Horsing around, with purpose

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.

Knowles Centre needs board members to help youth and families in need. Ideal candidates will have expertise in law, property management, marketing, fundraising and Indigenous issues and culture. The time commitment includes monthly meetings and committee meetings, as required. Indigenous candidates and residents of northeast Winnipeg are particularly encouraged to apply. Apply at http://wfp.to/jsQ by Feb. 29.

Equal Housing Initiative needs volunteers to help with a nutrition program for the residents of the McLaren Hotel. As part of the initiative’s larger effort to transform the hotel into a supportive housing facility, it is seeking volunteers who are available Thursdays to help with food preparation, packaging and distribution, as well as pickups from designated locations. Confidentiality, data recording and COVID-19 vaccination are required. A food handler’s certificate is a bonus but not mandatory. Email apaquin@equalhousinginitiative.com by March 20.

1JustCity at the Pimicikamak Wellness Centre needs an urban retreats garden tour co-ordinator. The tour is set to take place June 22. The co-ordinator will be responsible for selecting a minimum of 12 to 14 private gardens as well as a community feature for the tour. The co-ordinator must also be prepared to do a lot of outreach and recruitment of gardeners. Email wesitelead@1justcity.ca or phone 204-779-8957 by April 1.

Pembina Active Living Centre (55+) needs senior day program volunteers to help with recreational activities, meal preparation and mobility support for isolated seniors. Volunteers are responsible for fostering a friendly and inclusive environment and following guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of members. The hours are flexible, and training will be provided. Groups and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Email programs@pal55plus.ca, go to http://wfp.to/jsH or call 204-946-0839 by June 24.

Villa Rosa needs volunteers to care for and engage with infants and toddlers ranging from newborns to 18 months old under the direction of parent educators and early childhood educators. Prior experience with infants from a few days old to approximately 18 months of age is required. The position can be physically demanding, and candidates must be 18 or older and pass criminal record and child abuse registry checks. Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of one half-day per week throughout the school year. Email volunteers@villarosa.mb.ca or go to villarosa.mb.ca by Dec. 31.

Misericordia Place needs volunteers to help escort and support residents wishing to attend mass. (Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) Orientation and guidance will be provided. Duo teams are welcome. Call 204-788-8134 with any questions. Misericordia Health Centre needs volunteers for the gift shop. Cash register and customer-service training will be provided. Shifts are once a week, Tuesdays or Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Flexible evening shifts are also available. Email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca or go to misericordia.mb.ca to apply for either position. The deadline for the Misericordia Place role is Feb. 1, 2025. The deadline for the gift shop role is April 30.

Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. needs volunteers to join its Elmwood Unity Walk group. The safety patrol works to create a safer and cleaner community. Volunteers are expected to remove potentially hazardous materials, hand out food and water to those in need and refer residents to other corporation programs. The walks are Thursdays, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Candidates should have sociability and group-interaction skills, emotional intelligence, attentiveness and a team-player attitude. Email cnrcnrg@chalmersrenewal.org or call 204-669-0750 by Feb. 29.

Actionmarguerite St. Boniface needs volunteers to connect with residents in their homes. Dining experience volunteers help enhance the quality of life for residents by providing companionship and support during meal times. The volunteer will gain skills that can be useful in related careers such as food service assistant, dietary aide, hospitality and service industries and health-care administration. Three meals are served each day, so scheduling is flexible. Email compassioncrew@reseaucompassionnetwork.ca, go to http://wfp.to/j2K or call 204-803-6949 by June 30.

Marymound and Fish Futures need volunteers for the second annual Gimli Ice Fishing Derby, which will be held on South Beach in Gimli on March 2. The net proceeds will be distributed equally between Marymound and Fish Futures. The money is used to help vulnerable children throughout Manitoba, and for fisheries enhancement and education. Apply online at http://wfp.to/jIM by Feb. 26.

The Council of Women of Winnipeg, founded in 1894, needs board members interested in advocating and making a difference in the lives of women and families. People with backgrounds in fundraising, communication and technical support are encouraged to apply. Volunteers must attend monthly board meetings and do occasional ad-hoc work. Email councilwomenwinnipeg@gmail.com by Feb. 28.

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.