Volunteers

Volunteers play an important role in the YMCA. Every year hundreds of people give freely of their time and expertise to ensure the delivery of quality programs and services at the YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Definition of a Volunteer

A YMCA volunteer is defined as anyone who willingly gives time to help the YMCA accomplish its mission without receiving compensation or special privileges from the YMCA.

Two people at the YMCA, smiling together

Volunteer Categories

Volunteers are organized into these categories:

  • Program (Employment, Enterprise, & Newcomer Services; Health, Fitness, & Aquatics; Child Care & Day Camp)
  • Philanthropy (Campaign, Fundraising, Special Events)
  • Governance and Policy
  • Advisory Committee

Volunteer Opportunities

Region Core Service Area Volunteer Position
Burin Peninsula Program – Health, Fitness, & Aquatics Youth Volunteer, Hope for Dementia
Province-Wide Governance & Policy Director, Board of Directors
Avalon Peninsula Advisory Committee Advisory Committee Volunteer
Avalon Peninsula Program – Health, Fitness, & Aquatics YMCA Video Content Creator
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Program – Health, Fitness & Aquatics Aquatics
Avalon Peninsula | Labrador Program – Child Care & Day Camp Child Care & Camp Volunteer
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Program – Health, Fitness, & Aquatics Conditioning Centre Guide
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Program – Health, Fitness, & Aquatics Child Youth & Family Program Volunteer
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Philanthropy Fundraising Volunteer
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Program – Health, Fitness, & Aquatics Group Fitness and Aquafit Volunteer
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Program – Health, Fitness & Aquatics Housekeeping Volunteer
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Program – Health, Fitness & Aquatics MSS Tour Guide Volunteer
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Program – Health, Fitness, & Aquatics Student & Adult Recreational Volunteer
Avalon Metro & Rural | Burin Peninsula | Labrador Philanthropy Special Events Volunteer

YMCA Canada Fitness Leadership Certification

The YMCA developed the first nationally recognized fitness leadership program in 1974 and has continued to train fitness leaders ever since. The YMCA’s real strength is partnership between committed volunteers, dedicated staff and involved communities. Skilled leadership is needed to engage individuals and families in the health of spirit, mind and body.

YMCA Trainers deliver courses to certify volunteer YMCA Leaders/Instructors. YMCA fitness leaders are certified to lead activities in their specialty areas. You can obtain the following certifications from your YMCA:

  • Group Fitness Leader
  • Personal Trainer
  • Wellness (Health) Coach

2023 Volunteers Spotlight

Carson Aylward
Carson Aylward
I am currently in Grade 9 at Pearce Junior High. I started volunteering this year at the YMCA – Marystown in Aquatics. I really love to swim and I enjoy helping out, it makes me feel good about myself to help others! – Carson Aylward, Youth Volunteer, Marystown YMCA.
Owen Barrett
Owen Barrett
Owen started volunteering at the YMCA in the fall of 2022. He enjoys being physically active and brings his passion for soccer every week as he leads our youth soccer program. What Owen enjoys most about volunteering is working with the younger children and helping then develop their love of being active. Owen also plays clarinet and saxophone and loves jazz.
Lisa Sheppard
Lisa Sheppard
Lisa is a long-time volunteer with the YMCA. She leads yoga classes weekly and really enjoys making connections with people and getting to know the members. Lisa enjoys yoga and says, ‘It’s good for the body and mind’. When not at work or leading yoga classes she also enjoys rug hooking and strong man and woman competitions.
Virginia Harger-Grinling
Virginia Harger-Grinling
Virginia has been teaching Pilates for about 25 years and has been an active volunteer at the YMCA for many years. Virginia says she really enjoys coming to the Y and meeting and getting to know the people in her classes. When not at work or teaching Pilates she is also quite active in dog training and has rescued many animals over the years.
Lauren Farrell
Lauren Farrell
Lauren Farrell has been a member of the YMCA for five years and has been volunteering with the Aquatics program as an assistant instructor for eight months. She loves working with the children to help them learn new skills and see them progress as swimmers. She hopes to complete her instructor’s certification soon and continue working with the YMCA in Marystown!
Kristan Norman
Kristan Norman
Hi, my name is Kristan Norman from Marystown, NL. I am 12 years old and in grade 7. My favourite pastime is hanging with my friends at the YMCA, whether it be at the gym or most times in the pool. I’ve been with the Marystown Marlins for 5 years now. I’ve been a volunteer with the YMCA for 4 months. Right now I volunteer with assisting the instructors with swimming lessons. I really enjoy in assisting while watching and teaching all the kids how to swim. My plan is to become a life guard and instructor myself one day with the YMCA.
Martha Erendira Flores Rojas
Martha Erendira Flores Rojas
Martha Erendira Flores Rojas has been Volunteering since 2019 at the Ches Penney Family YMCA with Mexican roots, California soul, and Zumba in her blood.

Martha developed her passion for Zumba dancing all her life and strives to see the reflection of her smile in the class participants. This proves 100% true while watching her dance and teach – her energy is absolutely infectious! Martha is an instructor of Zumba, AquaZumba, Zumba Gold, Kickboxing, Aquafit, and Fitkizomba.

She has been part of the YMCA since 2012 back in San Diego and now you can find her at the Ches Penney Family YMCA in the studio or at the pool deck in all-inclusive classes. Martha feels so lucky to have made so many friends in her classes and thriving making the difference in our members lives.

Lily Brushett
Lily Brushett
Lily Brushett is an energetic 12-year-old who volunteers at the Marystown YMCA . She enjoys physical activity including swimming, playing hockey and soccer. She also loves being a member of her school’s drama troupe. When she is not active with extra-curricular activities, you can find Lily with her friends laughing, reading, listening to music, or watching her favourite shows! Lily started volunteering this year but hopes to continue for a long time. She enjoys volunteering for a lot of reasons. “I like keeping active and there are a lot of awesome people involved in the swimming program.” Lily enjoys helping the kids in the pool and says, “They are all so sweet!”
Isabella Brown
Isabella Brown
Hi. My name is Isabella Brown and I am a grade 7 student at DCJA. I have completed swimming lessons at the YMCA in Marystown, as well as Bronze Star. I have been been helping out at swimming lessons for the last couple months and I am loving it!! I enjoy enjoy it because I get to help little kids learn how to swim and share my love for swimming with them!!
Twyla Fradsham
Twyla Fradsham
Twyla has been a volunteer instructor for 6 years. Her love of outdoor cycling led her to try indoor cycling and become an instructor. She enjoys the connections she makes with the participants and the diversity of the class.

Twyla loves to be in the woods hiking with her dogs and has a passion for pickleball.

Natasha Green
Natasha Green
My name is Natasha Green and I am 17 years old. I volunteer at the YMCA in Housekeeping with a goal to obtain my career hours. I started on April 14. I enjoy doing art, watching Pretty Little Liars, Vampire Diaries, and on the weekend, I watch them with my foster mom, Kim. I was the winner of the Remembrance Day poster contest in 2014, I have completed the Babysitting course and am a member of MCHS leadership group.

View our 2022 Volunteers Spotlight