Volunteers

Volunteering at Cedars CanSupport is a unique and rewarding experience. Volunteers contribute to the atmosphere of caring cultivated by our professional medical staff.

At Cedars CanSupport, volunteers are the heart of everything we do. By giving your time, your compassion, and your presence, you become a vital part of the care and comfort we offer to cancer patients and their families. Volunteering here is a unique and rewarding experience—it is both challenging and inspiring. You’ll help cultivate the caring environment fostered by our professional staff, and we’re truly grateful for your interest in helping out.

"At times we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring—all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia

Become a Volunteer with Cedars CanSupport

Why Volunteer?

By volunteering with Cedars CanSupport, you can:

Reassure patients that they are not alone
Offer companionship and a comforting presence
Provide a sense of commitment, compassion, and community
Perform small but meaningful tasks to improve the hospital experience
Help relieve loneliness, frustration, and stress
Help patients and caregivers feel seen, heard, and valued

Volunteer Roles

Greeter/Wayfinder
Help orient patients and visitors in a new and often overwhelming environment. Volunteers greet and guide them to the registration desk, treatment area, cafeteria, or parking lot.

Resource Centre
Support patients and caregivers in finding trustworthy information on cancer-related topics, hospital services, parking, workshops, and emotional support resources.

Blood Test Centre
Facilitating patient flow by greeting patients, offering reassurance, organizing and distributing requisitions, calling names, and directing them to assigned seating—all with compassion and bilingual support.

Coffee Cart Service
Serve free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cold beverages, and cookies for patients and family members.

Palliative Care Unit Volunteers
Engage in supportive conversation and active listening with patients receiving palliative care.

Volunteer Requirements

Pre-Requisites

Minimum age to volunteer: 18 years old at the start of your commitment.
If you are a former patient of the Cedars Cancer Centre, a one-year waiting period applies before you can apply.

Volunteer Profile

Bilingual in French and English
Autonomous, dependable, and personable
Discreet, flexible, and compassionate

How to apply

Step 1: Contact the Volunteer Coordinator

Email Lauryn Santiago at lauryn.santiago@muhc.mcgill.ca to express your interest in volunteering.

Step 2: Introductory Meeting

You’ll be invited to meet with Lauryn to review the application process and required documentation. If you’re unfamiliar with the Cedars Cancer Centre, you’ll also be given a brief tour.

Step 3: Complete the Application Forms

You will be asked to submit the following:

A completed application form
A signed confidentiality agreement
A recent photo
Two references from individuals who had direct authority or oversight over your work (e.g., a supervisor, teacher, coach, community leader)
Proof of vaccination or immunization against childhood diseases
Language proficiency (French and English)
Note: Further instructions will be provided during your meeting.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Scan and email your completed application package (in PDF format).

Step 5: MUHC General Orientation

Once your application is approved, you’ll need to complete the MUHC General Orientation, which is an online session lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Step 6: Cedars CanSupport Volunteer Orientation

Your final step will be attending an in-person Cedars CanSupport Orientation session with Lauryn and the rest of the +team at the Cedars Cancer Centre.

Join Us

Join a community of compassionate individuals making a meaningful difference—one patient, one visit, one small act at a time.