FAQ's on Volunteering

How much time does it take to volunteer?
What are the qualifications or requirements for becoming a volunteer?
Is there a specific time of year when CCFC needs more volunteers?
What kind of work will I be doing?
How do I get matched to a certain volunteer position?
If I don’t like the position assigned to me, can I change it?
What happens if I am away and unable to fulfill my volunteer commitments?
I have a special skill or hobby that I would like to use. Can I volunteer in this capacity?
I would like to develop my skills in a new area; can I volunteer in that capacity?
Can I perform my volunteer duties from home or do I have to go to a specific location?
Is there an age requirement?
Is there any way to learn more about the Foundation before I decide to volunteer?
Is there training involved?
Do I need past volunteer experience?
How do I become a volunteer with CCFC?


How much time does it take to volunteer? It all depends on the volunteer position you choose. Chapter volunteers generally take on a one year commitment to work with their local group. This will involve approximately five to 10 hours per month including one monthly meeting that may be held in person, by teleconference or through email communication. Event-specific or short-term volunteers have a more clear-cut beginning and end to their role and usually commit between two and 10 hours, including the event day. CCFC offers a variety of opportunities that can be designed to meet your needs.

What are the qualifications or requirements for becoming a volunteer? CCFC offers opportunities for those looking to develop skills as well as for those who have skills they wish to share to help move us closer to the cures. New volunteers will go through an screening and orientation process, which includes an application form and interview. During this process, the volunteer will be placed in the role best suited to their skills and interests. Ongoing support and training will be provided.

Is there a specific time of year when CCFC needs more volunteers? CCFC holds its two annual fundraisers (the Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-Thon and M&M Charity BBQ Day) during the spring, and its Awareness Month and annual symposia during the month of November. Throughout the year, volunteers are needed to lead or assist with ongoing Chapter initiatives and/or events.

What kind of work will I be doing? We have a wide range of volunteer duties and positions and encourage you to browse through our regional volunteer orientations. You may also choose to contact your local CCFC Chapter as there may be other opportunities available.

How do I get matched to a certain volunteer position? The CCFC volunteer registration form asks you to identify your skills and interests to get a better feel for the type of role that you would be best suited for. We will use this information as well as additional phone or in person meetings to suggest some possible matches. From there you can review the options and select one that is of the most interest to you.

If I don’t like the position assigned to me, can I change it? Absolutely. Our goal is to match volunteers with the right position so that it is an enjoyable and fulfilling volunteer experience for you. If you don’t feel you are in the right position, talk to your local Chapter President or CCFC staff representative and they will work with you to find something more suitable.

What happens if I am away and unable to fulfill my volunteer commitments? We recognize that volunteers take vacations, or experience other situations that may temporarily make it difficult for them to fulfill their commitments (i.e. illness). In these cases, your Chapter President will assign someone to take on your position (or delegate certain responsibilities to other volunteers in the Chapter) until you are able to resume your duties.

I have a special skill or hobby that I would like to use. Can I volunteer in this capacity? Absolutely – if there is no existing volunteer role that can utilize your skills, speak with your Chapter President or CCFC staff representative to see if such an opportunity exists within the Chapter.

I would like to develop my skills in a new area; can I volunteer in that capacity? Yes. Although there are certain roles that may match your skills, we are happy to support opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills as well as work with mentors or co-chairs in the Chapter, where available, to develop new skills.

Can I perform my volunteer duties from home or do I have to go to a specific location? With the exception of monthly Chapter planning meetings, volunteer duties are often performed from home and offer flexible timing so that you can fit them in to your schedule.

Is there an age requirement? For the most part, no. CCFC Chapters invite volunteers of all ages to participate in their activities, although Chapter Executive are required to be 18 years of age or older. CCFC also offers youth between 15 and 24 years of age the opportunity to explore some youth focused activities through The Gutsy Generation program.

Is there any way to learn more about the Foundation before I decide to volunteer? CCFC has launched a new online volunteer orientation in which volunteers from across the country can join live webinars to learn about CCFC’s mission, vision and values, watch a CCFC orientation video, speak with a staff and volunteers and discuss different job opportunities. You will be sent an orientation invitation after you register to volunteer. All volunteers who complete the orientation will be presented with a Certificate of Completion.

Is there training involved? All volunteers are provided with a clear job description for the task they have selected. Additional training is provided by local Chapters or CCFC staff representatives based on the specific job assignments. In certain cases, a co-chair or mentor will be assigned to assist volunteers in carrying out their chosen tasks.

Do I need past volunteer experience? For the most part, no. For some positions (i.e. Chapter President), past volunteer experience may be helpful, but is not required.

How do I become a volunteer with CCFC? Simply go to the Volunteer Registration area, create an account and move through our online volunteer centres. You will be contacted by your local staff representative or Chapter- it’s that easy!