Spreading Christmas cheer and charity

Volunteer opportunities

THE following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

The Ansanm Foundation needs volunteers for its second annual Christmas pop-up market in support of adults living with autism. The foundation is seeking craft enthusiasts who can help young children at the craft table, or help vendors with loading and unloading merchandise and finding their tables, on Dec. 3 and Dec. 10. Must be 16 or older. Email ansanmfoundation@shaw.ca by Dec. 9.

The Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre needs groups or businesses in the area to act as a hub to help collect non-perishable food items for their clients during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The volunteers will also promote the cause and drop off items at the centre’s 1150-A Waverley St. location on Dec. 11. The food drive, which runs until Dec. 10, is part of an international campaign to eliminate violence against women, girls and members of the LGBTTQ+ community and will provide emergency food provisions to those in crisis over the holiday season. Email info@fgwrc.ca by Dec. 10.

Immigrant Centre Manitoba needs volunteers for its English Language Partnership program. Volunteers will meet with learners online or in person to provide informal conversation classes, share general information about living in Winnipeg, and provide information about Canadian life, culture and customs. The ideal candidate is a longtime Canadian or established immigrant, fluent in English with a minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks of 8 or equivalent, with adult EAL/ESL teaching experience or certification. Other teaching or tutoring experience is an asset, as is the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds. Volunteers must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong time management and organizational skills, and patience. The program requires a minimum commitment of 1.5 hours per week for a minimum of three months, with at least one meeting per week. Shifts are available on weekdays, evenings and Saturdays. Online classes take place via Zoom, and in-person classes take place at the centre or at a public location such as a library or coffee shop. Volunteers who want to meet with their partner off-site must provide a police record certificate. Apply online at http://wfp.to/6J6 by Dec. 31.

Villa Rosa needs volunteers to provide infant and toddler care. Working closely with parent educators and early childhood educators, volunteers will attend one half-day per week throughout the school year to play and care for infants and toddlers ranging from newborns to about 18 months. Morning shifts are from 9 a.m. to noon, and afternoon shifts are from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Volunteers must have prior experience with and a high level of comfort holding and caring for infants, as the role can be physically demanding. The ability to lift and carry infants up to 35 pounds, an excellent sense of balance, and the ability to safely interact with babies on the floor is required. Applicants must be 18 or older and able to commit to a minimum of six months to one year of volunteering. Criminal record check and child abuse registry checks are required, but the cost of the latter will be reimbursed. Email volunteers@villarosa.mb.ca or apply online at villarosa.mb.ca by Dec. 31.

Circles of Support and Accountability needs volunteers to provide a caring community for people with violent and sexual offending histories at high risk of harming themselves or others. Volunteers meet weekly with a circle, focusing on support and accountability for the participant. You will learn about participant needs and strengths, facilitate open dialogue, model healthy relating, and support the core member in practising healthy behaviours and seeking outside help. Ideal candidates should be committed to learning about, and working within, a restorative justice context, have good interpersonal and communication skills, be empathetic and non-judgmental, and be willing to learn practical approaches for facilitating discussions. Regular support and debriefs will be provided. Circles meet for one to two hours weekly. There is a minimum one-year commitment once the volunteer is placed in a circle. Email cosawpg@initiativesjc.org, apply online at http://wfp.to/6Qa or call 431-688-2642 by Jan. 1.

The Women’s Health Research Foundation of Canada needs board members. The non-profit organization is dedicated to supporting research to improve women’s physical, social and mental well-being by granting student scholarships and awards that help advance health studies in women. Send your resumé, and a brief overview of your community or volunteer experience and your interest in the foundation, to whrfcsecretary@gmail.com or go online to whrfcinc.com. The deadline is Nov. 30.

The WRENCH needs someone to make holiday cards at its 13th annual Cycle of Giving event, happening Dec. 2 to Dec. 3 at Lord Roberts Community Centre (725 Kylemore Ave.). This event will see volunteer mechanics come together for a 24-hour marathon of kids bike repair. More than 500 refurbished bikes will then be donated to families in need. Along with the bikes, every kid will receive a home-made holiday card. A volunteer is needed to attend the event between noon Saturday and noon Sunday to help make the cards. All the materials will be provided, and the volunteer will provide the creativity. No registration or minimum time commitment required. Any questions can be directed to volunteer co-ordinator Jon Benson at volunteer@thewrench.ca by Dec. 1.

The Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. needs people who love to help others and are willing to brave the cold. Volunteers are needed to help clear snow off sidewalks and private driveways for people who might not be able to do it themselves. Opportunities are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers must be able to clear snow using a shovel or snowblower, able to lift at least 20 pounds and work in cold conditions. Email rec@chalmersrenewal.org or call 204-669-0750 by Dec. 1.

Manitoba Theatre for Young People needs ushers to scan tickets, help patrons find their seats and provide general patron assistance during its holiday season performance of Narnia, from Dec. 15 to Dec. 23. Some dates might be suitable for groups of up to 10. Email susan@sbohn@mtyp.ca for more information and schedule availability. Apply by Dec. 4.

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.