Driven to pitch in for Ukrainian refugees

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.

Sara Riel needs anxiety group facilitators, who are responsible for handing out papers and documents, running and organizing the group and contacting group members. The volunteer should have personal lived experience of anxiety, with a level of recovery necessary to effectively provide mental health peer support. They should understand the importance of peer support to mental health and wellness recovery and have an unbiased understanding of the mental-health system and resources available. Must have good critical-thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills and be able to function in a demanding and stressful environment. Must have clear criminal record, child abuse and adult abuse checks. Email bkashalo@sarariel.ca or call 204-297-9632 by Jan. 31.

Prairie Strides needs volunteers for horse leading and side walking. Horse leaders must have experience controlling and leading a horse. Side walkers must not be afraid of horses and enjoy interacting with children of various abilities. Volunteers must be able to lead a horse or walk beside one for about 50 minutes. The time commitment is one hour per week for 10 weeks in the fall or spring, either on Monday or Wednesday evenings. Classes begin as early as 6 p.m. and end as late as 9 p.m. All interested volunteers are required to attend training at West Wind Stables in Oak Bluff on Sept. 1. Email exedir@mrda.cc or call 204-925-5905 by Feb. 10.

Prime Meridian Trail Association needs a volunteer with previous board experience for its board of directors. The non-profit organization is devoted to providing a safe, maintained and non-intrusive trail through Grosse Isle and Argyle. Duties include general board responsibilities, with meetings held five to six times annually. Experience in one or all of the following is preferred: grant application writing, web design/updating and social media/financial/bookkeeping. Email hamlin.bob@gmail.com by May 30.

Villa Cabrini needs someone to facilitate exercise classes. Classes can be held one to three times per week and held between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. The volunteer should have experience or a certificate as an instructor. Email vcabrini@mymts.net before June. 1.

Villa Rosa needs volunteers for infant and toddler care. Under the direction of parent educators and early childhood educators, volunteers attend one half-day per week throughout the school year to care for and play with infants and toddlers. Morning shifts are 9 a.m. to noon, and afternoon shifts are 1 p.m. to 3:30 pm. Prior experience with and a high level of comfort with holding and caring for infants from a few days old to about 18 months of age is required. Helping out in the parent/child centre can be physically demanding, requiring a lot of strength (the babies can weigh as much as 35 pounds), endurance, an excellent sense of balance, and the ability to get on the floor to play and safely stand up with a baby in your arms. Email volunteers@villarosa.mb.ca or go online to villarosa.mb.ca by June 1.

The Winnipeg Humane Society needs volunteers for its dog ambassador team. Volunteers, along with their own dog, participate in the See Spot Read program, which benefits children who have difficulty with their reading confidence. Volunteers and their pets are also needed for the animal companionship program. The program uses WHS behaviour-assessed animals to provide affection and comfort to people with a variety of needs and conditions who would benefit from the support and attention of an animal. These animals help people with physical, mental and behavioural needs make closer connections with animals based on the reported benefits of these types of practices. Dogs must meet their criteria and will be assessed. Apply online at http://wfp.to/SXB by June 30.

Swimmingly: One-on-One for Exceptional Needs (formerly Manitoba SwimAbility) needs volunteers for its winter program starting Saturdays in January. Shifts are from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at various pools. Swimmingly is a non-profit, charitable organization that aims to improve the lives of youth with exceptional needs through affordable and accessible one-on-one swimming and water safety instruction. Email marketing@swimminglymb.org or call 204-284-4954.