A smile is worth a thousand good deeds

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180. See Volunteer Manitoba’s blog post at http://wfp.to/okF for more information on volunteering over the holidays.

The Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts needs volunteers to help with outreach and group programming, festivals and community events, concerts and recitals, fundraising events and administrative tasks. Volunteers can indicate what they are interested in and choose based on their availability. Volunteers should have knowledge or experience in music or music-related topics. Email outreach@mcma.ca by Friday.

Age & Opportunity: Support Services for Older Adults needs Cree-speaking volunteers for its Connect program to provide social companionship to a senior by phone. Must enjoy conversation, have strong conversational and interpersonal skills and commit to a minimum of one hour a week. Call 204-956-6440 or go online to http://wfp.to/Sqp by Dec. 31. A & O’s senior immigrant settlement services need culturally sensitive volunteers who enjoy working with older people for its Language Buddy for Seniors program. The volunteer will help older newcomers feel less isolated by calling once or twice a week using their native languages. Must be able to communicate in languages other than English and abide by a code of confidentiality. Email mkapoor@aosupportservices.ca or phone 204-956-6440 by Dec. 31.

The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre needs community tour guides. Volunteer orientation sessions will include basic program information and an outline of newcomer settlement needs. Suggested guidelines for community orientation will be provided. A strong commitment to the English language is a must, but being multilingual (Hindi, Ukrainian or German, for example) is an asset. Must have a valid driver’s licence. Valid criminal record and child-abuse registry checks must be submitted before engaging with newcomers and their families. Apply online at http://wfp.to/SZ5 by Jan. 1.

Festival du Voyageur needs enthusiastic individuals who want to help make the largest francophone festival in Western Canada a success. Positions — indoor and outdoor — that need to be filled include bartender, cashier, ticket scanner, slide attendant, reservation host, school program, ambassador, eco-voyageur and more. Use, practice or improve your French, or volunteer in English. There are opportunities for bilingual and unilingual French and English volunteers. Must commit to two shifts of four to five hours that are convenient for you. Apply online at http://wfp.to/SZZ by Jan. 8.

The Manitoba Genealogical Society needs a computer and network operations chair to ensure the related needs of the library/resource centre and branches are met for both patrons and volunteers. Must have the hardware and operating systems skills necessary, and good communication skills. This is a council member position. Must attend three to four council meetings per year, and the annual general meeting. Email volunteer@mbgenealogy.com by Jan. 19.

Special Olympics Manitoba needs 100 to 150 volunteers for the 2023 Provincial Winter Games. Volunteers will help with setup, marshalling athletes, scorekeeping, timekeeping, hospitality, registration, selling merchandise and event take-down. Dates are: Feb. 24 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), Feb. 25 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Feb. 26 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Email kkasian@specialolympics.mb.ca or go to http://wfp.to/Sqb by Feb. 10.

Tetra Winnipeg needs outreach volunteers to help share its stories with organizations and communities. Tetra will train and provide materials to build connections in the community and help foster more solutions to help people with physical disabilities. Apply online at http://wfp.to/SY0 or email winnipegmb@tetrasociety.org.

Victoria Lifeline needs volunteers to install and service Lifeline in homes around Winnipeg. Must be available one day per week, and have a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle. Expenses will be reimbursed monthly, and training is provided. Call 204-956-6773 or go to http://wfp.to/oQ0.