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Help Keep Waterloo Region Moving
Why Volunteer
Volunteering with us is a rewarding experience where you can learn new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and make a positive impact on the community. Whether you're passionate about cycling or simply want to give back, there's a place for you here.
If you want to see us in action and talk to any of our volunteers, visit us at our shop when we are open, either during Public or Volunteer-only Hours.
Who Can Volunteer
Anyone with a willingness to learn and a desire to help others can volunteer. We are always looking for more bike mechanics. No prior knowledge or tools are required — we provide everything you need at our shop.
We also welcome people with other skill sets (administrative, social media to name a few)
If you think that you can contribute to Red Raccoon Bike Rescue, contact us right away!
Workshop Cohorts
We are now offering monthly workshop cohorts for new and current volunteers. They are four sessions of basic repair tasks such as V-brakes, changing inner tubes, and rear derailleur adjustments. Please email us (info@redraccoon.org) to RSVP.
November cohort: Full. Please email us for January waitlist. Capacity is limited to 6 participants.
What’s Expected
No Experience Necessary: You don’t need any prior bike repair knowledge. We have all the tools and resources you’ll need, and our experienced volunteers are always ready to guide you.
Gloves: If you feel comfortable, bring your gloves as bikes can be dirty, oily, and greasy. Gloves also protect your hands from sharp objects. If you don’t have gloves, you can borrow a pair from the shop—just remember to return them at the end of your shift.
Hands-On Learning: There are plenty of bicycles in the shop for you to work on, providing ample opportunities to gain hands-on knowledge about bike repairs.
Curiosity Encouraged: We value a culture of curiosity and encourage you to ask questions and learn from other volunteers.
Clean Up: After you’re done working, please clean your workspace. Return all tools, parts, and bikes to their original places. Make sure stands, tables, and other equipment are put away properly. Dispose of or recycle any garbage.
For Skilled Mechanics
Know your way around a bike? We’d love your help diagnosing tricky problems, tackling more involved repairs, and getting more bikes back on the road for people in Waterloo Region.
Our workshop has bike-repair tools, plus a drill press, angle grinder, and bench grinder for appropriate repair work—so you can bring your skills without bringing your own toolkit. There’s also an opportunity to share your knowledge with volunteers who are learning.
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