Welcome to our volunteering section.

Heritage Toronto relies on volunteers in a number of areas, such as:

• Leading walking tours in the Heritage Toronto Walks program (runs April to October)
• Assisting on walking tours
• Undertaking historical research or writing on a variety of topics
• Greeting visitors to the Heritage Toronto offices and helping with clerical work in the office

Walk Leaders

We are continually looking to expand our Walks Program. In particular we want to offer walks in areas of the city not yet represented.

All our walks are researched, written and led by volunteers. If you have an idea for a walking tour, have experience in historical research, excellent communication skills, and are comfortable speaking to large groups of people, please contact us with your walk idea.

Walk Assistants

The largest number of our volunteers act as Walk Assistants, and this is a good way to get an introduction to the program. Walk assistants must be 18 or older, reasonably fluent in English, and be able to walk and stand for several hours.

Heritage Toronto is now accepting applications for Walk Assistants for the 2010 season.

The deadline for applications for Walk Assistants is Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Suitable applicants will be asked to come to the Heritage Toronto office for a short (15 minute) interview on Wednesday, March 24 (between 4:00 to 6:00 PM) OR Thursday, March 25 (between 5:00 to 7:00 PM).

Successful applicants must be prepared to attend the mandatory training for new Walk Assistants on Saturday, April 17, 2010 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Walk Assistants must be available to assist on at least four walking tours during the walk season. Tours are conducted on Saturdays and Sundays from May until early October.

If you are interested in applying to be a Walk Assistant, and meet the requirements described above, please complete an online Volunteer Application Form, and also indicate which day(s) you would be available to come for an interview.

Historians, Researchers and Writers

We are always in need of volunteers with experience and expertise in historical research and writing.

Our Plaques Program is often in need of volunteers with training in research to work on upcoming plaque subjects, and to write short background articles on these topics.

Our Communications Program welcomes writers to contribute articles of interest to our readership for the website.

Our Podcast Program is looking for volunteers to research and script independent audio walking tours in areas where group walks are impractical.

Our Conservation Committee needs volunteer researchers/writers to undertake research on a variety of topics to assist Heritage Toronto in its advocacy/conservation activities.

Office Assistants

The work of the Heritage Toronto offices relies heavily on volunteers to do a variety of office duties. Workload varies throughout the year, and is particularly heavy leading up to the walks season (March-April) and the annual Kilbourn Lecture in October.

We currently have a full roster of office volunteers, but do occasionally need extras in these times of heavy activity.

If you would like to volunteer your time and expertise to Heritage Toronto in any of these areas, please fill out our online volunteer form.

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Julia Cautillo - Heritage Toronto Walks Volunteer

I began volunteering last year for Heritage Toronto as a Walk Assistant. Before volunteering, I attended many of the Heritage Toronto Walks, and was impressed by the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm of the Walk Leaders and Assistants. I was eager to offer up some of my time to support the efforts of Heritage Toronto, and in the process, to learn more about the City and its people.

I've had great experiences as a Walk Assistant. The tours are well-prepared and organized, and they're wonderful opportunities to meet new people. I enjoy being able to make a contribution while at the same time learning so much about the history and culture of Toronto. My favourite walk of 2009 was "The Howards of High Park"; it was a perfect sunny day, and the walk leader was a great storyteller. I am happy to be able to further contribute to Heritage Toronto through the support of my workplace, Ernst & Young, and look forward to volunteering again this season.

A Message from Ernst & Young...

At Ernst & Young, we're dedicated to making a difference for our people, our clients and our communities. As a company that embraces corporate responsibility, we channel our efforts into three key areas that are aligned with our business strategy; education & mentoring, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.

We also know that many of our people are involved in helping others achieve their potential through a variety of non-profit or community organizations. The Ernst & Young Volunteer Advantage Program gives our people who have regularly donated their time to a registered Canadian charity the chance to qualify for a $500 donation from the firm to that charity.

Thank you from Heritage Toronto...

Heritage Toronto is delighted to be able to take part in innovative giving programs offered through caring companies. A workplace employee giving program is a great way to support staff in their volunteer efforts and encourage civic engagement. Whether it is through a matching gift program, or donating on behalf of a staff member who actively volunteers in their community or through an employee directed giving initiative - the benefits are many. You can find out about your workplace giving programs by speaking to your manager or human resource department.

Our free HT Walks program brings Toronto's various communities together and we are grateful to Julia for her support of this significant city-wide program, and for taking it one step further by inviting her workplace to get involved with our community.

We thank Ernst & Young for providing support to their staff through the Volunteer Advantage Program, and for offering this wonderful gift that will help us to continue to tell Toronto's many stories!