The Emergency Food Services department is open Monday – Friday. Volunteer Shifts in Emergency Food Services happen during these times only:

     9am – 12:15pm (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)

     12:30pm – 3:45pm (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)

     3:45pm – 7:45pm (Thursday late afternoons/evenings)

Currently UNAVAILABLE:

Food Bank Servers: work on a team in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values, and in a manner that is dignified and respectful, to provide food options to shoppers. The ability to lift 30-40 lbs. and be on your feet for a 3.5 hour shift are required. Must be more than 16 years old. Commitment: once weekly

Cross-trained Food Bank volunteers: work on a team, in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values – integrity, leadership, inclusivity – to provide food options to shoppers and support efficient and effective food bank operation by switching between one of the following essential roles (to be determined weekly based on need):

• Food Bank Server
• Food Bank Runner
• Navigator

Commitment: once weekly

Food Bank Support volunteers: work on a team in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values to receive, sort, pack boxes and stock shelves with food donations and to ensure the timely delivery of products to food bank shoppers. The ability to lift 30-50 lbs. and be on your feet for a 3.5 hour shift are required. Must be more than 16 years old. Commitment: 3.5-hour shift once weekly. 

        Types of Food Bank Support Roles:

1. 1. Receiver volunteers: direct just-arrived food donations to appropriate locations to ensure the timely delivery of products to shoppers and home delivery clients while also maintaining a safe work area. The ability to lift 30-50 lbs. and be on your feet for a 3.5 hour shift is required.  Must be more than 16 years old. Commitment: once weekly
   2.  Sorter volunteers: organize donated food by commodity,  paying special attention to Best Before dates to ensure that only items that meet standards are made available to shoppers and housebound clients. Must be more than 16 years old. Commitment: once weekly
   3.  Box-packer volunteers: work on a team in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values to support the food bank by making 2 types of boxes (Families 1-3, Families 4-6) for pick-up during food bank appointments. The ability to lift 30-50 lbs. and be on your feet for a 3.25-hour shift is required. Must be more than 16 years old. Commitment: once weekly
   4. Home Delivery Packer volunteers: customize and prepare boxes for delivery to housebound clients. Must be more than 16 years old. Commitment: once weekly

Home Delivery Driver volunteers: work on a team in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values, and in a manner that is dignified and respectful, to drop off 30-40 lb. food boxes to designated Hamilton residences. Driver volunteers use their own vehicle and fuel. Must be more than 24 years old. Commitment: once weekly

Driver Assistants: work on a team in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values to assist the staff driver with loading and unloading inventory, guiding the driver when backing up into loading areas, and packing (or re-packing) inventory into boxes or bags. The ability to lift 25-50 lbs. is required. Must be at least 20 years old. Commitment: once weekly 

Navigator volunteers: work on a team in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values to manage the flow of shoppers in the outdoor and indoor waiting spaces of the food bank. Navigators help food bank shoppers and participants of the utilities and financial counselling programs with wayfinding through the line-up, intake and service process. Must have excellent people skills (self-aware, customer service-oriented, accommodating, efficient), and be on your feet for a 3.5 hr. shift. Must be more than 16 years old. Commitment: once weekly 

Co-op placement student: works on the Emergency Food Services team in the spirit of N2N Centre’s values to provide a positive and quality experience for food bank shoppers. The student will work in a variety of the Emergency Food roles (Navigator or Server in the food bank, or behind the scenes packing pantry basics boxes, or receiving, sorting and storing food donations). Commitment: half-days Monday – Friday.

UNAVAILABLE:

Community Meal Prep & Dish Specialists assist with many different tasks in our Community Kitchen, including:  safely preparing foods for various programs at the Centre, cleaning and sanitizing dishes, equipment and surfaces, weighing and sorting produce and other raw foodstuffs, and maintaining safety standards at all times.  Volunteers may also help to answer and direct guests’ inquiries during their shift, and will provide support to programming, as required. 

There is a strong emphasis on sanitation, and we want to work with volunteers that are focused on a level of safety that is above and beyond personal home kitchens. Must be at least 16 yrs. old and available during business hours. Commitment: once weekly on:

• Thursdays, 10 AM – 1PM, or
• Thursdays, 1 – 4 PM, or
• Fridays, 10 AM – 1 PM

Dining Service & Greeter volunteers are responsible for assisting with many different tasks in our Community Kitchen, including:  welcoming guests, engaging in friendly conversation, providing information to those requesting assistance, safely serving foods, cleaning and sanitizing, and maintaining safety standards.  Volunteers will help to answer and direct guests’ inquiries during their shift, and will provide support to programming, as required. 

