Volunteer with MDS

MDS Canada Pandemic Update

For the health and safety of volunteers living in Canada, we are currently not sending or supporting Canadian volunteers who would like to go to the U.S. to volunteer with MDS. This means we will not assist with border crossings; not make our usual travel subsidy available; and not give support to volunteers from Canada who may encounter issues while in the U.S., especially issues related to COVID-19.

The main reason for this is the Canadian Government travel advisory against travel to the U.S. and the closing of the border to all non-essential travel. This is an indication that travel to the U.S. is currently not deemed safe or advisable for Canadians due to COVID-19.

People who are dual citizens or U.S. citizens living in Canada may choose to apply to MDS in the U.S. to volunteer. MDS staff in the Lititz office will process these applications. Should such volunteers meet U.S. requirements to volunteer (including adequate medical coverage), all supports will come from the MDS office in Lititz.

For more information, contact the MDS Canada office. 

MDS is a volunteer network! Here are the different ways that you can volunteer with MDS:

Since Canada experiences fewer disasters than the U.S., there usually isn’t the same need for large number of volunteers in this country. Periodically, however, local units will respond to disasters in their region/province—rebuilding or repairing several homes, or just one. This is an excellent opportunity for people who have a few days, a week or more to volunteer closer to home.

For more information on volunteer opportunities in Canada, contact the MDS Canada office at 204-261-1274, 1-866-261-1274
 or mdscanada@mds.mennonite.net.

• Weekly Volunteers serve on an MDS project for 1-3 weeks, and participate in the construction duties on the project. Weekly Volunteers come in groups or as individuals. Visit our online calendar to view weekly volunteer opportunities and to indicate your interest in serving with MDS.
• Leadership Volunteers are responsible for the day to day operations of an MDS project. They work together with local community partners and homeowners, organize the work for the weekly volunteers, and ensure that all volunteers are well fed and cared for throughout their time on the project. Leadership Volunteers serve on a project for 4 weeks or more, and must go through the Leadership application process, including an interview and references. Examples of Leadership Volunteers include Project Directors, Construction Supervisors, Crew Leaders, Office Managers, and Cooks. Click here to see our current Leadership Volunteer needs.
• Long-Term Volunteers serve on a project for 4 weeks or more (not in a leadership role), and must go through the Long-Term Volunteer application process, including an interview and references. Click here to see an overview of the application process and to contact a Volunteer Coordinator.
• RV Volunteers serve on a project for 4 weeks or more in a volunteer opportunity for 55+ adults who want to help cleanup, repair and rebuild after disaster and have fun doing it. You bring your RV and provide your own food, and MDS provides an RV site and meaningful work.  MDS RV projects are smaller in scale – usually 4-6 RV’s to a project for four weeks or more. The RV volunteers work four, six-hour days per week and have time to enjoy the area in their off time. Click here to see our our current RV Volunteer needs.