submit your application to volunteer at The Ottawa Hospital.

Last updated on: January 6th, 2026