There is a strong emphasis on sanitation, and we want to work with volunteers that are focused on a level of safety that is above and beyond personal home kitchens. Must be at least 14 yrs. old. Commitment: 

• Thursdays, 4 – 7 PM, or
• Fridays, 10 AM – 1 PM
• Fridays, 11:30 AM – 2 PM

Garden Program volunteers, trained and supported by staff, help with set-up and take-down of program supplies, greeting program participants and community members, assisting participants in finding an activity that fits their interests, demonstrating various garden activities. Commitment: About 3 hrs. once weekly May – August on one of: 

• Tuesdays, 9:15 AM – 12:15 PM, or
• Thursdays, 3:15 – 6:15 PM, or
• Saturdays, 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Garden Watering volunteers will help with the watering of the Patio Garden and Community Garden at the Community Food Centre (310 Limeridge Rd. West). Commitment: about 2-3 hrs. once weekly May – September on one of:

• Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, or 1 PM and 3 PM, or
• Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (filled), or 1 PM and 3 PM, or
• Fridays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (filled), or 1 PM and 3 PM 

   (We need 2 volunteers for each day, and will select people who are available at the same time)

Sharing Garden & Community Allotment Garden volunteers will help with the maintenance (seeding, planting, watering, weeding) of the Sharing Garden and watering at the Community Allotment Garden at 28 Athens St. Commitment: about 2-3 hrs. once or twice weekly from May – September on:

• Thursdays, 1 – 7 PM 
• Flexibility for a second day during heat waves when plants need more water

(We need 2 volunteers for each shift, and will select people who are available at the same time)

Affordable Produce Market & Café volunteers help run a fresh fruit and vegetable market for the community. They set up and/or take down market equipment, arrange and present produce in an appealing way, label foods according to price list, serve customers and conduct a closing inventory. They also prepare and distribute food to community members that visit the market/cafe. Customer service skills and friendly personality are assets. Must be comfortable with basic math. Ideal for 15-19 year olds and newcomers of any age. Commitment:  Saturdays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Youth kitchen program volunteer assists the Program Coordinator with set-up, delivery, and clean-up of a biweekly community kitchen for youth ages 13-18.  Volunteers help provide an open, welcoming space for young people to learn and share food skills, develop confidence in the kitchen, and engage in meaningful discussions about food justice. Priority will be given to volunteers living in the Rolston neighbourhood, newcomers, and Indigenous, Black, and racialized applicants. Commitment: Every second Tuesday from 3:30pm – 6:30 pm for 4 months. Must be 18 years or older.

 Kids Club Program volunteer – Kids Club is an after-school program with a focus on food. Once per week on Wednesdays, children ages 6-12 gather at the Community Food Centre (310 Limeridge Road West) where they learn new skills for the kitchen, and prepare delicious meals and snacks for themselves. The goals of the program are to provide a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment, and to provide opportunities for children to learn about how food is grown and prepared.

Kids Club Program Volunteers assist the Program Coordinator with set-up for programming, delivering programming, and cleaning up after programming. During each program session, volunteers help to motivate children to participate and stay on-task, and may facilitate a smaller group of kids within the larger group. Kids Club volunteers are people who love messy, loud, fun activities for kids and who are adaptable when things don’t go as planned. Must be 16 years or older. Commitment:

• Wednesdays 3:00 – 6:15 PM, during the school  year

Pollinator Gardener / Forest Caretaker volunteers, trained and supported by staff, help with the maintenance of the gardens and/or forest areas, including watering, weeding, species identification, harvesting edible plant parts, and promoting awareness of pollinator and/or edible species within the community. Commitment: about 2 hrs. per week

Deban Brunette Literacy Program

• Reading Tutors: provide one-to-one reading support for students in Grades 1 to 4 at selected schools during the school day. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Commitment: up to 2-3 hours weekly from October-May and 4 hours total required in both September and June.

UNAVAILABLE:

• Educational Consultants instruct and support N2N’s reading tutors. This position requires extensive experience in education. Commitment: September to June, 2-8 hours per month.

Math Success Program: 

•  Math Tutors provide math support for students in Grades 5 to 8 after school (3:45-5:00 pm) from October- June. Commitment: Up to 2 shifts per week October-June. Community Involvement hours will be credited for youth volunteers. Must be a minimum of 14 years of age (parental consent required).

• Speaker Mentors provide a 15-20 minute talk on a career, including one not typically associated with math or financial literacy, to encourage gr. 7 & 8 students to see the importance of math in a variety of jobs. The talk may include how the speaker overcame a struggle in school or the speaker’s insight into different career paths. Commitment: 15-20 minutes after school, once or twice, October-June.

 UNAVAILABLE:

• Community Counsellors: provide information and access to community resources, help to identify options as well as validate the client’s experiences. Counsellors provide assistance with a variety of issues related to poverty, employment, family violence, health concerns and legal problems.
  Commitment: 3-hour shift weekly, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm or 12:30 – 3:30 pm. Must have post-secondary education or work experience.

• Ambassadors: network with the business community to raise Neighbour to Neighbour Centre’s profile

• Speakers’ Bureau volunteers: will represent N2N at speaking engagements at schools, faith groups and other organizations, or at community events. Training, talking points and resources will be provided. Must have volunteer or participant experience with N2N programs. Commitment: 1 hour per month as needed. 

