• Why can one not volunteer before the age of 16?

To offer the best possible support to patients and their families, a good measure of maturity is required from our volunteers. This guarantees en enriching experience for both volunteers and patients.

• On the average, how long does it take to become a volunteer?

The time frame varies according to the number of open positions. Some sectors of activity may be fully staffed at given times of the year. For leisure activities, assistance at meal time and for students in training, recruiting mainly occurs in January, May and September.

• How will my assignment as a volunteer be determined?

Volunteers are assigned to an activity according to their availability, their interests, their aptitudes as well as according to the needs of the organization at the time of their application.

• I am unable to commit to the required minimum period of time (4 months, 3 h/week).

You can get in touch with the Centre d’action bénévole de Montréal where you will be referred to an organization where your availability schedule will be useful.

• If my course schedule changes every term, can I alter my volunteering schedule?

The schedule can be changed according to the availabilities in the sector where you are assigned.

• Can I change my assignment (sector of activity)?

Since basic training is provided according to every sector of activity, we ask that you complete your first assignment before requesting a change of program. Should problems arise with your assignment, please discuss these with the Volunteer services Coordinator.

• Can I volunteer for more than 3 hours per week and in more than one sector of activities?

Depending on the needs of the organization, it is possible to increase the number of hours in more than one sector. Please discuss with the Coordinator.

• I have training in specific fields (nursing, massage therapy, psychotherapy...).

The role of volunteers is to complement that of the health care professionals. The presence of volunteers allows us to provide unique services and is not designed to replace health care personnel.

• I must do volunteer work to be accepted in McGill's physiotherapy or occupational therapy program.

You must commit to 50 hours, of which 30 are volunteer work and 20 are spent in observation in physiotherapy or occupational therapy. The time spent within the volunteer services program must conform to the set schedule, that is, a weekly presence spread over a minimum of 12 weeks.