Fundraising & Youth Awards Celebration Dinner 2026: Volunteer Recruitment

We invite you to be a key part of our upcoming November Gala as we proudly host the 4th Annual Across U-Can Youth Awards! This inspiring evening recognizes the incredible journeys of future leaders aged 16–35 in our community.

Why Join Our Volunteer Team?

  • Be a Part of Change: Play a vital role in empowering local youth and building a brighter future.
  • Community Building: Connect with a vibrant, passionate, and welcoming group of like-minded peers.
  • Learn and Grow: Gain hands-on experience in large-scale event coordination, networking, and community engagement.

Important Dates & Training Schedule #

Note: All volunteers must complete the designated training session(s) prior to the event.

  1. Volunteer Orientation (for NEW VOLUNTEERS)
    October 8, 2026 (Thursday)
    7:00 pm – 8:30 pm

  2. House Team Training Session
    October 24, 2026 (Saturday)
    2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

  3. Behind-The-Scenes Support Session
    October 31, 2026 (Saturday)
    10:00 am – 1:00 pm

  4. Fundraising & Youth Awards Celebration Dinner
    November 1, 2026 (Sunday)
    1:30 pm – 10:30 pm

# New to Across U-hub? If you haven’t completed a general Volunteer Orientation before, please make sure to attend the Thursday, October 8 session.

Where?

Training Session & Behind-The-Scenes Support Session
Across U-hub
232 Hood Road, Markham, ON L3R 3K8

Fundraising & Youth Awards Celebration Dinner
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre & Spa
8500 Warden Avenue, Markham, ON L6G 1A5

Who Are We Looking For?

  • Age: Youth and young adults (ages 16+)
  • Individuals enthusiastic about community service, teamwork, and meeting new people!

*Volunteer hours are given subject to the volunteer’s attendance.

Deadline for Registration:
October 5, 2026 (Monday)

How Much?

Free

Join Gala Volunteer Team

Volunteer Roles & Opportunities

Training is provided for all roles so you can feel confident and supported!

On the Event Day

1. Event Ambassadors

  • The Vibe:
    Welcoming, flexible, and organized.

  • The Role: Greet and guide guests, VIPs, sponsors, and media across key locations (reception desk, sales booth, banquet hall). Assist guests requiring accessibility support. Help manage behind-the-scenes logistics, including venue decorations, inventory tracking, and guest traffic flow.

2. Photographers / Videographers

  • The Vibe:
    Creative, technical, and observant.

  • The Role: Use your own camera equipment to capture high-quality photos/videos of stage proceedings, guest interactions, and vibrant behind-the-scenes moments.

    o Note: To help us assign appropriate coverage, applicants may be asked to submit a brief portfolio or sample work prior to role confirmation.

3. Venue Setup & Tear-Down Assistants

  • The Vibe:
    Active, organized, and reliable.

  • The Role: Provide essential logistics support before, during, and after the event. Assist with stage, booth, and banquet table setup, as well as post-event packing.
Join Gala Volunteer Team

Before the Event

4. Handcraft Volunteers

  • The Vibe:
    Creative, hands-on, and detail-oriented.

  • The Role: Join us in preparing handmade fundraising products before the event. Work with our team from early-September to late-October to create handcraft items for table prizes and our fundraising sales booth. No professional crafting experience is required — just a willingness to learn, create, and contribute!
Join Pre-Event Handcraft Team

Flexible Scheduling & Inquiries

  • While full-day availability (1:30 PM – 10:30 PM) is recommended for the best experience, half-day shifts (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM) can also be arranged.
  • If you have questions regarding your availability or specific roles, please feel free to reach out to our team — we are happy to work out a schedule that fits your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can volunteer?

We are looking for enthusiastic youth and young adults aged 16 and older. Whether you are a student looking to gain experience or a community member wanting to give back, you are welcome to join us!

Do I need prior experience?

Not at all! We value your passion and willingness to learn. We provide all necessary training during our orientation and briefing sessions to ensure you feel confident and fully prepared for your role. On the event day, volunteer positions will be assigned based on your readiness, preferences, and prior experience to ensure everyone has a great fit!

Are the training sessions mandatory?

Yes. To ensure the Gala runs smoothly and safely, all volunteers must complete their designated training session prior to the event. In addition, if you are a new volunteer, you must also attend a General Volunteer Orientation.

Can I volunteer for a half-day shift?

Yes! While we encourage full-day participation for the best experience, half-day shifts (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM) can be arranged. If you have a specific scheduling conflict, please reach out to us so we can discuss a timeframe that works for you.

Will I get a break? What about dinner?

Yes! All volunteers will have scheduled breaks throughout their shifts. For those working through the evening shift, dinner will be provided by Across U-hub. Our Volunteer Coordinators will be on-site to manage break schedules and make sure everyone stays refreshed and energized.

Note on Program Viewing: If you wish to sit and enjoy the dinner and stage performance as a guest, you are welcome to purchase an individual ticket. Please contact us in advance if you’d like to make this arrangement!

Will I receive community service / volunteer hours?

Absolutely! Official volunteer hours will be granted based on your attendance, training, and event participation. These hours can be applied toward high school graduation requirements or personal reference letters.

What if I have more questions?

We are always happy to help! If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us anytime at [email protected].

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