Sparking interests, skills to last a lifetime

The following is 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, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

Volunteers are needed for the Gimli MS Bike, a two-day fundraising cycling event Aug. 26-27. Help is needed in various roles, such as site setup and wrap-up, parking control and participant check-in area. Volunteers should have a positive attitude, be passionate about supporting the MS community and be self-motivated and reliable. Help is needed on one or both days, with shifts of two to eight hours. Apply at wfp.to/NhM by Aug. 25.

Second Harvest needs distribution-operations support volunteers to aid in the distribution of surplus food to local not-for-profit agencies. The role includes representing Second Harvest at food-donor locations, facilitating distribution of food and supporting the head of operations in Manitoba. Must have excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills. Must also be able to lift 30 to 50 pounds, bend, twist, reach overhead, squat and kneel. Minimum three-month commitment. Must be 16 and older. Volunteers under the age of 18 are required to have an adult volunteer accompany them during their shift. A driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is preferred. The role is weekly or biweekly on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 7:30-11:30 a.m. Apply at wfp.to/NhR by Sept. 1.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg needs volunteer mentors for children and youth who struggle with societal barriers and face adversities such as detrimental living conditions, family violence, risk factors for mental health, school issues and identity challenges. Mentors can assume the roles of big brother, big sister or cross-gender mentor to provide a role model to share their experiences with, and to build a relationship based on trust and shared interests. Volunteers must be at least 18 and provide satisfactory references and criminal record checks. Volunteers must also respect the confidential nature of the services, promote the welfare and safety of the child or youth and be comfortable with the organization’s values, policies and procedures. Email bbbswpg@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, go to wfp.to/NIl or call 204-988-9200.

Villa Cabrini needs lunch program volunteers to help seniors during mealtimes. Volunteers are responsible for taking orders, receiving payment, serving, cleaning tables and tracking sales. Required skills include fluent English, basic math, a positive attitude and customer service experience. Must be 18 or older. The time commitment is daytime hours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Email vcabrini@mymts.net by Jan. 1.

The Winnipeg Wine Festival, a fundraising event for Special Olympics Manitoba, needs volunteers at various events — including the gala dinner and public tastings — the week of Sept. 16 to Sept. 23. Duties include: ticket-taking, wine glass and program distribution, selling raffle tickets, and helping with water jugs and spittoons. Email lbergen@specialolympics.mb.ca or call 204-798-5462 by Sept. 7.

Indigenous Languages of Manitoba needs volunteers for their Honouring our Languages Gathering Oct. 3-4 at Lower Fort Garry. The goal is to ensure the survival and strength of Indigenous languages. Roles include answering basic questions, providing assistance to facilitators, helping elders, putting up signs and registration. A positive attitude, cultural awareness and respectfulness are required. Email developer@ilmb.org before Sept. 10.

The Kosher Meals on Wheels program is a volunteer-based initiative that delivers warm and nutritious meals f rom Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre or the Rady Jewish Community Centre. Volunteers must have a valid Manitoba driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle. They must also be polite, considerate, able to take direction, and possess knowledge of the street plan of Winnipeg or have access to reliable GPS. The time commitment is flexible. Shifts are usually one hour, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., on Tuesdays and Fridays. Email Dan@gwensecter.com or call 204-339-1701.

St. Amant needs gardening volunteers to help residents with preparing, planting, watering, weeding, trimming and harvesting. Volunteers should be at least 18, detail-oriented and able to do physical work. Co-operativeness and adherence to safety guidelines is imperative. Experience is preferred but not necessary. Two to four shifts per month from May to September. Criminal record and abuse registry checks are required, but St. Amant will submit the paperwork and refund the fees after 100 volunteer hours. Apply at stamant.ca by Oct. 30.

The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. When disaster strikes, you can help, and the Red Cross can show you how. Go to wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.