Making a difference, one mind at a time

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.

Raising the Roof needs volunteers for the One Night event, in which people sleep in their vehicles alongside friends, family members, co-workers and others who care about people experiencing homelessness. Some of the positions include setup, tear-down, food and refreshments, traffic guides, photographer/social media and people-cbecker (to see how folks are doing throughout the night). Must be friendly and take direction but able to work independently. Email jaisiwak@gmail.com or call 204-955-1312 by Feb. 1.

Alpha House Project needs board members. Alpha House is a long-term program for women and their children leaving abusive relationships. Some of the duties include: attending monthly board meetings, fundraising, a willingness to assist with the co-ordination of fundraisers, a willingness to help with or take on projects, and a commitment to working as part of a team. Communications and social-media skills — or experience as a community member, leader, teacher or elder — would be an asset. Email executivedirector@alphahouseproject.ca by Feb. 15.

Klinic Community Health needs volunteers who can welcome people with kindness and compassion. Training will be provided. These volunteers are one of the first people visitors speak with when they arrive at Klinic, so English language and communications skills are very important. Knowledge of additional languages and different cultures would be an asset. Volunteers spend a lot of time on their feet and should be comfortable approaching and speaking to new people. The commitment is one three-hour shift weekly for six months. Apply online at http://wfp.to/SeU, email volunteerintake@klinic.mb.ca or phone 204-784-4006 by Feb. 28.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority needs volunteers to help staff members and participants in the Healthy Baby community support program. The program offers pregnant women, new parents and their families an opportunity to learn about nutrition, child development and general health and wellness. This position is ideal for students enrolled in nutrition sciences. Volunteers should have basic cooking skills and an interest in preparing healthy foods. They should be comfortable working independently to prepare simple recipes and snacks in a timely manner, have knowledge of food safety (a food handlers certificate suggested) and physically able to perform tasks. Volunteers must be comfortable with approaching people in a friendly, supportive and non-judgmental manner. Apply online at http://wfp.to/Set before Feb. 28.

New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults & Families needs drop-in volunteers. Adult services hosts a drop-in for the people they support on Tuesday evenings, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is an opportunity to connect with peers and engagement in leisure/recreational activity. Volunteers engage in various activities, facilitate interactions, lead activities (such as craft night), and oversee the snack station and opening/closing of the space. No special skills are required. Email volunteer@newdirections.mb.ca by June 30.

Rainbow Resource Centre needs library volunteers to help assess the centre’s collection and identify out-of-date or damaged materials. Volunteers will set the items aside to be removed and help pack any remaining materials for future relocation. Shifts are three to four hours (days, evenings and weekends are available). Email programming@rainbowresourcecentre.org or apply online at http://wfp.to/SXm by Jan. 31.

The Manitoba Mountain Bike Association needs a treasurer, a marketing co-ordinator and two directors at large to help board members with tasks such as bike park proposals, fundraising campaigns and administrative duties. Interest in mountain biking or trail stewardship is a requirement. Experience with grant-writing, management, fundraising, trail development or sustainability are considered strong assets. Email bstovin@live.com by Feb. 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.

West Broadway Youth Outreach needs volunteers to help children ages 4 to 12 with their homework. Volunteers keep kids focused on the task at hand and encourage them to reach their potential. Volunteers are also needed for other fun and educational programs. Volunteers should be patient; fun-loving; able to speak/write in English, French or Spanish; and have the ability to help elementary school students with homework. Basic computer skills are required. Email wbyokidz@gmail.com, phone 204-774-0451 or apply online at http://wfp.to/SXu by Feb. 27.

Swimmingly: One-on-One for Exceptional Needs (formerly Manitoba SwimAbility) needs volunteers on an ongoing basis.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.

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