Become a WAV Member
Being a member of The Women’s Auxiliary Volunteers (WAV) is a rewarding experience. Not only will you be helping children and their families, but you will find the volunteer work meaningful and be given the opportunity to use your skills and develop new ones.
The Women’s Auxiliary of The Hospital for Sick Children is strongly committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion within its membership. The children and families we support are diverse, and so are our volunteers. Applications are welcome from all to join our unique organizational culture and be part of our inclusive team.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions below to understand the service requirements, like time commitment and training.
The hospital has volunteer programs for those in university and high school. If you are a university or high school student, please refer to Volunteer Programs on the SickKids website instead of the WAV organization.
The process to become a Member can take several months and involves the following key steps:
- Application
- Interview by Membership Chair
- Screening and background checks; health check and mandatory vaccinations (at expense of prospective volunteer)
- Placement on a service (36 hours of orientation are provided)
- Payment of annual membership dues and purchase of WAV jacket by volunteer
- Member formally approved and read-in as a WAV member at a Board meeting
New volunteers will be placed in a vacancy within one of our WAV volunteer services.
How to Apply for Membership
WAV is currently accepting applications for new members. To enquire about volunteering, please click here to go to our Member Inquiry page.
As mentioned above, if you are a university or high school student, please contact SickKids Volunteer Programs instead of the WAV.
Frequently asked questions
What is the time commitment?
Services are performed during daytime business hours, Monday - Friday. Volunteers are expected to fulfill their service every week. Some services have weekend schedules. Most services require a 3 ½ - 4 hour commitment each week, however we do have several services that are flexible and can be done at a time that is convenient to you.
Will I become a full member immediately?
We have an orientation period of 36 volunteer hours. When you have fulfilled this commitment, your name will be presented to the Board of Directors to be read-in as a full member.
Will I be trained?
Yes. All of our volunteers are trained by a WAV member who is working on the service. In addition, all volunteers are required to do online hospital training.
Can I volunteer in more than one service?
Many of our members enjoy their work with WAV so much that they volunteer to join another service. This can be explored after Orientation is complete, and membership is attained.
Are there leadership opportunities?
Yes. We appreciate all of the skills that members bring to the organization and welcome members to take on leadership roles.