The Organization
Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and
storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. We collaborate with local
businesses and community agencies to support people, primarily women and children, as they
transition to a life free of violence. Every year, in collaboration with community partners, our
volunteer teams contribute over 31,000 hours to support people transitioning to lives free of
violence and abuse.
Volunteering at Shelter Movers means contributing to a mission that will make a meaningful
impact on families experiencing abuse and supporting survivors as they transition to a life free
of violence. It also means playing a tangible role in breaking the cycle of gender-based violence
in Canada. We are growing and looking to add caring, compassionate, and dependable people
to our team.

The Role
Movers and Drivers are the backbone of the organization, as they carry out the mission on the
ground by moving clients’ belongings to safety. In a group of 2-7 movers/drivers, guided by a
detailed itinerary, volunteers will load/unload the client’s belongings into a vehicle and transport
the client to the predetermined location. Rental vehicles are provided for the move, and movers
who have a valid driver’s license are welcome to register as drivers.
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a significant impact through
volunteering their time in a hands-on capacity for small chunks of time. The duration of each
move varies, with an average of about 4-6 hours long from the vehicle rental pick-up time. Each
move will be characterized based on the risk level and accordingly be escorted by local police,
security guards, or neither. Our moves will often entail driving within and sometimes outside of
the city. Further information will be shared with volunteers on a per-move basis. With our flexible
volunteering model, you can sign up to volunteer on moves according to your availability.
Training hosted by professional movers to review proper lifting techniques is hosted every
several months, in addition to truck driving lessons.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities
● Meet other movers at the arranged time and place
● Work under the direction of a volunteer Lead Mover and Move Coordinator, and
maintain communication with the Lead Mover and all other movers during move
● Move client’s belongings in and out of vehicles, and transport client’s personal
belongings to a predetermined location
● Uphold Shelter Movers’ protocols and procedures

Skills and Qualifications
● Passion for Shelter Movers’ mission of supporting individuals and families
experiencing violence and abuse
● Able to lift moderately heavy boxes/furniture, minimum 20 lbs.
● Work well as part of a team and takes direction well
● Flexible and adaptable to a change in plans
● Ability to respect the Client and other Volunteers’ confidentiality
● Awareness of appropriate boundaries, compassion fatigue, and self-care an asset
● Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
● No previous education is required
● An interest in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sector is an asset
*As a mover, no driver’s license is required. Movers who have a valid driver’s license are
welcome to register as drivers as we always need additional volunteers who can drive on
moves. If you are interested in being a driver, you will be asked to provide a scanned copy of
your driver’s license. Shelter Movers primarily partners with vehicle rental and car-share
companies to rent passenger vehicles, cargo vans and small trucks.

Role Details
● You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact helping individuals and families
transition away from violence and abuse.
● You’ll gain hands-on experience on the front lines of our organization, providing moving
and storage services for our clients.
● You’ll receive training in preparation for your role and have access to ongoing training
opportunities.

● You’ll work with a great team of passionate volunteers and supporters.
● After 3 months of satisfactory service a confirmation of volunteering can be provided.
After 6 months, we’d be happy to provide a personalized reference letter.

To Apply
● Email your resume and interest to Local Volunteer Services Team
● Shelter Movers volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, complete an interview
process, sign a Volunteer Agreement, obtain a Criminal Record Check, and attend a
Shelter Movers Orientation session.
Note that the successful candidate will be subject to completion of a criminal background
check.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Shelter Movers is an equal volunteer opportunity charity. We welcome applicants from all
backgrounds without regard to age, color, race, sex, religion or belief, national or ethnic
origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family or parental
status, genetic characteristics, physical or mental disability.
We provide employment accommodation in accordance with provincial legislation. To
request reasonable accommodation, contact nationalvolunteerservices@sheltermovers.com