Volunteering in Montreal
Summary: Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with others in Montreal. Here are several organizations you might consider supporting.
Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to integrate into the local community of Montreal. It offers the opportunity to meet new people, practice language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture. Moreover, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment while contributing positively to society. Montreal has a vibrant volunteering scene with numerous organizations catering to various interests and skills.
Santropol Roulant
Santropol Roulant is a community organization that uses food as a vehicle to break social and economic isolation. They provide meal deliveries to individuals living with a loss of autonomy, as well as offer community programs like workshops and events. Volunteers can get involved in meal preparation, deliveries, or assisting with events. The time commitment varies, with meal deliveries requiring a few hours per week and events being more flexible.
Website: santropolroulant.org/en/
Location(s): 111 Roy East, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (varies by activity)
The Depot Community Food Centre
The Depot is a community food centre that works to increase access to healthy food in a manner that ensures dignity, community engagement, and the development of food skills. Volunteers can help with food sorting, preparation, and distribution, or assist with workshops and community meals. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteer shifts ranging from a few hours per week to once a month.
Website: depotmtl.org
Location(s): 6450 Somerled, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week or month (varies by activity)
Head & Hands
Head & Hands is a non-profit organization that promotes the physical and mental well-being of youth. They offer various programs, including a youth clinic, legal services, and street outreach. Volunteers can assist with programs, events, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a few hours per week and others being more flexible.
Website: headandhands.ca
Location(s): 3465 Benny, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (varies by role)
Montreal SPCA
The Montreal SPCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and welfare of animals. Volunteers can help with animal care, adoption events, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is typically a few hours per week, with a minimum commitment of three months.
Website: spca.com/en
Location(s): 5215 Jean-Talon West, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (minimum 3 months)
Mile End Community Mission
The Mile End Community Mission is a non-profit organization that provides support and resources to individuals and families in need. They offer various programs, including a food bank, clothing store, and community meals. Volunteers can assist with program operations, events, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a few hours per week and others being more flexible.
Website: mileendmission.org
Location(s): 5719 Avenue du Parc, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (varies by role)
Native Women's Shelter of Montreal
The Native Women's Shelter of Montreal provides a safe and supportive environment for Indigenous women and their children who are in difficult life situations. Volunteers can assist with childcare, cultural activities, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is typically a few hours per week, with a minimum commitment of six months.
Website: nwsm.info
Location(s): Confidential, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (minimum 6 months)
Sun Youth Organization
Sun Youth is a non-profit organization that provides a range of emergency services to individuals and families in need. They offer food assistance, clothing, and furniture, as well as sports and recreation programs. Volunteers can assist with program operations, events, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a few hours per week and others being more flexible.
Website: sunyouthorg.com/en/
Location(s): 4251 Saint-Urbain, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (varies by role)
Moisson Montreal
Moisson Montreal is a non-profit organization that collects, sorts, and distributes food and basic goods to community organizations serving individuals and families in need. Volunteers can assist with food sorting, packing, and distribution. The time commitment is typically a few hours per week, with a minimum commitment of three months.
Website: moissonmontreal.org/en/
Location(s): 6880 Côte-de-Liesse, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (minimum 3 months)
Habitat for Humanity Montreal
Habitat for Humanity Montreal is a non-profit organization that builds decent and affordable housing for low-income families. Volunteers can assist with construction, events, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, with construction roles typically requiring a full day and other roles being more flexible.
Website: habitatmontreal.qc.ca/en/
Location(s): Various construction sites, Montreal
Time Commitment: Full day or flexible (varies by role)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Montreal
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Montreal is a non-profit organization that provides mentoring programs for children and youth. Volunteers can become mentors or assist with events and administrative tasks. The time commitment for mentors is typically a few hours per week for a minimum of one year, while other roles are more flexible.
Website: gfgsmtl.qc.ca/en/
Location(s): Various locations, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (minimum 1 year for mentors)
Equiterre
Equiterre is a non-profit organization that works on issues related to ecology, social justice, and sustainable development. They offer various programs, including community agriculture, transportation, and energy. Volunteers can assist with programs, events, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, with some roles requiring a few hours per week and others being more flexible.
Website: equiterre.org/en
Location(s): 50 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Montreal
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per week (varies by role)
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


