Make your team-building matter with these sustainable activities

published on April 22, 2024
What's New in Montréal Green meetings

Team building ideas abound in Montréal, whether you’re looking for adventure or a gastronomic bonding experience. Here are even more options — and these will leave a lasting legacy. Demonstrate your sustainability commitment in a city deeply dedicated to a sustainable future by mobilizing your team to do good together. Donating your time, learning new skills and growing your team connection will gain even more ROI when paired with making a positive impact on the local community. Here are 15 Montréal charities that welcome corporate volunteering for groups. 

Accueil Bonneau

Dedicated to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, Accueil Bonneau provides shelter to help people meet their basic needs and support services to help them get back on their feet and find stable housing.

Size of volunteer groups? 5 to 20 people

Find out more

Chez Doris

As the only women’s shelter in Montréal offering 24/7 service, Chez Doris offers the opportunity to support the cause by performing tasks such as serving meals, sorting donations, cleaning and helping with special events.

Size of volunteer groups? 2 to 4 people, or larger upon discussion

Find out more

Dans la rue

Each week, the Dans la rue team takes to the streets in their bus to distribute some 1,000 to 1,800 hot dogs to homeless youth in Montréal and offer them a place to warm up, an open ear and the support they need. They also offer a Day Centre that serves as a refuge.

Size of volunteer groups? 6 to 10 people

Find out more

Dress for success Montréal

Focused on the inclusion and social reintegration of women, the mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to return to the workforce. The organization provides professional attire and job search support, and also helps women’s families, the community and the local economy.

Size of volunteer groups? 5 to 10 people, or larger upon discussion

Find out more

Sun Youth

Serving the community since 1954, Sun Youth works with individuals and families in need by providing a range of emergency services to ensure basic needs and to preserve people’s integrity. Help the organization alleviate poverty and promote inclusion by sorting merchandise, preparing food baskets and more.

Size of volunteer groups? 15 to 20 people

Find out more

La Maison du père

For more than 50 years, the Maison du Père has been a resource centre offering multiple housing options to people experiencing homelessness, including a residence for homeless seniors, health care outreach and supportive housing designed to keep people off the street.

Size of volunteer groups? 5 to 25 people

Find out more

La Tablée des chefs

With 20 years’ experience fighting food insecurity and working to develop food autonomy for young people, La Tablée des Chefs offers a one-of-a-kind corporate culinary activity. As a group, you can have a tasty time cooking up seasonal dishes for local food banks and share a gourmet meal.

Size of volunteer groups? 20 to 35 people

Find out more

La Transformerie

This young Montréal organization is committed to reducing food waste by repurposing unsold food from supermarkets and green grocers for its “Rescapés” project. Come help receive reclaimed food, sort and clean fruit, or work in the kitchen making sauces and spreads.

Size of volunteer groups? 1 to 8 people

Find out more

Le Chaînon

This organization helps women in difficulty by providing shelter and support services. Lend a hand at the Magasin du Chaînon boutique, sorting the merchandise that funds the services of the shelter facilities.

Size of volunteer groups? 10 to 15 people

Find out more

Mission 1000 tonnes

Mission 1000 tonnes is dedicated to the preservation of waterways and the reduction of plastic waste. Take action by organizing a team shoreline clean-up operation, to get educated on the importance of adopting responsible consumption habits while having fun.

Size of volunteer groups? 1 to 100 people

Find out more

Moisson Montréal

Help combat food insecurity by volunteering at Moisson Montréal, Canada’s largest food bank. Your group will help out with sorting food or other tasks, depending on the day’s priorities. As a thank you, you’ll enjoy a tasty snack or meal.

Size of volunteer groups? 10 to 50 people

Find out more

Robin des bois

Robin des bois was created in 2006 as a not-for-profit social economy restaurant to combat loneliness, social isolation and poverty. Come volunteer in the restaurant and help even more than you think: all restaurant profits are donated to four Montréal non-profit organizations Le Chaînon, Santropol Roulant, Refuge des Jeunes and Sun Youth.

Size of volunteer groups? 1 to 8 people

Find out more

Santropol Roulant

Santropol Roulant uses food as a vehicle to break social and economic isolation between generations, strengthening and nourishing the local community with novel approaches to active youth engagement, urban and peri-urban food systems, food security and community care.

Size of volunteer groups? 10 to 20 people, depending on the activity

Find out more

Soverdi

As part of the Montréal Climate Plan, Soverdi is planting 200,000 trees on private and institutional land on the island of Montréal to create a greener, cooler and healthier environment for the community. Come plant trees and learn about urban agriculture while bonding with your team.

Size of volunteer groups? 1 to 50 people

Find out more

The YMCAs

Offered by YMCAs, Youth Zones provide teenagers with a caring safe space where youth can meet up to socialize, have fun and thrive. YMCA teens invite you to come and renovate the Youth Zones with them.

Size of volunteer groups? 5 to 20 people

Find out more

 

Read this next: How to host sustainable events — in Montréal and beyond 

Discover more ways that Montréal works for you