Find somewhere to volunteer in Ottawa

Places that actually take teen volunteers, with the age rules and whether it counts for your 40 hours right up front.

12 places · checked October 10, 2026

Volunteers at a park cleanup
Volunteer OttawaCitywide listings
All agesFree

The biggest list of openings in the city. Check each posting for its minimum age.
Volunteers sorting canned food
Ottawa Food BankSorting, farm work, food drives
14+Counts for hours

Needs a parent or guardian waiver. The 2026 youth program is full, but individual shifts are open.
Person holding a cat
Ottawa Humane SocietyAnimal Leader Labs
14 to 18Counts for hours

A free four hour workshop at the shelter on West Hunt Club. Finish it to get your hours.
Library shelf labelled Teenagers
Teen Advisory GroupsOttawa Public Library
14 to 18Counts for hours

Plan teen events at your branch and review new books. Email teen services to join.
Students at library tables
How to start volunteeringLibrary workshop
13 to 17Free

Not sure where to begin? Leave with a plan and know how to use Volunteer Ottawa.
Volunteer helping at a public event
City of OttawaEvents and recreation
Under 18 with consentFree

City events and programs. Some roles need a short accessibility training.
Young people meeting in a room
Youth Engagement CommitteeYouth Ottawa
15 to 24Apply any time

Give the city your views on issues that affect young people.
Volunteers in matching shirts
Police Cadet CorpsOttawa Police Service
14 to 18~20 h a month

October to June, with weekly meetings. They recruit in the fall.
Group talking around a table
Police Youth Advisory CommitteeOttawa Police Service
Under 24Lighter commitment

Help shape projects and events for a safer city.
Group of young women together
CHEO Youth ForumChildren's hospital
Ask CHEOFree

Teens sharing ideas to improve care at Ottawa's children's hospital.
Two people working on a computer
Volunteer CanadaYouth platform, some online
15 to 30Free

National listings, including roles you can do from home during exams or winter.
Young volunteer smiling outdoors
Youth volunteering guidesVolunteer Ottawa
High schoolFree

Short guides on the 40 hours, staying safe, and asking for a position.

Nothing matches that yet. Try another word, or pick a category above.

Making your hours count

  1. Check with your guidance office before you start. Paid work and some school activities don't qualify.
  2. Bring your school's form and get it signed the day you finish, not three months later.
  3. Take a photo of every signed form. Paper goes missing.

Your school's form

OCDSB community involvement hours

OCSB community involvement record

CEPEO and CECCE schools: ask for the relevé du service communautaire.

Programs change often, so confirm details on each organization's own site before you go. Photos from Unsplash.