Volunteers are the strength of MCRS

Our volunteers, no matter what they do, help welcome refugee claimant families and impact them in meaningful ways. You'll  make some lasting friendships!

Below is a list of the ways you can help as a volunteer:

Volunteer Legal Support Program

The refugee claim process involves many legal aspects, and refugee claimants who are denied Legal Aid are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to their hearings, even if they have legitimate claims. The Volunteer Legal Support Program is an opportunity for anyone with a legal background to help refugee claimants who have been denied Legal Aid to prepare for their hearings, by providing them legal support in the refugee claim process. Find out more about the Volunteer Legal Support Program and how to volunteer!

 Supported By:

Volunteer Social Support Program (New Program)

The Volunteer Social Support Program is an opportunity for anyone with a social work or social services background, or an interest in helping refugee claimants access community resources.  Find out more about the Volunteer Social Support Program and how to volunteer!

Supported By:

Office Support

The MCRS office is the central meeting place where refugee families receive help from staff and volunteers. Your help in answering phones, welcoming guests, assisting refugees to fill out forms, and performing basic office tasks allows us to meet the needs of even more refugee claimant families on a daily basis. Find out more about the Office Support volunteer program and how to volunteer!

Community Outreach Volunteer Program

A program designed to support refugee claimants by partnering them with Community Outreach Volunteers. Refugee claimants and community volunteers are paired for a three month period, in which time the community volunteer is available to support the refugee claimant and his or her family in accessing community resources such as housing, medical care, social assistance, volunteer opportunities, counseling services and more. Find out more about the Community Outreach Volunteer Program and how to volunteer!

Hospitality Program

The Hospitality Program was developed in recognition of the lack of shelter options for refugee claimants.  Hospitality volunteers host refugee claimants in their home, providing both a safe place for claimants and the vital time they need to find long-term accommodations.  They provide refugee claimants with the much-needed sense of security and stability during a critical and vulnerable time in their lives. Hosting a refugee family in a private home for two to three weeks until other accommodations become available.

Many refugee claimants have nowhere to live when they first arrive. By opening your home to a refugee family for a 2-week period you allow them time to find alternative housing and support while they get started. Find out more about the Hospitality Program and how to volunteer!

Speak English Café

A weekly opportunity for refugees, other newcomers and long-time residents of Canada to build community while learning and teaching English in an informal non-judgmental environment.  It runs Thursday nights from 6 to 8pm and is located at 43 Queen St. South. Find out more about the Speak English Café and how to volunteer!

Community Action Group

The Community Action Group is a group of volunteers dedicated to advocating for the rights of refugee claimants. This is done by meeting to discuss current changes in legislation and public sentiment towards refugee claimants, as well as through planning Community Awareness events. Find out more about the Community Action Group and how to volunteer!

Refugee Claimant Community Events

As part of building community and incorporating refugees into the community, MCRS hosts celebrations which include a summer picnic and a winter party, cultural programs, games for families, and volunteer recognition events. These events are facilitated in collaboration with local churches, organizations and volunteers. Find out more about MCRS Community Events and how to volunteer!

Translation and Interpretations

Being in a new country with a new language can be very difficult. If you speak a language other than English you can help provide essential translation and interpretation both in the office and at important meetings. This kind of help means the world to refugee claimants.

We are looking for translators and interpreters and many languages. Contact Steven at (519) 571-1912 or by email to get more information about translating and interpreting and to join the MCRS list.