Cooking up connection, community

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.

The city-wide Volunteer Recruitment Fair is back. Meet with representatives from more than 55 non-profit organizations eager to find volunteers. Everyone is welcome, from youths to retirees. Volunteer Manitoba is holding the fair in partnership with the Réseau Compassion Network and Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada. It is happening at the Viscount Gort Hotel from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. For more information, go to wfp.to/iJC.

Local Investment Toward Employment needs volunteers for LITE’s annual Wild Blueberry Pancake Breakfast on Nov. 28, from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Roles include serving food, making and serving coffee, clearing and wiping tables, selling and validating tickets, taking pictures, event cleanup and event setup. Shifts are two to four hours depending on the role. Email info@lite.mb.ca by Nov. 21.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba needs people who are service-oriented, compassionate and reliable to fill volunteer spots at its Family Room, which is located at Health Sciences Centre. Duties can include checking families in for day or overnight use, meal preparation, baking, cleaning and organizing common spaces, and light housekeeping tasks such as doing laundry and cleaning overnight rooms for the next family who checks in. Apply at wfp.to/iJA by Dec. 31.

St. Amant needs volunteers to join its team in St-Pierre-Jolys for a program focused on independent living skills. They will help the lead facilitator in running group sessions that help young people with autism or related disabilities develop essential independent living skills in a supportive and sensory-friendly environment. The volunteers will guide activities, provide one-on-one support and encourage participation. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old (parental consent is required if under 16), patient, responsible and mature, and must pass background checks. The time commitment is 90 minutes per week. Email volunteer@stamant.ca by Nov. 1.

Siloam Mission needs kitchen volunteers to help prepare and serve meals for its community. They will help make sandwiches, clean and cut vegetables, make snack bags and sort food items to help serve the approximately 500 plates per meal they serve every day. The shifts are usually about three hours long. Kitchen staff members are friendly, talented cooks who would be happy to show volunteers how to clean and cut veggies, sort food items and prepare meals. No experience is required. Morning shifts are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., while lunch is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner shifts are 5:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The volunteer sets their schedule but is asked to help at least once per year. Apply at wfp.to/iTV by Dec. 31.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy needs volunteers for Boo at the Zoo, which started Friday. Shifts are available Wednesday to Sunday evenings. The more shifts a volunteer covers, the greater the rewards. Must be 18 or older. Apply at wfp.to/iJI by Oct. 20.

Golden Links Lodge needs a companion volunteer to meet with a resident who speaks only Italian. This is an independent volunteer opportunity, and the volunteer will not be helped by an employee during the visits. The volunteer must speak Italian fluently, be able to engage the resident in a thoughtful and meaningful way, and be comfortable working in a personal care home. Apply at gllbusinessoffice@goldenlinks.mb.ca or 204-257-9947, ext. 228, by Oct. 30.

Retired teachers are needed to help with programming at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada as volunteer educational tour guides. Licensed teachers lead STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-based programs in the classroom, and the volunteers give guided tours in the galleries. The time commitment is three to six hours per week based on the volunteer’s availability. Email HR@royalaviationmuseum.com by Nov. 15.

The Manitoba Lung Association needs volunteers for its audit and finance committee. Members will review and advise the board on the annual operating budget, monitor the organization’s legal and regulatory compliance, engage in communication with the organization’s auditor, and provide advice on the fiscal stability and long-term economic health of the organization. While financial designations are not required, an understanding of budgets, investments or accounting practices would be a valuable asset. Email executive director Juliette Mucha at juliette.mucha@mb.lung.ca by Dec. 31.

The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@RedCross.ca by Dec. 31.

Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre needs dedicated people to join its volunteer board of directors, with current openings for vice-chair, treasurer, secretary and members at large. The centre provides support to survivors of sexual violence throughout Manitoba. Board members meet virtually once a month from September to June, with optional involvement in more projects. No board experience is required. People from diverse backgrounds — especially in mental health, education, Indigenous knowledge, youth services and community work — are encouraged to apply. Email your resumé to executivedirector@survivors-hope.ca by Dec. 31.