Volunteer Day

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in our community? The TMU Leadership team invites you to participate in this semester's Volunteer Day!

Volunteer Day is an opportunity for TMU students and staff to give back to our community. Our goal is to create a positive impact in the local community while fostering a spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility at TMU. 

On Volunteer Day, TMU students and staff come together to lend a helping hand to a local charity or non-profit organization.  Share your skills, passion, and time to create a brighter tomorrow for those who most need it.

Join us for a day of compassion and community as we prove that small acts of kindness can make a difference. Be a part of something bigger than yourself - because together, we can change lives.

This semester we are volunteering at St. Felix Centre on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Read more below.

The Coldest Night of the Year (external link)  (CNOY) is a family-friendly, guided winter fundraising walk that raises awareness and funds for local charities serving individuals experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.  The walk is a 2 km or 5 km walk with rest stops, friendly volunteers, and snacks at the finish line. This is a chance to experience the warmth of community while supporting those in need. 

Since its inception in 2011, CNOY has raised over $75 million for local charities across Canada, with 100% of net proceeds staying in the community to support organizations like St. Felix Centre. Therefore, by volunteering, you will be helping to raise funds and awareness for the organization. 

Volunteer roles include:

1. Registration Table: Welcome participants, check them in, and hand out gift bags.
2. Cheque/Cash Donation Table: Collect and manage cash or cheque donations.
3. Decorations Team: Set up and manage event decorations and photo areas.
4. Route Marshalls: Guide walkers, ensure they stay on route, and offer encouragement.
5. Sweep Vehicle Drivers: Monitor the route and assist participants who may need a ride.
6. Food Team: Serve chili and hot chocolate to walkers as they return

Why Walk?

• Gain a small glimpse of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness during the cold winter months.
• Every step and every dollar raised helps provide vital services and programs to people in need in your community.
• Meet and connect with fellow TMU staff and students to make make a meaningful difference

Event Timeline:

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Location: St. Felix Centre, Downtown Toronto

• 1:00 PM: Decorations volunteers arrive
• 3:00 PM: All volunteers arrive
• 4:00 PM: Event setup complete
• 4:30 PM: Registration opens
• 5:00 PM: Walk begins (2 km and 5 km routes)
• 5:30 PM: Rest stop opens
• 6:00 PM: Walkers return, light meal served
• 7:00 PM: Event concludes

If interested in volunteering, please sign up using this Google Form:
Volunteer Sign-Up Form (external link, opens in new window) .

This year, we’re proud to partner with St. Felix Centre, a non-profit organization in downtown Toronto dedicated to providing compassionate support to those facing life’s toughest challenges.

Located in downtown Toronto, St. Felix Centre is a welcoming and inclusive community hub providing essential support to individuals who are underhoused & facing extreme poverty, hunger, and mental health challenges. The centre is welcoming and inclusive of all cultures, genders, religions and abilities. Learn more about their impactful work here (external link, opens in new window) .

By participating in Volunteer Day, you are one step closer to earning the Active Citizenship Level Up badge!

The Active Citizenship badge is part of TMU Leadership's Level Up program, which recognizes and rewards students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their community through active participation and civic engagement.

By joining Volunteer Day, you’re taking meaningful steps toward earning this badge, which can be proudly showcased on your LinkedIn profile.

What’s Next?

1. Sign up and attend Volunteer Day!
2. Visit https://tmulevelup.thinkific.com/ (external link)  to create an account with your TMU email address (or sign in if you already have one).
3. Select and enroll in the "Active Citizenship" course.
4. Complete the course materials in just 30 minutes.
5. Upload your Active Citizenship badge to your LinkedIn profile!

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out at leadership@torontomu.ca.