Volunteer Opportunity - Gardener

Job description

Contribute to the community by volunteering: Are you passionate about gardening? Have you ever thought about taking your passion to a space that can be seen and enjoyed by others? The Collingwood YMCA is looking for a volunteer to do just that! Working alongside the Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor, you will have the opportunity to put your mark on the outdoor gardens at the Collingwood YMCA. Please Note: This is an UNPAID VOLUNTEER role. In this volunteer role, you will: • Provide the Facilities and Maintenance Supervisor with support to design and maintain the outdoor gardens at the Collingwood YMCA • Provide direction as to the types and number of plants and flowers that should be used in the gardens • Recommend best practices for the transition of the gardens from season to season • Maintain the gardens as needed • Provide guidance and check list documents for students who may also volunteer to help with the gardens For this volunteer role, you bring: • Experience designing and maintaining gardens using perennial and annual plants and flowers • Experience managing multiple gardens • Experience preparing gardens for changing seasons • A passion for creating garden spaces that work with natural environments and existing landscapes • Willingness to participate in mandated training to be completed before or shortly after commencement of work including: AODA Training Health & Safety Awareness Training Bill 168 (Violence & Harassment in the Workplace) Training PCI Compliance WHMIS Child Protection Training Why volunteer for the Y: Joining the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka as a volunteer offers a rewarding experience that goes beyond traditional perks. The sense of community, personal growth, and making a difference in the lives of others can be motivating and deeply fulfilling. We believe in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. You will work alongside a supportive team of individuals who are committed to our mission of building healthy communities. Additional Perks: • YMCA Health and Fitness membership • Building Meaningful Relationships: As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to connect with diverse individuals from the community, creating meaningful relationships with fellow volunteers, members, and staff. Being part of a tight-knit community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. • Joining a Supportive Team: You will become part of a supportive and collaborative team of volunteers and staff who share a common goal of making a positive impact in the community. Working together towards a shared mission can be highly motivating and fulfilling. • Personal Growth and Development: Volunteering at the YMCA provides ample opportunities for personal growth and development. You can enhance your leadership skills, gain valuable experience in areas like event planning or program coordination, and strengthen your communication and problem-solving abilities. • Impacting Lives: By contributing your time and effort as a volunteer, you will directly impact the lives of individuals and families in the community. Knowing that your contributions make a difference can be deeply rewarding and intrinsically motivating. • ]Sense of Purpose: Volunteering provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from knowing you are actively involved in making your community a better place. Engaging in meaningful work and contributing to the greater good can be a powerful motivator. • Recognition and Appreciation: The YMCA values its volunteers and recognizes their dedication and contributions. You will receive sincere appreciation for your efforts, fostering a sense of pride and motivation to continue making a positive impact. • Flexibility and Autonomy: As a volunteer, you have the flexibility to choose the type of projects or initiatives you'd like to be involved in. This autonomy allows you to align your volunteer work with your interests and passions, enhancing your intrinsic motivation. In addition to valuable volunteer experience, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you grow both professionally and personally. If you're looking for a fulfilling and rewarding volunteer opportunity, working with a diverse team where your ideas will be valued and appreciated, then the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka is the perfect place for you. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those we serve! About us: The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is a registered charity committed to fostering healthy communities by empowering children, youth, and families, promoting well-being, and encouraging social responsibility. Our YMCA employs over a thousand staff and hundreds of volunteers who serve tens of thousands of individuals each year in various programs such as childcare, camps, health and fitness, leadership development, employment and literacy, immigrant services, and youth programming. We offer over $1 million in financial assistance annually to ensure accessibility for those who cannot afford to participate. Beyond facilities and programs, covering Simcoe County, Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts, our YMCA is a supportive community that fosters mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We empower children and youth to become strong, confident, and resilient individuals. We assist individuals and families at all stages of life to connect with what matters most to them, fostering a sense of belonging. By supporting people from diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities to achieve their health goals, fulfill their potential, and feel a genuine sense of belonging, we contribute to the creation of stronger communities. The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka successfully raises over $1 million each year through strategic campaigns. The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Individuals needing employment accommodation in the hiring process or job postings in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources department at . In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check and employment reference checks. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Police Records Checks must be renewed every three years.