Volunteering
Join the hundreds of volunteers that help keep Canterbury Toy Library running! We have a range of volunteer options for volunteers of all ages and abilities.
SARC Funded Volunteers
Available roles:
4 volunteer roles available for Term 1, 2025
4 volunteer roles available for Term 2, 2025
​
Canterbury Toy Library is taking part in the Strong & Resilient Communities (SARC) volunteer project run by Toy Libraries Australia. We are 1 of 20 pilot sites across Australia welcoming people to volunteer in a toy library.
​
We are seeking partnerships with organisations that support people living with disabilities with the aim of developing long term connections and ongoing volunteer opportunities.
​
What commitment is required?
-
​Volunteers will attend 1 volunteer shift per week in Term 1 and/or Term 2.
-
Volunteers will develop a set of goals to guide their volunteering. These goals may align with NDIS goals or something new they would like to achieve.
-
Partner organisations will support their volunteers to advocate for their needs.
-
Partner organisations will offer guidance and ideas for the toy library to adapt volunteering for abilities.
-
In the case of homeschool participants the partner organisation would be the parent/guardian.
-
All volunteers over the age of 18 must have a free volunteer working with children check.
Please note as these volunteer shifts are funded by the Department of Social Services a report with limited volunteer details will need to be submitted for each volunteer including set goals.
Benefits of being a volunteer with us!
-
Get support to reach your personal goals.
-
Meet new people.
-
​The opportunity to develop skills that can be used beyond your time volunteering. Toy libraries have seen volunteers progress into further study, build their resume history, achieve paid employment, boost social skills, enhance work skills and growth in confidence.
-
If you are a homeschool volunteer you will be able to borrow 1 toy each shift for free
-
We can give you a work reference for future jobs.
​
What do volunteers do?
Your main task will be working together with other volunteers to help families use the toy library. You will volunteer while the toy library is closed to visitors.
​
-
Check toys that have been returned to make sure all the pieces are there and they are good to borrow.
-
Put toys back on the shelves where they belong.
-
Help unpack new toys and get them ready for families.
-
Check and clean donated toys to help get them ready to borrow.
​
When are the volunteer shifts?
Our group volunteer shifts are held on:
-
Tuesday mornings 9.30 to 11am
-
Thursday afternoons 1 to 3pm
​
To find out more about partnering with us on this project email admin@canterburytoylibrary.com.au
Homeschool Volunteers
Available roles: 2 volunteer roles available for Term 1, 2025
Looking for a fun, family friendly volunteer activity? Volunteering at a toy library can be a great way to learn about your local community while building numeracy and literacy skills all while having fun.
​
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers work together as a group to help families use the toy library. Most volunteer shifts are scheduled while the toy library is closed to visitors. Some of the tasks include:
​
-
Checking toys that have been returned to make sure all the pieces are there and they are good to borrow.
-
Putting toys back on the shelves where they belong.
-
Helping unpack new toys and get them ready for families.
-
Checking and clean donated toys to help get them ready to borrow.
​
When are the volunteer shifts?
Our group volunteer shifts are held on:
-
Tuesday mornings 9.30 to 11am (outside of opening hours)
-
Saturday mornings 9 to 10.30am, 10.30 to 12pm (during opening hours in a separate room)
Our volunteer shifts during opening hours are Tues to Fri and are flexible on request.
​
Can my child volunteer alone?
Volunteers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times but volunteers aged 15+ can volunteer on their own with the consent of a parent/guardian.
​​
To find out more about volunteering at the toy library email admin@canterburytoylibrary.com.au​
Committee Volunteers
Canterbury Toy Library must elect a new committee to oversee and manage the toy library ​at our AGM each October.
Interested in joining the committee?
-
We meet 6 times per year (around once every 2 months) and try to keep our meetings to an hour
-
We discuss things over email and WhatsApp in between, it's very informal
-
We decide on future direction of the toy library based on member feedback and it can be a fun way to meet new people and give back to the local community.
​
Committee roles vacant:
-
President
​
Please note: You must be a member of the toy library to join the committee
​​
Please contact secretary@canterburytoylibrary.com.au for more information on joining the committee.​