Making miracles in Wolseley

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.

1JustCity’s West End drop-in centre needs volunteers to help with community lunch and dinner programs, as well as other initiatives. Tasks include serving coffee, sandwiches and other snacks, as well as cleaning up, doing dishes and other duties. The main responsibility is to ensure everyone feels welcome, comfortable and included in the community. Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of people. No prior experience is needed. People of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply. Must be 18 or older. Daytime and evening shifts are available. Apply in person or online at http://wfp.to/0Fl by Dec. 22.

The Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba needs an online peer support group facilitator for the Interlake-Eastman areas. The groups are facilitated by volunteers with lived experience. The facilitator plans, guides and manages in-person peer support groups for the association. The ideal candidate has excellent organizational and leadership skills, well-developed listening skills and knowledge of peer support or mental wellness. The group meets via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fridays. The volunteer must have access to a computer. Email volunteer@moodmb.ca by Dec. 31.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg needs mentors for its PRISM (Pride Respect Identity Safety Mentoring) for LGBTTQ+ youth program. The program matches children and youth who identify as LGBTTQ+ with an adult mentor who also identifies as such. The purpose is to provide role models, foster pride and self-confidence, create inter-generational connections, offer a safe adult to discuss identity with, and have fun. Mentors are extensively screened, trained and supported by a professional caseworker. To become a mentor, you must be 18 years or older, provide a satisfactory criminal record check and vulnerable sector clearance, provide three or four satisfactory references, and be respectful of the confidential nature of the role. Mentors are expected to commit to one weekly outing with their mentee for a minimum of one year. Email bbbswpg@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca, go to http://wfp.to/6yQ or call 204-988-9200 by Dec. 31.

The Manitoba Writers’ Guild is seeking to expand its nine-member board of directors with an additional member. It is a “working board,” and each director oversees an aspect of the guild. The volunteer must have experience in writing grants and a willingness to write one to three major grant applications a year, in collaboration with others. To apply, or for more information, email MWGpresident2023@gmail.com before Jan. 15.

The Canadian Council on Invasive Species needs youth nature keepers to help stop the spread and impact of destructive introduced species. No experience is needed to join the volunteer network. Participants will gain a range of skills, including firsthand experience with the geography of Manitoba, project management, public speaking, habitat restoration, technical environmental skills and cultural environmental knowledge. Open to people aged 16 to 30. The time commitment options are flexible and include remote volunteering. This opportunity will help participants pursuing careers in conservation biology, environmental education, natural science research or anthropology research. Apply online at http://wfp.to/6yo by March 31.

Misericordia Health Centre needs spiritual health volunteers to help transitional care clients attend onsite mass services. Orientation and training is provided. Shifts are Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca or call 204-788-8134 for more information. Apply online at http://wfp.to/6Nc 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.

Manitoba Angel Dresses needs a public awareness liaison to help bring public awareness to the organization. The volunteer will assist with the development of the awareness campaign and must have experience with public relations or special events development. Email info@manitobaangeldresses.com by Jan. 1.

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.