Saving lives as easy as rolling up your sleeve

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.

Gaining Resources Our Way (GROW) is a transitional life skills day program for young adults with social, intellectual or developmental disabilities. The program focuses on preparing participants for independent living through life skills training, opportunities for socialization with peers and engagement in community life. A committed volunteer is needed to help with GROW’s Saturday’s program, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from Feb. 3 to May 4. Send a resumé and cover letter to akeith@growourway.ca by Friday.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Minds in Motion program is designed for people with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member or friend. The Elmwood-Kildonan YMCA, West Portage YMCA, Rady Jewish Community Centre and Wellness Institute need volunteers for the program. Candidates must be available during the day, patient and flexible. They must also be knowledgeable about dementia and Alzheimer’s or open to learning more about it. Volunteers will engage with participants; facilitate programs; help with refreshments, games and activities; and help with setup and cleaning up. Email aduff@alzheimer.mb.ca or call 204-943-6622 by Jan. 15.

Ironman Outdoor Curling needs a fundraising/charity co-ordinator. The co-ordinator will create and implement fundraising activities and manage databases, and must be available during the bonspiel weekend. This is an opportunity to help the Heart and Stroke Foundation, HOPE Worldwide Canada and curling. Monthly committee meetings last two hours, and the position offers flexible hours. Email volunteermanitoba@ironmancurling.com or apply online at http://wfp.to/jt3 by March 31.

A & O: Support Services for Older Adults needs volunteers to provide social companionship to older adults over the telephone or in person through the Connect program. Must be 55 or older, enjoy conversation and have strong interpersonal skills. Must commit to at least one hour a week (morning, afternoon or evening). Email volunteer@aosupportservices.ca or call 204-956-6440.

U-Turn Parkinson’s needs program volunteers to help class instructors as needed and provide one-on-one support. Volunteers will also help with demonstrating exercises (with guidance from the instructor), setup and cleaning up. Volunteers will be invited to special events throughout the year. Apply online at http://wfp.to/jtD or email info@uturnpd.org.

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind needs volunteers for its Vision Mate initiative. The program matches sighted volunteers with people who are blind or partially sighted for companionship and one-on-one help with everyday tasks. This includes running errands, going for walks, labelling, organizing household items, reading, and participating in fun outings and recreational activities. Volunteers are not required to perform any cleaning, personal care or home repairs. Volunteers must be 18 or older, have flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules, have excellent communication skills, and be friendly and willing to learn. Visits are one or two hours a week in the person’s home or another suitable place in Winnipeg. Criminal record check and child abuse registry checks are required, and the costs will be reimbursed. Apply at http://wfp.to/6IH by Jan. 31.

The Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. is seeking volunteers for Elmwood Winter Fun Day. The event is at Clara Hughes Park, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 10. Those interested are invited to attend an orientation meeting at 180 Poplar Ave. at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 to learn more about the duties. Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, including setup, take down, sustainability, food handling, activities, first aid, games and hockey/ice skating. Must be 16 or older and eligible to volunteer for at least two hours, with the option to volunteer for up to eight hours. Email rec@chalmersrenewal.org or call 204-669-0750 by Feb. 1.

Urban Stable needs horse handlers to help students groom, lead and ride their horses in its hands-on learning program in Stonewall. Weekday daytime availability is required. Horse experience is preferred. Volunteer orientation is on Feb. 1; email info@urbanstable.ca before then.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority needs a volunteer breast health clinic assistant in St. Boniface. The volunteer will be a calming, friendly presence for clients and their families during appointments and help with related duties as assigned. The volunteer must be willing to attend virtual orientation and role-specific training, both virtually and in person, and renew training as directed. They must also be able to approach people in a friendly, supportive manner, including those from different cultures and backgrounds. Daytime hours area available. Apply online at http://wfp.to/j4r by March 1.

The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) needs volunteers for its Homework and Education for Youth (HEY) after-school program. The program runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Tutors help youth with their homework, building a meaningful and lasting relationship. Tutors don’t have to be an expert, but they should be able to use the available resources to create a rich learning experience. Must be 18 years or older, able to commit to at least one two-hour shift per week for three months, and undergo criminal record check and child abuse registry checks. (The costs will be reimbursed.) Apply at http://wfp.to/NNJ by June 30.

The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.