Non-profits join forces in recruitment expo
Dozens of organizations hope to attract volunteers at one-day event
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/04/2024 (908 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Volunteer Manitoba is hoping to match non-profit organizations with people seeking their next volunteer opportunity at a recruitment fair later this week.
The fair takes place Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Viscount Gort Hotel. Visitors will have the opportunity to network with more than 55 non-profit organizations.
“The fair is literally for everyone and anyone,” says Ashley Seymour, executive director at Volunteer Manitoba. “There’s something that will suit everyone’s interest and availability.”
RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS
Ashley Seymour, executive director of Volunteer Manitoba, says there is a position for just about everyone at the organization’s upcoming recruitment fair.
Volunteer Manitoba and the Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada — Manitoba Chapter are organizing the fair to address the declining involvement in volunteering since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early 2023, Volunteer Canada released the results of a survey in which 65 per cent of responding non-profits reported volunteer shortages. About a third of those said they had to cut volunteer programming as a result.
“We’re trying to play a key role in education and awareness about the value of volunteerism and why it’s important to communities,” Seymour says.
The fair is a great opportunity for Meals on Wheels, says Adam Rout, volunteer co-ordinator.
The organization, which provides home delivery of nutritious meals to anyone who cannot prepare meals for themselves, relies heavily on volunteers.
“Opportunities like this — where we’re able to get out and interact with the public and tell them about our organization and the important work that we do — are fantastic,” Rout says. “It’s one of those opportunities that doesn’t come along very often.”
Meals on Wheels received an influx of applications when people were at home during pandemic lockdowns and looking for things to do.
Now that people are, more or less, back to their pre-pandemic routines, Rout is looking for more drivers to deliver meals to the organization’s 300 clients.
Anyone with a reliable vehicle who can volunteer for a few hours in the middle of the day is invited to apply.
“It’s a really heartwarming place to work because there’s nothing but people giving, giving, giving here,” Rout says.
The intrinsic rewards that come from volunteering are important, says Kyla Walton, volunteer service manager at Main Street Project.
“It’s really important when you volunteer that it’s something you absolutely love because then you don’t feel like it’s an obligation,” she says. “You’re helping community members… and it’s also helping your (mental) health, which is really important right now.”
Main Street Project offers a variety of services and is one of those organizations in which the volunteer base hasn’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
Walton is looking for volunteers to visit with community members, make food and sort donations. She is also looking for volunteers who can lead community members in fitness and art classes during the day.
“A lot of people think you need to have a lot of time, but you can volunteer once per month and that helps an organization a lot,” Walton says.
Seymour says volunteering is instrumental in driving change in the community. She hopes the recruitment fair can play a part in inspiring Winnipeggers to help others.
“We really expect it to be a great day,” she says. “I encourage people to stop by and learn about what’s out there in the community.”
Volunteers can RSVP at http://wfp.to/yPq.
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@gmail.com.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Volunteer opportunities
THE following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. To learn more about Volunteer Manitoba programs and services, go to volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The Law Society of Manitoba needs people to serve on its board for at least a two-year term. The board sets the law society’s policy, including standards of admission and practice, and carries out corporate responsibilities such as policy-making, business planning and budgeting. Those interested in the regulation of the legal profession are encouraged to send their resumé to pbourbonnais@lawsociety.mb.ca.
RAMS Adoption Centre needs cat cuddlers to provide love and care to felines waiting for their forever homes. Duties include interacting with cats and helping with tasks while following health protocols. Volunteers should have strong interpersonal skills, be physically capable of handling cats and be committed to the animals’ welfare. Volunteers must be 16 or older, able to work weekly shifts (including weekends) and pass a criminal record check (cost reimbursed). Located in Oakbank. Apply at http://wfp.to/jkI by April 30.
Pembina Active Living (55+) needs a newsletter editor. The position involves curating content for the senior community and collaborating with businesses to ensure articles and ads are relevant to the demographic. A senior-friendly tone, clear communication, technological proficiency and an understanding of cultural diversity are essential. The role offers the flexibility to work remotely from home or in an office. The volunteer will be responsible for helping four times annually. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Apply at: wfp.to/jkx, programs@pal55plus.ca or 204-946-0839 by July 1.
Scleroderma Manitoba has openings on its board, for president and vice-president. Skills in leadership, problem-solving, organizational structure and advocacy are assets. The roles allow for remote participation in board and committee meetings. Volunteers must be Manitoba residents, have excellent communication skills and have experience serving on volunteer boards and fundraising. The time commitment is a few hours monthly over a three-year term. Apply at sclerodermamb@gmail.com or 204-510-2855 by Sept. 30.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy is seeking 500 volunteers to fill a variety of roles in preparation for the busy summer season. Flexible scheduling and comprehensive training is offered. Volunteers will be trained at the park, the zoo or the Leaf and can take shifts at their preferred location. Must be 14 or older. Opportunities for adult volunteers include ambassadors, engagement ambassadors, visitor services concierge, special-events assistants, and facilities and grounds support. Youth ages 14 to 18 are encouraged to apply for the zoo camp crew or zoo teen ambassador roles. Volunteers are asked to make a long-term commitment. A minimum commitment of 60 hours for adults and 40 hours for teens is required per year. Apply at http://wfp.to/jQC by June 17.
The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) needs volunteers for Homework and Education for Youth (HEY), part of its after-school programs. HEY runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Volunteers help with homework in a supportive environment. Volunteers don’t have to be experts, only collaborative and resourceful. Ideal candidates are outgoing, patient and sensitive to cultural and educational diversity. A high school diploma and ability to tutor in one subject are required. Volunteers must commit to at least two hours weekly for three months, with preference for those who are available until the end of the school year. Must be 18 or older, with mandatory background checks covered by IRCOM. Apply online at http://wfp.to/NNJ by June 30.
The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba needs volunteers for the 35th annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic. The event has welcomed more than one million children and their stuffed animals. Kids learn that the hospital is a helpful place, making them feel comfortable in health-care settings. Roles include helping with activities, setup, guest services, entertainment and more. Sign up at http://wfp.to/jCl by July 31.
Canadian Parents for French — Manitoba needs bilingual volunteers to participate in the 2024 provincial level of Concours d’art oratoire. The event is Canada’s largest annual French public-speaking competition. Thousands of students participate every year in communities big and small for an opportunity to win prizes and/or scholarships to post-secondary institutions. Email Kaylee Green at kgreen@cpfmb.com to register.
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.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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