Volunteer

Get Involved

KidStart is a one-to-one volunteer mentoring program for children and youth who face challenges at home, at school or in the community.

Benefits for Kids

  • Have that ‘go to’ person, when life presents challenges.
  • Build confidence and experience personal growth.
  • Discover inner dreams and potential.
  • Develop strong community connections.

Benefits for Mentors

  • Gain valuable experience for your career and personal development.
  • The satisfaction of knowing you are having a positive impact on the life of a young person.
  • Participate in fun activities you might not otherwise do.
  • Learn new skills and discover new interests…it works both ways!
  • Get more information by visiting our Volunteer FAQ

What’s Expected

KidStart is a prevention program. Its aim is to help young people make good choices despite challenging circumstances.

Our mentors do this by developing supportive relationships with their mentees, encouraging them to participate in activities that allow them to experience success and by being positive role models. These all help build resilience to the risk factors they may face in their lives.

The best way for these important relationships to develop is for mentors and mentees to regularly spend time together, about once a week for around three hours, and for this time to be spent simply having fun. We provide a monthly allowance of $40 to help towards the cost of undertaking activities with your mentee.

Volunteer Testimonials

  • Through our weekly hangouts we were able to bond over shoe trends, sports, and videogames. I had no expectation as to what would happen over us meeting but I can honestly say it’s been an amazing experience to be part of KidStart and continue to support my mentee.

    Ryan Hart

  • As a PLEA volunteer of 1 years, I would like to express my strong support for the KidStart program. My experience has a volunteer mentor has enabled me to help a young person through some very difficult challenges.

    Paige Dong

  • Over the last 4 years, I have seen my mentee grow so much. They are now more confident, open and content in life. I know that the time we have spent together has made a big difference for them. I can say that KidStart has been a fantastic resource for my mentee and their family. I am grateful to be part of this program and I hope you will consider supporting the children who benefit from it.

    Myriame Lyons

Who Can Volunteer

Our volunteer mentors are positive, responsible people who come from a variety of backgrounds. If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply:

Our screening process involves at least two interviews, three references and a police record check. Once paired our mentors are matched with a mentee of the same gender. Our mentors are trained in first aid and receive ongoing training, support and supervision to help them be the best mentor they can be.
  • You are 19 years or older
  • You are employed, retired, attending school or have a stable routine
  • You agree to abide by PLEA’s policies
  • You can commit to spending a couple hours each week with a young person for at least one year
  • You are open and sensitive to cultural diversity
  • You are capable of being a positive role model
  • You have lived in Canada for at least one year

  • You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19

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