Special Events Volunteer

As an event volunteer, you will assist at our regional fundraising events, helping to promote brand awareness and to help raise vital funds to grant wishes. Note: Event volunteers do not participate in wish reveals or the wish-granting process.

Special Events Application

Want to volunteer at a special event in a major city near you? We’re looking for volunteers across Canada to support our regional fundraising events. Help promote brand awareness and raise vital funds to grant life-changing wishes! Please note event volunteers do not take part in wish reveals or the wish-granting process.

Before Applying

For youth volunteering inquiries, please email volunteers@makeawish.caOpens in new tab. Opportunities are very limited.
Volunteer hours vary depending on the event.
All volunteers must complete a criminal background check during onboarding and every three (3) years thereafter. Make-A-Wish^® Canada will not onboard volunteers convicted of violent or sexual crimes. Other convictions are reviewed individually.

The responsibilities of a special events volunteer

Act as a friendly, positive representative of Make-A-Wish Canada
Raise vital funds to grant life-changing wishes
Promote brand awareness
Tasks vary by event but may include:
- Set-up and take-down
- Greeting and Information
- Registration and check-in
- Coat check
- Activities support (games, food, crafts)
- Directing attendees
- Floaters (filling in where needed)
Volunteers are generally available for 4‑hour shifts, though shift times may vary depending on the event.

A successful special events volunteer

Enjoys communicating with wish families, fellow volunteers, and members of the public
Is enthusiastic, approachable, and represents the organization positively
Is adaptable and comfortable taking on different roles as needed
Has access to a private personal email for communications with Make-A-Wish
Is reliable, punctual, and able to commit to scheduled event times.
Works well as part of a team and supports others during busy event periods.
Can meet any physical or logistical requirements relevant to event duties.

Apply Here

Special Event Volunteer FAQs

Event dependent, it could be as little as one day. If you have any questions about the time commitment involved, please contact us at volunteers@makeawish.ca.

The minimum age to volunteer is 18 (at the time of application), though some exceptions for events may be made. Reach out to volunteers@makeawish.ca if you are under 18 and want to learn if there are any events in your area that you are eligible to participate in.

Those interested can sign up for individual events that are actively recruiting volunteers or fill out our application form.

Training will be dependent on the nature of the event and the role – it may be virtual training held before the event or onsite training.

If your team is interested in volunteering as a group, please reach out to volunteers@makeawish.ca for further information.

For further information about 48 Hour Ride sign up, please reach out to benevoles48hv@revesdenfants.ca.

There is no education requirement, volunteers must be able to complete our application, interview, references, forms, police check.

Unfortunately, we do not have many opportunities across the country for youth volunteering as it is dependent on the event. Please keep an eye on the ‘Events Actively Recruiting Volunteers’ tab at the bottom of the page for further youth volunteering opportunities.