Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre. We take great pride in being able to offer the programs and services we do and have the volunteers to thank for a lot of that! Volunteers play a very important role at the 55 Plus Centre. They help provide high quality programs, activities, and services to those 55 and over in the Thunder Bay community. The Centre is successful because of the constant support and efforts of the volunteers.

Volunteer areas

Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre

The following opportunities are based at the 55 Plus Centre, located at 700 River Street. Majority of these opportunities are for those 55 or older and do take place during weekdays/day times.

  • Gift Shop
  • Library
  • Information Desk
  • Main Office
  • Set Up Crew
  • River Street Café – Kitchen Assistant, Dishwasher, Cashier
  • Activity Convenors
  • Good Food Box
  • Health and Wellness Programs and Fairs
  • Board of Directors and Committees

Seasonal or Episodic

  •  Income Tax
  •  Lawn and exterior maintenance
  •  Special Events and Fundraisers
  • Northwest Senior Games
  • Art Show Committee

Support services

The following opportunities take place in the community, in the home of a senior, or from your own home. Majority of these opportunities are available to those 18 or older and do require a Police Record Check (cost is covered by the program)

  •   Friendly Visiting
  •   Telephone Assurance
  •  Walk A Bit

Seasonal

  •   Snow Angels

Community programs

These opportunities are at various locations, depending on the program of interest. Volunteers are needed to help over see programming and may include tasks such as checking people in, providing information and introducing speakers or instructors.

Time Commitment

  • Majority of opportunities are weekly, some are monthly or as needed
  • Some areas are looking for a long term commitment of at least 6 – 12 months
  • Time ranges from 1 – 3 hours, depending on program or area
  • Seasonal opportunities depend on the weather and outdoor conditions

We ask that all volunteers are respectful of the time commitment they have chosen for themselves. If you are unable to fulfil that commitment it can be revisited as needed.

Requirements

  • Respect the vision and values of the City of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre
  • Attend a Volunteer Orientation
  • Be with in the age requirements of the position, they vary based on programs
  • Be professional, reliable, punctual, team-orientated and customer service oriented.
  • Abide by the confidentiality and volunteer agreements

Application Process

  •   Fill out the application, either online below or stop by the Centre for a paper copy.
  •   Submit online or return the filled out application to the Volunteer Coordinator (you can do that by email, drop off or mail in)
  •  The Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to set up a meeting to talk about options, sign some paper work and steps in moving forward

Click Here for the Online Volunteer Application

Volunteer Satisfaction

These are all comments that came back as a result of a recent Volunteer Satisfaction Survey

 "55 Plus is a fun place for seniors. So many nice people to see every day".

 "I enjoyed my volunteering to help low income seniors file their 2021 tax returns".

 "Seniors are lucky to have the 55 Plus Centre. I thoroughly enjoy my volunteer activities, so good for socialization and the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming".

 "A pat on the back to the staff and those in leadership positions. A thankless job I am sure but always professionally executed".

 "The support offered by Tessa and the staff is above and beyond".

 "I am very happy in the kitchen, Lu and Pat are great to work with". 

For more information

Tessa Hettrick, Volunteer Coordinator
Direct line: 684-3277
Email: tessa.hettrick@thunderbay.ca

Main Office: 684-3066
Email: 55plusinfo@thunderbay.ca 

 

If you require a PDF in an accessible format, please email the Municipal Accessibility Specialist.

 

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