Volunteering a full-court press

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.

• Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba needs family room volunteers. Applicants should be service-oriented and reliable, ready to help with tasks such as checking families in for day or overnight use, preparing meals, baking and maintaining cleanliness in common areas. Light housekeeping duties, including laundry and cleaning overnight rooms for incoming families, are part of the responsibilities. Criminal record and child abuse registry checks are required, with costs for the latter reimbursed. Apply here by Oct. 1.

• Special Olympics Manitoba needs a program volunteer for its mall-walking group. The volunteer must attend the program regularly and will be responsible for communicating with the head coach about practices, and adhering to the plans established by the coach. They will supervise activities when necessary, model socially appropriate behaviour and learn the role of head coach through mentorship. Ideally, volunteers should have experience with people with intellectual disabilities. Apply online by Oct. 1.

• Swimmingly needs instructors to teach swimming lessons to children with exceptional needs. The programs are at Elmwood Kildonan Pool and the St. James Civic Centre, with lessons scheduled for Saturday evenings in 1.5-hour blocks over a 10-week period, beginning Oct. 5. Volunteers should possess strong swimming skills along with teaching experience, preferably with children and people with disabilities. While formal lifeguard or swim instructor certifications are not required, they are a valuable asset. A certified lifeguard will be present during all lessons to ensure safety. Criminal record and child abuse registry checks are necessary, with the cost of the latter reimbursed. Apply at http://wfp.to/Cb6 or volunteers@swimminglymb.org by Oct. 1.

• Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer needs board members to help Manitobans with expenses nobody else will cover. Meetings are via Teams. Apply at http://wfp.to/Cbj or info@helpinghands4mbwbc.com by Dec. 31.

• Grateful Friends Animal Rescue needs casual volunteers to help out whenever they like, with no set time commitment. Must be committed, dedicated and passionate about animal welfare, and have access to Facebook and Facebook Messenger to communicate with the volunteer team and see opportunities. Apply at http://wfp.to/CbA by Dec. 31.

• The St. Boniface Hospital gift shop needs volunteers to greet customers, complete transactions and help with organizing. There are shifts during the day, on evenings and on weekends. Email sbghvolunteer@sbgh.mb.ca or call 204-237-2442 by Sept. 30.

• Buhler Gallery, located inside St. Boniface Hospital, needs ambassadors to help people access and enjoy it. Volunteers welcome visitors, provide information about exhibitions, participate in orientations, meet artists and undertake various gallery tasks. Email sbghvolunteer@sbgh.mb.ca or call 204-237-2442 by Oct. 1.

• The Canadian Cancer Society needs volunteers for the CIBC Run for the Cure, which raises funds for innovative breast cancer research and support programs. Go to http://wfp.to/CMK to apply for opportunities for all ages. The deadline is Oct. 5.

• Canadian Goodwill Industries needs volunteers to join its board of directors. Members help direct the course of strategic planning and offer advice and counsel to upper management. People who believe in the organization’s mission and have knowledge in business management, public relations, marketing, retail and strategic planning can apply at accounting@canadiangoodwill.ca, accounting@canadiangoodwill.ca or 204-943-6435 by Oct. 30.

• Fort Garry Women’s Resource Centre needs a facilitator with knowledge and experience in topics related to women and gender-diverse people. The centre offers a variety of workshops and events related to self-care, personal growth, mental health, physical health, art and educational topics, among others, each month. This opportunity is open to women and gender-diverse applicants. Email events@fgwrc.ca by Dec. 1.

• Volunteers with a passion for nature are needed at FortWhyte Alive, which offers nearly 40 different guided school programs. Training is provided. Weekday availability is required. Contact Amber Reid at areid@fortwhyte.org or 204-989-8355 (ext. 213) by Jan. 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.