UNAVAILABLE:

Special Events in Community Food Programs: Volunteers work with staff to provide support at the Winter Solstice Dinner, at Community Kitchen workshops and Child/Youth-focused events.  Exact dates and times tbd.

Toy Store: volunteers set up the store, float between the store and Neighbour to Neighbour to maintain tables stocked with toys; assist shoppers with carry-out; and ensure each shopper is treated with dignity and respect. Commitment: One or two 4-hour shifts. Must be more than 16 years old.   

Turkey Drive at select Fortinos stores – Nov. 30th & Dec. 1st, 10 AM – 1 PM OR 1 PM – 4 PM

This December, N2N Centre will provide free groceries to over 1700 families! We want to make hundreds of turkeys available among the groceries that folks can pick up in our food bank in December through the Fortinos turkey drive.

Suited to small groups of motivated individuals, feel free to get festive in your clothing, accessories, lighting/noisemakers (or how about turkey costumes!!!)

Support from an N2N staff member will be provided.

Turkey Drive volunteer roles:

1. At each store entrance – 1 or more volunteers inform arriving customers that all the turkeys donated that day benefit 1700 N2N families in December
2. At each store’s meat department, where turkeys are sold – 1 or more volunteers promote turkey purchases to donate
3. At each check-out area – 1 or more volunteers receive the purchased turkey donations from customers and take the turkeys to the designated refrigerated area

Email volunteer@n2ncentre.com for more information.

UNAVAILABLE:

• Annual Golf Tournament volunteers support the event to ensure its’ successful and an enjoyable time for all:
  • Set-up & Registration (9-11:30 am)
  • Contest Ticket Sales (9-11:30 am)
  • Overseeing Contests and Activities at Tees (10:15 am – 1:45 pm and/or 1:45 – 5:15 pm)
  • Silent Auction (5 – 8 pm)
• Coldest Night of the Year volunteers support the event and the walkers in any of these roles to ensure a safe and fun time for all. Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) happens on the last Saturday of every February!

  On Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 you can volunteer in one of these ways:

  • • Greeters and Wayfinders (2:45 – 5 pm)
    • Welcome Cheerleaders (4:45 – 7 pm)
    • Snack Prep (12 – 4 pm, or 4 – 8 pm)
    • Route Marshals (outdoors, 3:45 – 7 pm)
    • Set-up and Wrap-up (4:15 – 8 pm)

  Email:  volunteer@n2ncentre.com  for  more  information.

• N2N Books volunteers: maintain a high level of customer service in our used book store. The store is a social enterprise, housed on the second floor of Neighbour to Neighbour Centre (28 Athens) and open to the public, that generates revenue for our programming. Commitment: a 3-hour shift once weekly, either 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, or 12:30 pm -3:30 pm, or 3:30 – 6:30 pm (Thursdays only) . Must be more than 16 years old.

Do you want to help us eliminate food insecurity and assist those in need to escape from the constraints of poverty?

Neighbour to Neighbour (N2N) Centre is looking for people who want to make a difference in the lives of those in need. We need people who want to help other people and are willing to commit time and effort by lending their skills to our volunteer Board of Directors to ensure that N2N delivers on their mission to lead those at risk in our community to an improved quality of life.

Who are we?

Neighbour to Neighbour Centre has helped Hamiltonians in need for over 30 years. From our emergency food bank to educational and family supports to our Community Food Centre, Neighbour to Neighbour uses preventative measures and strategies to alleviate the burden of poverty in Hamilton.

Who are you?

Like us, you value leadership, integrity, and diversity.

You are someone who cares about other people and their well-being; you want to assist others by empowering them with tools and ideas that will help them change their lives.

You love to have a positive impact on people!

What skills can you bring to the Board?

The following skills are all relevant:

• Corporate Governance
• Strategic Thinking
• “Big Picture” Perspective
• Fundraising
• Accounting/Financial Background
• Youthful Perspective
• Legal Knowledge
• Commercial Real Estate
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Strong contacts within the community
• Social Media experience

The role?

A Director on our Board is an unpaid volunteer. Board members oversee the strategic plan, finances and policies and procedures of N2N; their support, guidance and drive help staff make informed decisions and plan future programs and events.

Directors are expected to attend a Monthly Meeting of 2 hours in duration and serve on (minimum) one Task Force that meets quarterly.

Monthly meetings occur on the fourth Thursday of each month at the N2N head office in Hamilton. During COVID, the board has been meeting over Zoom.

The Term of Office is for a period of two (2) years which may be renewed for a second and third terms, to a maximum term of six (6) years.

How to Apply?

Please send your expression of interest by submitting a resume and covering letter to:

Stephanie Johnston c/o admin@n2ncentre.com

Your covering letter should state why you wish to be considered as a Director for the N2N Board with notes as to your skills that would be relevant and of value to the Board.

Candidates who best meet our requirements will be invited to meet with members of our Nominating Task Force. The Nominating Task Force will make its recommendations to the Board of Directors; the Board will determine which candidates will be invited to join the Board as new Directors.

Thank you in advance for your interest.