Honouring their friend, improving kids’ lives

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.

Acorn Family Place, a community-based resource centre, needs volunteers to serve on its board of directors. The board is particularly seeking applicants with backgrounds in fundraising, real estate/property development, communications and/or social work. Email board@acornfamilyplace.ca with a resumé or call 204-560-3141 by Sept. 15.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority needs volunteers to provide peer support at breastfeeding drop-ins in the Seven Oaks community. Must have experience breastfeeding, be physically able to handle newborns, communicate effectively in English and be friendly and supportive. Volunteers must attend virtual orientation and role-specific training, and have current criminal records and child-abuse registry checks. Volunteers are needed biweekly on Mondays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with the option for additional shifts. A minimum commitment of six months is preferred. Call 204-787-5078 or apply online at http://wfp.to/NCS by Sept. 15.

Health Sciences Centre needs gift shop volunteers who can provide friendly and prompt service. Duties include greeting customers, pricing new merchandise, maintaining product knowledge and keeping the shop clean and neat. Volunteers must also be comfortable with using a point of sales system, handling cash and answering phones. Skills required include customer service, the physical capability to lift 15-pound boxes, punctuality, the ability to follow instructions, and a clear criminal record. Daytime/weekday shifts are available, either from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Apply online at http://wfp.to/NCN by Sept. 30.

The Fireweed Food Co-op needs Veggie Van volunteers to help with its mobile market, selling nutritious and subsidized food in the North End. The co-op buys all of its food from local farmers and sells it at an affordable price. In addition to helping with setup and clean-up, volunteers handle payment transactions in cash and using Square. The ability to lift up to 50 pounds is preferred, but accommodations can be made. Volunteers should have a friendly and welcoming attitude. Fireweed Food is a non-profit community service co-operative. Email foodsecurity@fireweedfoodcoop.ca by Oct. 1.

Jocelyn House Hospice needs new board members to help carry on its mission of providing care and comfort to the terminally ill and their loved ones. Applicants should be community-minded, with an interest in end-of-life care and willing to attend bimonthly meetings and fundraising events. This opportunity requires evening time commitment. Email jstephen@jocelynhouse.ca by Dec. 31.

The Wrench needs volunteers for its bike shop. Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks such as fixing and building bikes, helping with special events and organizing the shop. No prior bike repair experience is necessary because experienced volunteers and staff members are available to teach new skills. Supervision and training/orientation is provided. The time commitment is flexible and includes daytime, evening and weekend shifts. Email volunteer@thewrench.ca, go online to thewrench.ca or call 204-296-3389 by Dec. 31.

Willow Place needs volunteers to help with its shelter program by picking up and delivering donations from the community and businesses. The skills required include diplomacy, a positive attitude, good judgment and cultural competency. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s licence and provide recent criminal record checks, including vulnerable sector and adult and child abuse registry checks. (Willow Place can help volunteers obtain some of these checks at no cost through a training program required of all volunteers.) Volunteers might also have an opportunity to move into other areas, such as shelter support or community events. The time commitment is flexible, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with donation deliveries usually occurring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Email shannonc@willowplace.ca by Sept. 12.

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.

The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) needs volunteers to help with its children’s, homework and sports programs. IRCOM strives to empower newcomer families to integrate into the wider community. Volunteers must be age 15 or older. Must undergo criminal record and child abuse registry checks. Apply online at http://wfp.to/NNJ by Oct. 31.

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.

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.