STEP 1:

Register for a New Volunteer Orientation

You must register for and attend a New Volunteer Orientation prior to volunteering by contacting the Volunteer and Operations Manager, Kelly Taylor, at volunteering@windreachfarm.org or (905) 655-5827 ext. 225.

 

Occasionally a one-on-one orientation can be done by the Volunteer and Operations Manager if deemed appropriate.

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We ask all volunteers to provide two references (including daytime phone numbers, preferably NOT family members) when registering for a New Volunteer Orientation.

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older. We ask for a commitment of at least 10 hours per month for a year. Volunteer days and times are generally Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (stables only) and Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (stables or special events). Each volunteer opportunity requires different availability.

 

STEP 2:

Attend a New Volunteer Orientation and Complete Paperwork

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2023 New Volunteer Orientation dates are listed below. There will be 6 scheduled New Volunteer Orientations in 2023.

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• Thursday, March 9th from 5:45 - 8:30 pm - general and stables orientation

• Thursday, April 20th from 5:45 - 7 pm - general orientation only

• Thursday, June 8th from 5:45 - 8:30 pm - general and stables orientation

• Wednesday, July 26th from 5:45 - 7 pm - general orientation only

• Thursday, September 7th from 5:45 - 8:30 pm - general and stables orientation

• Thursday, October 19th from 5:45 - 7 pm - general orientation only

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All potential volunteers must attend a New Volunteer Orientation. Each general orientation is 75 minutes in length and is held inside or outside the Visitors’ Centre or outside on a covered deck at WindReach Farm. During the orientation, you will become familiar with WindReach Farm’s mission, programs and services, volunteer commitment, and volunteer opportunities. This general orientation runs from 5:45 - 7 pm.

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Those interested in volunteering at the Stables MUST ALSO attend a Stables orientation which are held three times per year on the same night as a the main orientation and run from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

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Forms to be completed can be found here.

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Criminal Record Check

All WindReach Farm volunteers 18 years of age and older are asked to submit a current (within the last year) Criminal Record Check including the Vulnerable Sector Check.

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You must get the Criminal Record Check from the area in which you live. In Durham, you can complete an online application at www.drps.ca/onlinechecks. You must upload your letter from WindReach Farm (which you will get the night of the orientation) in order to receive the $20 discounted rate. Currently all requests are done online. Once your record is ready, it will be mailed to you. You can then bring it to WindReach Farm for your volunteer file.

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Note: Costs associated with the completion of the Criminal Record Check (including the Vulnerable Sector Screening) is the sole responsibility of the volunteer.

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STEP 3:

Interview

After attending the New Volunteer Orientation and handing in your completed paperwork, you will be contacted by the Volunteer and Operations Manager for an interview. This is done after your 2 references have been contacted and is typically 3-4 weeks after the Orientation.

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STEP 4:

Placement and Training

Once your interview has been completed, you will discuss volunteer placement opportunities and a start date with the Volunteer and Operations Manager. It is suggested that new volunteers focus on one area for a minimum of three months prior to expanding into other volunteer areas.

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Each volunteer position has additional ‘on-the-job training’ and/or shadowing. Some volunteer roles have yearly refreshers for their volunteers.

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Looking for Forms? Find them here