Getting involved in your community is an easy way to feel more fulfilled, especially during colder, quieter months of the year. But sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start in the Muskoka and Kawartha Lakes regions. In response to clients asking for our help in this regard, we once again tapped into our considerable network for top suggested 2026 organizations  to volunteer at within your community: 

When we first moved to Muskoka we volunteered to help with the Bracebridge Fire and Ice Festival and we will be back again this year helping at one of the warming fire pits! This massive transformation includes the main tubing hill, and Memorial Park skating wonderland - drawing  approximately 15,000 people over the course of the event.  An undertaking of this scope requires volunteers and is a sure way to quickly integrate or get more involved with your community. All volunteers receive free entry to the event, a fast pass to skip the line for the tube run, free hot lunch and a Fire and Ice toque.(read on)

Wendy suggests Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre,  especially given the recently expanded exhibits. Carol is a big fan of Habitat for Humanity, and many of my CFUW Muskoka colleagues suggest Gravenhurst Against Poverty. Other suggestions include the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed, and Muskoka Conservancy. Manna Foodbank and our local Ontario Humane Society. Mark recommends volunteering at the Grove Theatre!

We've volunteered for years at The Muskoka Lakes Association on  Committees and the Board and again highly recommend this experience to you in 2026. Susan is currently serving on the Government and Land Use Committee. The MLA is always ready to welcome volunteer water testers, proofreaders, and leaders to help with membership and communications, community events (Family Seedling Day, Farmers' Markets, Annual Regatta, Antique Boat Show), the environment and more. Think about your time committment level, plus area of passionate interest, and we can help arrange a perfect match!

For the past two falls Susan has helped the Boo Crew at Sturgeon Point with the annual Village Halloween Trick or Treat event.  The nice thing about volunteering for this social occasion is it's time specific nature (4 hours max!) and frankly we had so much fun this is already on our list for 2027. Contact Mark or Susan for a personal introduction to the organizers of this event.

The Grove Theatre in Fenelon Falls is located within a magical outdoor, woodland setting and boasts an enviable entertainment line up. We attend at least one event a summer and can attest that the volunteers love every minute! Opportunities include front and back of house, sewing, ushers, grounds keeping, set up and so much more. (read on>)

Whether you are looking to share a skill or follow your passion you can find additional volunteer opportunities for both Kawartha Lakes and Muskoka Region online.

We are always happy to set up a time to chat about how you can become more involved in your cottage country community through volunteering! We will make a personal introduction to any organization that interests you, fits your stage in life and matches up with how much time you have to offer.  Contact Susan now>>

Do you have a volunteer opportunity that we should share with our network? email us now>>

©copyright 2026 Mark Benson and Susan Benson