If you hear bells, prepare to give generously

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to wfp.to/volunteers or call 204-477-5180. A blog post at wfp.to/iOu contains more information on how to spread kindness this holiday season.

Mood Disorders Manitoba is seeking friendly and reliable volunteers to help with evening programming. They will greet attendees and answer any questions or concerns they may have. They will also help support group facilitators and sanitize and prepare the room before and after group facilitation. Shifts are Mondays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A criminal record check is required. Email volunteer@moodmb.ca by Dec. 31.

Age & Opportunity senior immigrant settlement services is seeking culturally sensitive volunteers who enjoy working with older adults in their English Language Program for Seniors classroom. They are needed for at least two hours per week and will help students with activities, including small group work and other learning activities. They will also help the teacher by working one-on-one or with small groups of students. Excellent English communication skills are needed. Apply at MKapoor@aosupportservices.ca or 204-956-6440 by Dec. 31.

Mennonite Central Committee’s Kildonan Thrift Shop needs volunteers for seasonal/holiday department sorting and maintenance. They will be responsible for sorting through donated holiday items, and organizing, cleaning and pricing various seasonal decor, excluding Christmas items. They will also pack and store priced items until they are ready to be displayed for the appropriate holiday. The role requires someone task-oriented, with strong organizational skills, and able to take initiative and work independently. A fast learner with a creative flair would be great in this position. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, with shifts usually lasting four hours, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Apply at wfp.to/y0n or vc@kmthrift.ca by Jan. 15.

Special Olympics Manitoba is recruiting volunteers for three new Winnipeg Active Start 12-week programs supporting young children with an intellectual disability. Volunteers must be 14 or older. Email Nicole Griffo at ngriffo@specialolympics.mb.ca by Jan. 30.

The Canadian Cancer Society invites students to join the Relay for Life student leadership opportunity. It is a chance to inspire change within schools nationwide. Students support people living with cancer and honour those lost while fundraising for research and treatment improvements. Students ages 13 to 17 can gain leadership skills and strengthen school unity. Relay for Life offers entertainment, games and food. Monthly planning starts in February, leading to the main event in May or June. The time commitment is three to five hours monthly, increasing to eight to 10 hours closer to the event. Apply at wfp.to/relayforlife, brooklyn.kamphuis@cancer.ca or 368-887-0884 by Jan. 31.

The Salvation Army Southlands Community Church needs volunteers for its annual Christmas kettles campaign. They help greet the public, thank donors and share the holiday spirit while raising funds for community programs. Apply at southlands.kettles@salvationarmy.ca or 204-399-6259 before Dec. 24.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada needs people to wrap gifts in exchange for donations. Detailed instructions will be provided. The main responsibilities include accepting donations from shoppers, recording key information to help track each gift and ensuring wrapped gifts are returned to the correct donor. Volunteers must be able to stand for the entire shift. Apply at wfp.to/cfcwrapping by Dec. 24.

The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@RedCross.ca by Dec. 31.

Operation Red Nose has driving and headquarters roles to fill. Drive team volunteers work in teams of three to provide safe rides, while headquarters volunteers handle registration, team formation and dispatch. Apply at wfp.to/rednose by Jan. 1.

Together Project is seeking Pashto and/or Dari-speaking volunteers for the Welcome Group Program, which connects refugee newcomers and volunteers. Anyone with questions can contact Manitoba programs lead Alejandra Reverditto Galvez at alejandra@togetherproject.ca or 431-557-7852. Apply at wfp.to/iOa by Jan. 1.