Running for CancerCare, running for joy

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.

Riverview Health Centre is seeking members for its board of directors. Forward-thinking people from within Manitoba with strategic skills in health-care administration, government relations, property management, marketing and/or technology are needed. The board sets policies aimed at improving the quality of life of those who need the centre’s services. Email a cover letter and resumé to Loretta Foster at lfoster3@rhc.mb.ca before Aug. 18.

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. Contact Laura Bergen at lbergen@specialolympics.mb.ca or 204-798-5462 by Sept. 7.

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.

The Kosher Meals on Wheels program is a volunteer-based initiative that delivers warm and nutritious meals. The meals are picked up at the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre or the Rady Jewish Community Centre and delivered on easy-to-follow routes. 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 program encourages family volunteering and employer-supported volunteering. The time commitment is flexible, depending on volunteer availability. Shifts are usually one hour, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., two to three times per week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Email Dan@gwensecter.com or call 204-339-1701 by Sept. 30.

Prairie Strides, which makes a difference in the lives of children living with disabilities, needs volunteers for its fall program at West Wind Stables. No horse experience is needed, and training will be provided for all roles (such as leading and side-walking, barn help, instructors, therapists, board members and fundraising committee members). The program runs for 1.5 hours a week for 10 weeks. Volunteers must be 16 years or older and available Monday nights. Apply online, email exedir@prairiestrides.com or call 204-925-5905 by Aug. 11.

Thrive Thrift Shop needs a volunteer who can help the executive director learn how to install and use various computer programs, such as Microsoft Excel. The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in Excel. The volunteer should be reliable, committed to attending scheduled shifts, and have a friendly and helpful attitude. Shifts are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, and can be done in person or via Zoom. Email thrivethriftshop@thrivewpg.com or call 204-772-5527 by Aug. 18.

Winnipeg Jewish Theatre needs board members with a passion for the performing arts and a commitment to the organization’s future growth. The members play an active role in fundraising campaigns and building partnerships with community partners and businesses. The board meets every six to eight weeks from September to June. Board members are expected to participate in an annual fundraiser, contribute to an annual donation or volunteer at the shows, and attend performances and events throughout the year. The theatre encourages applications from people who identify as LGBTTQ+, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, people of colour, and people with disabilities to apply. Interested applicants should email a statement of interest describing their relevant experience, and a resumé, to sam@wjt.ca by Aug. 31.

Misericordia Health Centre needs enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers for its My Music program. Volunteers help residents by spending time with them and mediating the setup to listen to personalized tunes. The time commitment is one evening per week, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca, apply online or call 204-788-8134 by Sept. 1.

St. Amant needs green thumb “gurus” (gardening volunteers) to help those in community residential programs with gardening tasks such as preparing beds, planting, watering, weeding, trimming and harvesting. Volunteers should be at least 18 years old, detail-oriented and able to do physical work. Co-operativeness and adherence to safety guidelines is imperative. Gardening experience is preferred but not necessary. The minimum time commitment is 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 refunds the fees after 100 volunteer hours. Apply online 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 http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.