‘Brother’ brings sunshine to volunteer’s life

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.

Misericordia Health Centre needs volunteers to escort residents/patients from their rooms to attend spiritual health services and programs within the building. Times are 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. to noon Fridays. Apply online at http://wfp.to/NIJ, email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca or call 204-788-8134 by Aug. 30.

Volunteers are needed for Riding Mountain MS Bike, which is happening on Sept. 9. The ride begins and ends at Elkhorn Riding Adventures in Onanole. Volunteers are needed to help with every aspect of the event. Email Emma McGillis at emma.mcgillis@mscanada.ca before Sept. 7.

Nuit Blanche, Manitoba’s biggest contemporary arts and culture celebration, is happening on Sept. 23. Thousands of people will gather in downtown Winnipeg to celebrate and explore contemporary art. Register to volunteer at http://wfp.to/NHE by Sept. 18.

Oakview Place Extendicare needs volunteers for its Adopt a Grandparent program. This one-to-one program involves visiting residents and participating in activities such as games, walks and crafts, with a minimum of 20 minutes per resident visited. The ideal candidate should have good conversation skills, be able to motivate and encourage others and be self-motivated. Volunteers ages 14 and older are welcome. People who speak Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Spanish or Italian are encouraged to apply. Email jbabineau@extendicare.com or phone 204-888-3005 by Sept. 30.

Whyte Ridge Community Centre needs volunteers to help with the ongoing programs it offers in the community. Volunteers should email volunteer.services@whyteridge.ca and describe their talents. The deadline is Nov. 30.

Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art needs board members. Members must ensure legal and financial responsibilities, approve policies and procedures, act as advocates for the organization and attract funding. Must be passionate about the gallery’s mission, and have credibility, connections to Indigenous arts and reflect the community served. People with experience in writing, public speaking and non-profit work are needed. Diverse applicants are encouraged to apply. Must commit to a minimum two-year term and work about two to four hours per month.

Indigenous Languages of Manitoba needs volunteers for their Honouring our Languages Gathering on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4 at Lower Fort Garry. The goal is to ensure the survival and strength of Indigenous languages. Volunteers are needed for various roles such as 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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg needs volunteer mentors for children and youth who struggle with societal barriers and face adversities in their lives 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 for children and youth to share their experiences with, and to build a relationship based on trust and shared interests. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and provide satisfactory references and criminal record checks. Volunteers must also respect the confidential nature of the services and be creative and flexible in carrying out activities with youth. They must promote the welfare and safety of the child or youth and be comfortable with the organization’s core values, policies and procedures. Email bbbswpg@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, go online to http://wfp.to/NIl or call 204-988-9200 by Dec. 31.

Villa Cabrini needs lunch program volunteers to help provide customer service to seniors during mealtimes. Volunteers are responsible for taking orders, receiving payment, serving food, 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 Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. When disaster strikes, you can help, and the Red Cross can show you how. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.