Assistant Gardener Volunteer

Program Description

YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre is a 263-acre site that provides year-round outdoor education and summer day camp experiences that foster personal growth and build community for guests of all ages. Cedar Glen is home to a 2-acre market garden that provides fruits and vegetables to our Food Services department and a Community Supported Agriculture program. Cedar Glen is also home to an apiary focused on honey production, and a small maple syrup program. The farm presents an educational opportunity for day campers and outdoor education participants throughout the year. In addition, the Cedar Glen farm team is responsible for the operation of a 0.48-acre urban farm plot located at Downsview Park.

Major Duties

Major Duties May Include:

• Assist farm team with duties on vegetable farm (i.e. planting, weeding, harvesting, washing, etc.).
• Ability to support farm operations and outdoor education programs including farm camp.
• Proactively supports all farm team members at Cedar Glen and Fresh City Farms. 

Qualifications

• Minimum age 15.
• Volunteers age 18 and above will need to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening from their local police service before their first day of volunteering and every three years on the anniversary of their first day of volunteering.
• First Aid is an asset.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work and multi-task within a team setting in a fast-paced environment. .
• Responsibility, reliability and commitment to the role.

Benefits

• Gain access to professional and personal development training and events open to volunteers at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. 
• Learn about food production and farming techniques.
• Increase overall wellbeing by being physical outdoors.
• Be a part of the YMCA team and promote the YMCA Mission, Vision and Values.
• Learn about diversity at the YMCA and meet new people from all walks of life.

How to apply

Complete the online volunteer application. You will need to provide the position title and location information of this position during step 3 of the application.

Looking for a Different Role?

Check out the full list of our volunteer opportunities.

Why Volunteer for the Y?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great place to volunteer that is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of volunteers with meaningful positions and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Our Commitments

The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.

We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

About YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. As outlined in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the future we see for our region, everyone will have opportunities to shine their brightest.

Mirroring the diversity we’re privileged to have in the GTA, our YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of our communities. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you help ensure more people get access to these vital programs that help them connect, grow, and reach their full potential.