Paws for a Cause is being held on June 20, 2026 from 11 am-4 pm, apply to volunteer by June 5, 2026

Description:
Volunteers will assist with the setup, execution, and takedown of Paws for a Cause, a Pet Walk-a-Thon fundraiser for Samaritan House. This is a fun, outdoor event supporting vulnerable individuals and families in Simcoe County. Volunteers will be assigned to a certain role, you will not be expected to do all of the duties listed below, those are the duties for all of the roles. 

Expected Activities:

• Help with event setup (tables, signs, water stations, etc.)

• Assist with participant registration and check-in

• Guide and encourage participants along the walking route

• Hand out water and refreshments to participants and pets

• Assist with event activities (games, raffles, prize tables, etc.)

• Answer participant questions and provide general event support

• Help with event cleanup and takedown after the walk concludes

• Follow regiments and medical chart instructions for each cat in the medroom.  This may include giving medications, syringe feeding, giving sub-q fluids, giving insulin, general cleaning of cats eyes, noses etc
• Check off that treatments have been done and document any changes in cats condition
• Clean and refill water bowls
• Cleaning and filling food bowls, taking note if any cats that require a special type of food
• Keeping the cats cages clean, change any dirty or soiled linens, wipe down cages
• Scoop litter boxes and clean them as needed 
• Ensure Med Room is kept clean. Weep and mop floors, put clean linens away, remove garbage
• Socialize with the cats and kittens; play, brush, pet etc
• This is a once a week committment for a minimum of 6 months

Two sites: Camphill Nottawasaga, near Angus and Camphill Sophia Creek in Barrie.

Camphill Sophia Creek (Barrie)

• work in the mosaic studio
• help with meal preparation in the Cafe
• assist with recreational activities, music sessions and cultural outings, Bingo events and other special events such as Fall Fairs

Camphill Nottawasaga (Angus)

• help with programs in woodworking, pottery, candlemaking, and bakery/meal preparation
• can be involved in maple syrup production, working in the vegetable gardens and caring for livestock (Highland cows horses and goats)

Both locations need volunteers to help with set-up, cash management and take-down at our Farmers Markets

Purpose of the Position: Join the team to change the lives of people with disabilities and youth who are experiencing challenges by providing a loving home and obedience training to a Service Dog-in-training during its puppyhood. 
 
Responsibilities and Duties: 
 
- Raise a confident and responsive puppy. 
- Care for the dog’s needs according to guidelines from COPE. 
- Provide consistent structure, rules and boundaries to the dog according to training from COPE. 
- Provide obedience training and socialization to the dog. 
- Transport the dog to and from its training programs: Canines in the Classroom (Innisfil) or Refinement Training (Barrie). Multiple pick up/drop off locations in Barrie and Innisfil by COPE van is available. 
- Support from Puppy Sitter Volunteer network is available for vacations or emergencies. 
- Dog food, routine veterinary care, one dog crate, walking harness and leash are provided by COPE. 
 
NOTE: 
The application process takes time and training space is limited, please submit your application now to allow enough time to set up a home interview and ensure a training spot is reserved for you upon the approval of your application. 

Shelter volunteers are required from 9AM to 12PM and 6PM to 8PM (5PM to 7PM on Saturdays and Sundays) daily to complete tasks including feeding, refreshing water bowls, scooping and changing litter boxes, cleaning cages, and  changing linens for the cats at the shelter.  

Other volunteer opportunities include cat socializing, fundraising, adoption volunteers, vet runners, admin - calling potential adopters and conducting follow up calls.  

Volunteers visit seniors' centres, hospitals and schools with properly evaluated dogs, no less than 1 year old, providing residents and patients the companionship of a pet.

• Pick up multiple dogs at various locations and transport to and from designated locations for Canines in the Classroom student training and also to Refinement Training, in Barrie, using the van provided by COPE
• refuel COE Van at Esso Stations, as needed, using the company gas card
• Van pickup and drop-off at COPE office parking lot