Decades of donations link in Canada’s lifeline

The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180. See Volunteer Manitoba’s blog post at http://wfp.to/okF for more information on volunteering over the holidays.

U-Turn Parkinson’s needs volunteers for the Empower-U program, which empowers people living with Parkinson’s to fight back against the disease through non-contact, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and boxing-style exercise. Volunteers help the instructor and are responsible for setting up circuits, and wiping down and putting away equipment when necessary. They also offer various therapeutic exercise classes that require similar support. Email info@uturnpd.org or call 204-510-4869 by Dec. 19.

The Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts needs volunteers to help with outreach and group programming, festivals and community events, concerts and recitals, fundraising events and administrative tasks. Volunteers can indicate what they are interested in and choose based on their availability. Volunteers should have knowledge or experience in music or music-related topics. Email outreach@mcma.ca by Dec. 23.

Age & Opportunity: Support Services for Older Adults needs Cree-speaking volunteers for its Connect program to provide social companionship to a senior by phone. Must enjoy conversation, have strong conversational and interpersonal skills and commit to a minimum of one hour a week. Call 204-956-6440 or go online to http://wfp.to/Sqp by Dec. 31. A & O’s senior immigrant settlement services need culturally sensitive volunteers who enjoy working with older people for its Language Buddy for Seniors program. The volunteer will help older newcomers feel less isolated by calling once or twice a week using their native languages. Must be able to communicate in languages other than English and abide by a code of confidentiality. Email mkapoor@aosupportservices.ca or phone 204-956-6440 by Dec. 31.

Tetra Winnipeg needs outreach volunteers to help share its stories with organizations and communities. Tetra will train and provide materials to build connections in the community and help foster more solutions to help people with physical disabilities. Apply online at http://wfp.to/SY0 or email winnipegmb@tetrasociety.org.

Victoria Lifeline needs volunteers to install and service Lifeline in homes around Winnipeg. Must be available one day per week, and have a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle. Expenses will be reimbursed monthly, and training is provided. Call 204-956-6773 or go to http://wfp.to/oQ0.

Special Olympics Manitoba needs 100 to 150 volunteers for the 2023 Provincial Winter Games. Volunteers will help with setup, marshalling athletes, scorekeeping, timekeeping, hospitality, registration, selling merchandise and event take-down. Dates are: Feb. 24 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.), Feb. 25 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Feb. 26 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Email kkasian@specialolympics.mb.ca or go to http://wfp.to/Sqb by Feb. 10.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy needs volunteers for Zoo Lights, which runs from until Jan. 8. Volunteers will have an opportunity to experience the unique winter festival in-depth and up close. The conservancy relies on volunteers to help guests enjoy a magical experience. Volunteers will enjoy a number of benefits. Apply at http://wfp.to/oNn by Dec. 20.

The Salvation Army has volunteer opportunities throughout the Christmas season. Be a kettle campaign bell ringer in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Brandon or Neepawa. Help low-income families in Winnipeg have a merry Christmas with Toy Mountain. All volunteer opportunities are open to individuals and groups, and some opportunities can accommodate groups of up to 60 people. Apply online at http://wfp.to/ok2. Deadlines to apply: Toy Mountain (Dec. 21), kettle campaign (Dec. 24).

Cystic Fibrosis Canada needs volunteers who enjoy the holiday season and meeting new people for gift-wrapping at Kildonan Place. Must be 16 or older, able to use scissors and able to stand for long periods of time. Double vaccination against COVID-19 is required. An email tutorial will be emailed to volunteers. Apply online at http://wfp.to/okf by Dec. 24.

The Sargent MCC Thrift Store needs volunteers to help with sorting, cleaning and pricing donated toys. Duties include placing items onto the sales floor and cleaning up the toy section. Daytime and evening shifts are available. Must be 15 or older, and able to stand for extended periods of time and lift moderately heavy bags and boxes. Apply in person or by email at mccsargent@shaw.ca. The deadline is Dec. 31.

Main Street Project needs volunteers for its donation room. Volunteers sort, fold, stock and organize clothing, hygiene products and all other donations. Volunteers will connect with staff members to determine clothing and hygiene product needs, deliver items to program locations, and inform supervisors on the levels of donations and needs. Daytime hours: 9 and 5 p.m. Minimum three hours. Apply online at http://wfp.to/okp by Dec. 31.

The Canadian Red Cross is seeking volunteers. When disaster strikes, you can help, and the Red Cross can show you how. Go to www.redcross.ca/volunteer, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.