Volunteer Programs

Volunteers are vital to the ongoing work of MCRS. Our volunteer programs are diverse, and give an opportunity for volunteers with many different interests to join us and walk alongside refugee claimants. Browse through our list of volunteer programs below to find one that suits your interests. Click on the program to find out more, and to contact MCRS about volunteering. 

Volunteer Legal Support Program

The Volunteer Legal Support Program is an opportunity for anyone with a legal background, or an interest in the legal aspects of the refugee claim process, to help refugee claimants who have been denied Legal Aid to prepare for their hearings, and to complete other applications related to their refugee claims.

Volunteer Social Support 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.

Community Outreach Volunteer Program

The Community Outreach Volunteer Program is an opportunity for anyone interested in working individually with a refugee claimant family or individual, supporting them in their settlement into the Waterloo Region.

Office Support

The Office Support volunteer program is an opportunity to learn and understand what happens at MCRS on a daily basis. Volunteers help refugee claimants complete forms, find housing, clean, file, and provide general support in the office on a weekly basis.

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.

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.

Hospitality Program

Many refugee claimants have nowhere to live when they first arrive. The Hospitality Program is an opportunity for community members to open their homes to a refugee family for a 2-week period allowing them time to find alternative housing and support while they get started.

Youth Program

MCRS aims to continue working cooperatively and collaboratively with other refugee serving agencies and engages the Kitchener-Waterloo community at large.

Sewing Group

An opportunity for refugee women to come together to sew, meet new friends, share their stories and develop their English skills in a non-judgmental and welcoming environment.

Other Programs

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.

Welcome Package

This program strives to offer some preliminary support to newly arrived refugee claimant families and individuals.  We provide a transit map, bus tickets, refugee claimant guide (prepared by our office, currently drafted in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic), some basic toiletry articles, and food vouchers (in emergency circumstances).

Digital Storytelling Project

This project involves refugee claimants in creating short mixed-media clips to tell their stories of journeying and finding safety in our community, and their struggles and joys of starting a new life in a new country. Keep looking for new stories as part of this project.