Investing volunteer time in furniture bank pays off

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.

The Manitoba Down Syndrome Society needs volunteers for its annual Walk With Us event. Volunteers are needed to help with setting up, registering walkers, selling silent auction and 50/50 tickets, assisting Buzz and Boomer, supervising the coffee station, doing face painting, and getting everything in order after the event. The event is open to volunteers 16 or older, with a time commitment of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 24. A pizza lunch will be provided. For more information, go to walkwithus.ca. Email lorraine@manitobadownsyndromesociety.com or phone 204-801-6172 by Sept. 23.

Bergen Gardens is seeking volunteers to lead various clubs in their senior community. Leaders with skills in areas such as woodworking, card games, baking, gardening and exercise classes are needed. The ideal candidate should be great with people, trustworthy and willing to share their skills. The time commitment is flexible and includes daytime, evening and weekend availability. A criminal record check is required, but the cost will be reimbursed. Email jackied@bergengardens.ca or phone 431-482-2189 by Nov. 1.

The Morden Minor Soccer Association’s executive board needs a fundraising chairperson to lead and co-ordinate all fundraising efforts. The volunteer will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, identify potential fundraising opportunities, build relationships with donors and community partners, and oversee the planning and execution of all fundraising events. The opportunity requires strong organizational and project management skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a passion for youth sports and community engagement. The position requires a criminal record check, but costs will be reimbursed. This is a two-year term, with an option for reappointment. Email info@mordenminorsoccer.com by Dec. 31.

Age & Opportunity: Support Services for Older Adults needs volunteers to provide companionship to older adults through the Connect program. Volunteers can work by phone or in person and must have strong conversational and interpersonal skills. The program requires a minimum of one hour per week, and volunteers can choose to work in the morning, afternoon or evening. Successful applicants will need to complete criminal record and adult abuse registry checks. Must be 18 or older. Call 204-956-6440 or apply online at http://wfp.to/NkV by Dec. 31.

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 Friday.

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 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.

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.