Frequently asked questions
Can I volunteer in whatever area I want?
Volunteer opportunities are determined based on the needs of the hospital. Applications are reviewed and individuals are selected for an interview based on interests, availability and skills to satisfy the requirements of the role. Our goal is to ensure volunteers support a positive patient experience, and also have a rewarding experience.
Does your program allow for “seasonal” volunteering? I may not be able to make a consecutive 6-month commitment.
While we do require a consistent, regular commitment, we are able to accommodate some seasonal absences (e.g. travel/absence during winter or summer).
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
The minimum age to volunteer at all sites across Sunnybrook is 16. You must be the minimum age when you submit your application.
Do you have a student volunteer program?
We do not have a dedicated summer or seasonal student volunteer program. Post- secondary and high school students (minimum 16 years of age) are welcome to apply. Applications will be considered based on ability to fulfill our commitment expectations, the needs of specific volunteer roles and our available positions. Those who are not available for 6 consecutive months may apply and may be accepted if able to volunteer more than one shift weekly.
I am a high school student. Can I complete my 40 hours of community service for my secondary school graduation requirement at Sunnybrook?
Due to orientation/training, as well as other requirements to volunteer in a hospital, we are not able to accept students who only wish to complete 40 hours. If you are able to fulfill our minimum commitment expectations, (one weekly shift during school year September to June, or 3-4 shifts weekly during summer), you may apply. While the volunteer hours accumulated at Sunnybrook can be used to meet your secondary school community service requirements, we will only provide confirmation of hours to those who have fulfilled our program requirements. For those wishing to only complete 40 hours of community service, there are a variety of organizations in need of volunteers. One resource to check is www.volunteertoronto.ca.
I am professionally trained in a healthcare field. May I practice or gain experience as a volunteer?
No. Volunteer roles do not include duties or responsibilities that are performed by a licensed or regulated profession (e.g., physician, physiotherapist, nurse, lab technician, etc.). All volunteers, regardless of their prior background or training, are restricted to performing duties approved for volunteers and as outlined in the volunteer role description.
How do I get a reference for volunteering?
Whether we are able to provide a reference depends on several factors. At minimum, we are usually able to provide confirmation of volunteer activity.
If you wish to request a reference, please approach your Volunteer Resources Coordinator providing as much advance notice as possible; a minimum of 2 weeks to one month, depending on the type of reference needed.
Whether we are able to provide a reference for volunteering depends on several factors:
- Fulfillment of Commitment: Have you reliably fulfilled the expected commitment? This typically means volunteering consistently on a weekly basis for a minimum of 6 months to 1 year or completing 75 hours or more.
- Quality of volunteering: Did you display Sunnybrook’s values and follow all policies and guidelines?
- Type of Reference: What type of reference do you require? Common types include:
- Academic Reference (for admission to educational institution)
- Employment Reference
- Confirmation of Volunteering (how long and in what area you volunteered)
- Verification of Hours (number of hours you contributed)
- Scholarships/Awards
- Character Reference
- Professional Reference
- Does Volunteer Resources staff know you well enough? Whether they are able to provide a reference depends on their familiarity with you, your conduct and role, and the type of reference requested. Each type of reference requires a different level of knowledge about you, your performance, character, etc. If the Volunteer Resources staff don’t feel they have the level of knowledge needed, they may not be able to provide you with the type of reference requested. However, they may instead be able to confirm volunteer activity, be a verifier, etc. Volunteer Resources staff reserve the right to determine whether and what type of reference can be provided.
- Time Since Volunteering: How long has it been since you volunteered? If it has been more than 2 years, we may only be able to confirm your volunteer activity but might not be able to provide a detailed reference.
- Notice for Request: Have you provided sufficient notice for your reference request? We require a minimum of two weeks to one month (depending on type of reference); but longer notice is preferable, especially if this is one of your hospital volunteering goals or many details are required to satisfy your reference requirements. Remember you are one of many volunteers who may be requesting this.
Please consider these factors when requesting a reference. We are happy to provide references to volunteers who meet the criteria, and will do our best to provide you with the reference you need.
Can I volunteer in more than one area, or for more than one shift?
New volunteers begin with one placement. Additional opportunities may be considered after completing a minimum 6-month commitment and if there is a suitable opening.
Will I need to pay for parking?
Volunteers receive complimentary parking during their volunteer shift. A $10.00 refundable deposit is required.
Does the hospital provide TTC tokens for those who take transit?
Transportation to and from volunteering is the responsibility of the volunteer.
I understand volunteers are required to have a medical form completed. Can I have this done at the hospital?
Successful applicants will be required to complete a medical form within one month of their start date. This form includes immunization status and completion of a two-step tuberculosis (TB) test that must be completed by your family physician. Proof of vaccination for COVID-19 is also required.
Will the hospital cover any costs from my doctor associated with the medical form?
Any costs associated with the medical form are the responsibility of each volunteer applicant.
Do volunteers wear a uniform?
All volunteers are required to wear a provided uniform. This includes a hospital photo ID badge.
Are volunteers provided with orientation and training?
Yes. All volunteers receive orientation and training provided online via Zoom, E-learning modules as well as in-person.
