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VOLUNTEER WITH US

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“I stopped teaching a few years ago. Those were my people. Now I found my new people. I come here and feel joy — the space fills me up. We’re all here with the same purpose: to create a welcoming space for our community.”

— Isabel, Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of The Depot. Whether in the gardens, markets, or kitchens, they make our programs possible. Most volunteers commit to a weekly 3-hour shift for at least a few months — a chance to learn, contribute, and connect.

How to get started:

  • Sign up for an info session — the first step for all new volunteers
  • Together, we will find a role that matches your skills, interests, and schedule
  • Join a weekly shift

Roles include:

  • Marché Depot: Support participants as they shop, restock items, and prepare/deliver food baskets
  • Resto Depot: Prepare meals with our kitchen team or engage with participants, helping serve the meals with the front-of-house team
  • Mobile Markets: Set up, take down, restock, and answer participant questions
  • Cooking Workshops: Assist with set-up, food prep, and clean-up
  • Reception & Admin: Welcome visitors, manage registrations, calls, and emails

What you’ll gain:

  • Role-specific training with ongoing support
  • Opportunities to build new skills and experiences
  • Friendships and stronger community connections
  • Recognition through celebrations and reference letters (on request)
Sign up for an Info Session

Looking for a meaningful team-building activity with impact? The Corporate Impact Program offers a unique way for your team to connect, contribute, and give back.

Each three-hour session at The Depot includes:

  • A Warm Welcome: Learn about The Depot’s work and its impact in NDG
  • Team-Building Through Food: Participate in a guided tasting and reflection activity
  • Hands-On Volunteering: Prepare nourishing food for youth programs or community meals

Details:

  • Up to 16 participants per session (daytime or evening)
  • We ask for a contribution of $100 per participant. This helps cover the cost of ingredients, staffing, and program delivery — and directly supports The Depot’s efforts to provide healthy, accessible food to those struggling to afford it.

Not the right fit? Other ways to get involved include hosting a fundraiser or engaging colleagues in workplace giving.

Volunteer FAQ

No experience is required! We provide role-specific training and support. All you need is a willingness to learn and a desire to help.

Most volunteers sign up for a weekly 3-hour shift and commit for at least a few months. This helps create consistency for our programs and community.
Volunteers help with food distribution, markets, meal preparation, cooking workshops, youth programs, gardens, and more. At the info session, you’ll learn about all the options and choose what fits best.
It depends on the role. Some require conversational French or English, while others are language-flexible. We’ll go over this at the info session.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old.

Yes! For corporate groups, we offer a special Corporate Impact Program. For other group requests, please contact us directly.

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