Invest Your Time With Us

Your Return Will Be A Direct Deposit to Your Heart.

Volunteering at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice is an opportunity to bring joy and comfort to extraordinary children, loving families and compassionate caregivers while experiencing what it feels like to celebrate every life, no matter how short.

It is a chance to touch many lives while being deeply touched in return. As one of our volunteers recently said, “Being able to put smiles on the faces of little ones is the most self-rewarding experience anyone would be privileged to experience.”

Volunteers at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice make many things possible, from warm hellos at the front door to the smell of fresh-baked cookies, lively games and singalongs, smiles, laughter, precious memories and legacy-building.

Our volunteers help our team deliver programs like Visiting Home Hospice. They help make Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice a home away from home for children and families.

Your talents and skills will be right at home here.

Do you play a musical instrument or like to sing? We can put those talents to good use. Are you artistic? Our canvas of care and compassion awaits! Enjoy reading and cuddling? You’ll bring joy and comfort to our children. Still a big kid yourself? Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice is where being a kid is always encouraged! Outgoing, comfortable with all kinds of people and a good listener? Seems like you’d be a perfect fit for the team.

Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice volunteers are part of a close-knit team that makes a positive difference during challenging times. Another valued volunteer said,

“I like that employees and volunteers are equals, and you are part of the team.”

What will volunteering with us do for you?

You’ll gain new skills and knowledge through our extensive training program that equips you to bring comfort and joy to children with complex medical needs and a progressive life-limiting illness. You’ll spend time with incredible and inspiring children, families and caregivers. You’ll be part of the only organization in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario delivering our specialized type of care. At the end of each shift, you’ll go home knowing that you’ve made a positive difference in the lives of the children and families you’ve spent time with that day.

I always look forward to spending time with the kids. Their smiles and laughter, as well as the welcoming and supportive environment created by staff, truly makes Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice an amazing community to be part of.

Lara Bruno Boucher. Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice Volunteer

What we hope you can bring to our team, children and families.

We welcome and support volunteers with a caring, compassionate attitude and willingness to commit to two monthly shifts for at least one year. Our children and families will come to know and depend on seeing your smiling face. You must be 18 or over (16 with parental consent).

Getting involved is simple.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice. We would like to take this opportunity to explain the next steps. Once you’ve completed and submitted your online application

  • Submit your CV / Resumé: Send your CV or resumé to [email protected]
  • Information Session: Watch and complete the Information Session by clicking on the link below.
  • References: You will need to submit 2 reference checks that can collectively speak to your personal and workplace character. Click here to download the form and email it to your references.

Should you require additional information, please contact Volunteer Services at 513-523-6300 Ext. 1, or by email at [email protected]

Have questions about volunteering at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice?

As a first step, see below for the most commonly asked questions we receive about volunteering with us. If you don’t see your question answered there, call Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice Volunteer Services at (613) 523-6300 Ext. 1 or send an email to [email protected]

Our current volunteer needs.

Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice immediately needs volunteers with the following talents, skills and interests.

Child and Family Support Volunteer

As a professional care team member, you will provide direct (non-clinical /non-medical) care to children and families to enhance their quality of life. You will collaborate with other volunteers and staff to plan and carry out activities throughout your shift. You will engage in fun, interactive, relaxing and comforting activities with the children staying at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice.

Reception – Friendly Greeter

You will be the first warm smile people see, welcoming, screening, and directing visitors to Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice. In this role, you will be a kind and caring presence to anyone walking through the doors of our home away from home.

Memory Box Artist

You will be essential in memory and legacy building at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice and bring experience as a painter. The volunteer memory box artists create painted memory boxes provided as part of the Grief Support program.

Knitting/Sewing Volunteer

You will help create blankets, legacy quilts and other supplies to enhance the comfort of children and families during their stay. You can volunteer from home or off-site; projects, as needed, are assigned.

I appreciate how good (volunteering) makes me feel and how much the children at Roger Neilson House brighten my day.

Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice volunteer

Our occasional volunteer needs.

Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice needs volunteers on a fairly regular basis with the following talents, skills, and interests.

Kitchen Food Prep Assistant

You will play an essential role in helping staff and families in the kitchen and maintaining the feeling of home for the children and families at Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice.

Maintenance/Handy Person

You will repair toys and equipment and support general upkeep to ensure Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice is a comforting and welcoming place for children and families.

Card Artist

Use your artistic talents and creativity to craft unique hand-designed cards sent to families during grief follow-up. You can volunteer from home; if you prefer, we will provide paper and envelopes. Attending a Volunteer Information Session is a pre-requisite for Card Artist volunteers.

Help us enrich lives

Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice is a special place of comfort and compassion, made possible through your support.