Volunteer FAQ

How can I get more information about volunteering?

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on our website, please email volunteer@oxfamtrailwalker.ca. Your inquiry will be responded to within 3-5 business days.

What is the volunteer newsletter and how do I subscribe?

The volunteer newsletter keeps all volunteers up to date with the latest news and volunteering information for Oxfam TRAILWALKER Canada 2012. Every volunteer will be automatically subscribed to the volunteer e-newsletter.

Can I do more than one shift over weekend?

You certainly can! We can find you two shorter shifts to fill back to back, or two shifts with a long break in between so that you can rest/sleep at our accommodation centre (details listed below). Please be mindful of the impact of fatigue on your ability to concentrate and drive before or after your shift.

How do I get to the event/my shift?

Unfortunately, there are very limited public transport options for most of the locations where you will be required to volunteer. We highly encourage people to try and organise their own transportation by car or arrange a ride to and from their volunteer locations. In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, Oxfam TRAILWALKER encourages all volunteers to car pool where possible. The Volunteer Coordinator may be able to assist you with arranging a carpool with other volunteers.

Is there accommodation available for volunteers?

There will be camp-style accommodation available at certain checkpoints along the trail. Reservations for spaces will take place in the month leading up to the event through the Volunteer Coordinator. You will need to supply your own pillow, sleeping bag and towel.

What meals are allocated to volunteers?

Meals will be provided to all volunteers working through standard meal times: Breakfast supplies are available at the Checkpoint - just help yourself, lunch (12pm to 2pm) and dinner (6pm to 8pm). Lunch and dinner meals will be delivered to all checkpoints and trail marshal locations. Basic food (such as bread, spreads, fruit, tea and coffee etc) will be available at each checkpoint, however it is suggested that volunteers bring any additional food they may wish to eat with them for their shift/s. If you have any dietary restrictions you should bring your own meals.

Will I have training for my role?

You will be notified of the need to attend a training session when your shift is confirmed. Training sessions will be held in the months leading up to the event, and will include an overview of the event, and then detailed training for specific roles. It will give volunteers an essential understanding of their responsibilities for their shift/s and ensure they feel confident with the information they've been given.

Where does training take place?

Training will take place at different locations in Toronto in the month leading up to the event.

Can I bring a friend to work with me? Can we volunteer as a group?

We often have volunteers working in pairs and we always try to accommodate people working together on shifts over the event weekend. Please notify us of this when registering as a volunteer and we will endeavour to accommodate your needs.

If you have a larger group of people wishing to volunteer together, please email our Volunteer Coordinator prior to registration to make arrangements for your group.

What do I need to bring from home?

Please make sure you bring a cell phone so we can contact you in the event of an emergency. Be aware of the weather; bring rainwear, warm clothes and a change of footwear just in case. All Trail Marshals should bring a folding chair, snacks, flashlight, book, etc. for quieter periods.

When will I receive information about my shift(s)?

Once we have confirmed your place in our schedule, you will be contacted by a representative from the Trailwalker team to confirm your shift and then mailed or emailed a Volunteer Information Pack.

What happens if I cannot attend my shift?

Before the event, if you know that you will not be able to attend your shift(s) for any reason, you must immediately notify the Volunteer Coordinator. We must know if you cannot make your shift as early as possible so that we can make alternate arrangements.  If you cannot make your shift, for any reason, once the event has begun, you must call the appropriate number noted in your Volunteer Information Package.

I've volunteered before - will I need to attend training sessions?

If your role requires training, it is important to attend to ensure you are up to date with all current procedures and new information. Even if you've attended training sessions in previous years you may still be required to attend to ensure you are fully prepared for your role. There is always some new information presented to volunteers and by sharing your experience you can be of assistance to any first-time volunteers. If you would like to help conduct a training session, please contact us.

Will I be allocated any shift/s I apply for?

We do require certain skills and experience for certain roles, and will seek to fill these roles with suitable people, however if your skills match these roles, you will be considered. There are no guarantees that the role you apply for is the one you will receive, however your chances of securing those roles are good. You will be contacted with options for volunteering before a role that you haven’t applied for is allocated to you.

When do volunteers receive their uniform?

All volunteers will be provided with a special Trailwalker t-shirt to wear during their shift/s. Volunteer t-shirts will be handed out at the Checkpoints by the Volunteer supervisors at the beginning of your shift.