At Neil Squire, volunteers are at the heart of what we do. As we mark National Volunteer Week 2025 (new window), we want to celebrate their incredible contributions.

This year’s theme, “Volunteers Make Waves,” says it all. Every hour spent, every computer lesson taught, every device built — it all adds up and truly makes an impact on the people and communities we serve.

Volunteers have always been the foundation of our Computer Comfort and Distance Computer Comfort programs. They work one-on-one with people with disabilities, helping them build the digital skills they need to stay connected, live independently, and find work. Whether they’re meeting face-to-face or online, our volunteers bring more than just tech knowledge — they bring patience, encouragement, and confidence.

For our Makers Making Change (new window) program, volunteers design and build affordable assistive devices for people who need them. Volunteers answer device requests, build switches and adapt toys that go out into the community, and use their creativity to solve accessibility challenges. Thanks to their work, more people with disabilities can access devices that help them live their life to the fullest.

And volunteers don’t just support our programs — they help shape them. Many of our staff, including Distance Training Coordinator, Gordon Watt (pictured on the right with volunteers Matthew and Harvey), began their journey with us as volunteers. Gordon began volunteering with the Computer Comfort program in 2011, looking to gain work experience in Canada after moving here from Scotland. Before long, it led to a job he loves, running our Distance Computer Comfort program — and a role where he now supports others volunteering for Neil Squire.

“Volunteering with Neil Squire gave me a sense of purpose and a path forward,” says Gordon. “It helped me gain confidence and experience, and now I get to support others on that same journey. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Gordon’s story is just one example of the long-lasting impact volunteering can have. What started as a way to build skills and give back became a career rooted in purpose. Today, Gordon helps guide new volunteers and Distance Computer Comfort participants alike with passion.

To all our volunteers: thank you for sharing your time and skills with us to help empower Canadians with disabilities. You’re not just a part of our story — you’re helping write what comes next.

If you would like to volunteer with us and make a difference, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.