Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to get involved

Give back to your community while meeting new people and learning new skills.  Explore current volunteer opportunities in Niagara Falls and find the experience that’s right for you. If you want to place your name into our volunteer pool for any future events/functions, please sign-up now and we will connect with you once opportunities arise.

NOTE: Information about the Volunteer Recognition Awards Ceremony can be found further down this webpage. Submissions to make a nomination are open for 2024.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

For additional information about these volunteer opportunities, please contact the person noted or click on the appropriate link in the chart below:

Position

Day/Time

Description

2024 Mother Earth Day

May 11, 2024

10am to 3pm

 The Environmental Action Committee will be teaming up with vendors and exhibitors to showcase environmental initiatives.  A large tree give-a-way, along with an assortment of Mother's Day gifts will be available. The committee is currently looking for volunteers to help set-up, manage and tear-down for this event.  A volunteer registration link will be uploaded shortly.  Check back for details and to confirm your participation.

For more information, contact Jeff Guarasci or call 905-356-7521, ext. 3341.

Santa Parade

Nov 16, 2024

3:30 - 6:30pm

The 2024 Santa Parade will return to downtown Niagara Falls this November! Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles including mascot handler, costumed characters, banner carriers, volunteer orientation, and more! For more information contact Nathan Smith at 905-356-7521 extension 3345 or email [email protected] 

Community Clean Sweep Days

Various 

The Environmental Action Committee hosts two clean-up events each year, to allow residents to take part in helping to keep our City clean.  Volunteers are provided with a safety vest/t-shirt, gloves and garbage/recycling bags.  Areas to clean are:  City boulevards, parks, trails and walkways.  To participate, register online at the Community Clean Sweep section.  Clean Sweep Days for 2024 are April 22, and October 19. Also available on Saturday, April 27th from 9am to 12pm is a clean-up within our 2 local cemeteries (Fairview and Lundy's Lane).  To register for this event, please email Cemetery Services directly.

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC)

Various dates and times

Volunteer with the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee!  Each year MYAC establishes and implements an annual plan in order to provide a voice for youth and to offer fun opportunities. The MYAC team can often use the assistance and guidance of adults in the community to help them meet their goals not to mention the many opportunities for youth volunteers to help out at various events and collaborations with community partners like Project Share. Please call Nathan Smith at 905-356-7521 extension 3345 or email [email protected] to discuss where you might fit in.

Niagara Falls Museums

Various dates and times

Volunteer with the Niagara Falls Museums and help out with our Free Thursday evening activities and other events such as Exhibition Openings, Family Day, March Break, Niagara Night of Art, Drummond Hill Cemetery Tours and more. For details, please contact the museum at 905-358-5082 or email [email protected].

Niagara Falls Farmers' Market

Saturdays - year round

The award-winning Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market engages enthusiastic community volunteers to help make the market experience as seamless as possible and provide friendly customer service for visitors. Our local Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 7a.m. to 1p.m. at MacBain Community Centre. If you are interested in being a part of our market volunteer team, please contact Jared Schutt.

Daily Community Clean-Up Program

Open - weather permitting

Do you have limited free time, but still want to give back to your community? Consider registering to conduct a community clean-up. This program allows residents to conduct clean-up activities on their chosen time when able.  Volunteers are given complimentary gloves, safety vests and garbage bags prior to their event. Simply register online and a municipal staff will follow-up with your request during regular business hours.  The program is free and available to all residents of Niagara Falls. Please review the program restrictions prior to registration. Questions? Contact Staff by email or call 905-356-7521 ext.3341.

Aquatics - Assistant Swim Instructors

Various - dependent on swim lesson schedule

Are you interested in becoming a Lifeguard or Swim Instructor and are waiting for your next course? We are looking for youth ages 13-15 to assist our swim instructors during lessons and gain valuable experience for your own lessons.  If you are interested in being a part of our aquatics team, please contact Samantha Slofstra by email or 905-356-7521 ext. 4139.

Canada Day Celebration

July 1, 2024

11am to 4pm

Join us for our annual Canada Day Celebrations that will be hosted at Firemen's Park in Niagara Falls.  There are various volunteer duties that are available.  For more information contact Nathan Smith at 905 - 356 - 7521 ext.3345 or email [email protected].

Volunteer Recognition Awards

Nominations can be made below for the 2024 edition of the City of Niagara Falls Volunteer Recognition Awards.  

About the Volunteer Recognition Awards

The Annual Volunteer Recognition Program provides an excellent opportunity to honour and recognize the many outstanding volunteers in our community. Community organizations are invited to recognize one Individual Volunteer and one Corporate Sponsor each year. In addition, anyone may nominate individuals (or organizations) to receive one of our Special Awards.

Nominations are accepted year round, online for Corporate Sponsors and Individual Volunteers, and for our Special Awards (Senior Volunteer of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year, Environment, Civic Pride, George MacPhail, Stamford Alumni Association Award in Memory of Barbara Frum). 

Stamford Collegiate Alumni Association Award in Memory of Barbara Frum

This award is presented to an individual or organization that has enhanced the quality of our lives by virtue of their outstanding contribution to fostering and developing Arts and Cultural opportunities in Niagara Falls. Barbara Frum was a well-known and respected journalist, interviewer, and commentator in print, radio, and television.

Civic Pride Award

This award is presented to those residents who demonstrate a true commitment to our community and help make the City a nicer, cleaner place in which to live, by making a difference to the daily lives of those who live in Niagara Falls.

Environment Award

This award is presented to those citizens, groups, businesses, industry or organizations residing or working in the City of Niagara Falls who have made a significant contribution toward the protection or enhancement of the City's environment.

George MacPhail Award

This award is presented to an individual or organization who has displayed an outstanding volunteer contribution in recreation to the citizens of Niagara Falls. The award is made in memory of George MacPhail, a former Niagara Falls elementary school vice-principal and a long-time, dedicated member of the City of Niagara Falls Recreation Committee.

Senior Volunteer of the Year Award

This award is presented to a senior resident, 60 years of age or older, who demonstrates a true commitment to our community by their volunteer work. The service that they provide goes well above and beyond and makes a significant impact on the community.

Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

This award is presented to a youth resident, 21 years of age or younger, who demonstrates a true commitment to our community by their volunteer work. The service that they provide goes well above and beyond any volunteer service required by their school.

In addition, BeNF Awards are presented each year by the Mayor's Office. The BeNF Award recognizes people who are proud to be a part of the fabric that makes up Niagara Falls and give back in a generous way to fellow residents. The Doug Austin Award is presented each year by The Niagara Falls Review.

Questions?

Please contact the Recreation & Culture office at 905-356-7521 extension 3330 or email Recreation and Culture.