Playful pursuit connects young families

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.

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program is an opportunity to prepare returns for people with low incomes and simple tax situations. Volunteers interview clients, prepare their returns and determine eligibility for benefits. Training is provided through extensive interactive online training sessions, and on-the-job mentoring and resources. Volunteers are needed weekdays this March and April. Interviewing skills and computer knowledge would be helpful. Some experience preparing taxes is an asset but not necessary. For more information or to apply, email Morgan Marshall of Community Financial Counselling Services at morganm@cfcs.mb.ca or go to http://wfp.to/HFn.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy needs volunteers for Boo at the Zoo. This reimagined, after-hours event is designed for families and people of all ages, and will feature special performances, activities and displays. Volunteers will help visitors enjoy a magical experience and keep guests safe. For more information or to apply, go to www.assiniboinepark.ca. 

The Manitoba Wheelchair Sport Association, which provides a broad range of leisure and sport activities for people with physical disabilities, is seeking a volunteer with interest or experience in wheelchair sports and coaching for its board of directors. Please email a letter of interest and resumé to office@mwsa.ca.

The Prairie Garden, a not-for-profit annual publication dedicated to the advancement of horticulture and gardening in the northern Prairies, is seeking to fill two volunteer positions: e-commerce strategist/sales and editor. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30. Go to http://wfp.to/HM4 for more information. Sent questions and applications to chairman Ian Wise at iwise@shaw.ca. 

West Broadway Youth Outreach is a drop-in recreational and life skills program for youth ages 4 and up in the neighbourhood and beyond. It provides free year-round after-school and summer programming in a safe, fun and nurturing environment. Volunteers are needed to fill any position of their own interest that ensures children have opportunities to learn and grow in an atmosphere where their basic emotional, social and educational needs are met and supported by role models. For more information, email wbyokidz@gmail.com. 

Polycoro is seeking volunteers to join its board of directors and guide the vocal ensemble into its next phase of growth and development. Previous board experience is preferred but not necessary. Backgrounds in legal work, fundraising/development and marketing and communication are welcome. People with a passion for the arts and artistic expression are desired. Please email a letter of interest and a resumé to board secretary Catherine Marshall at polycoro.board@gmail.com.  

Victoria Lifeline is seeking a home service representative. Team members install and service Lifeline throughout Winnipeg and the capital region. Volunteers meet clients in their own homes during scheduled appointments and must follow COVID-19 safety protocols. 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. For more information, call 204-956-6773 or go to http://wfp.to/HrZ. 

Special Olympics Manitoba is committed to enriching the lives of Manitobans with an intellectual disability through sport and is looking for fundraising committee members, and regional leadership members to help with daily operations. Time commitment is five to 10 hours monthly. For more information, contact program services manager Lesley Camaso-Catalan at 204-795-1569 or lcamaso@specialolympics.mb.ca.

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba is seeking one or two volunteers to help with warranty repairs on homes. This could include projects such as small patching and painting jobs, repairs to woodwork or flooring, and replacing taps. The candidates should have excellent personal and fix-it skills, basic tools and the ability to commit on a part-time, flexible basis (weekdays only). This is a short-term role but could turn into a longer opportunity. If this fits your personality and skill set, email a resumé to Kelly at kkluger@habitat.mb.ca.  

Rise is Canada’s only national non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with mental health challenges or addictions achieve financial independence through self-employment or small business ownership. It is seeking mentors who have at least five years of business or professional experience. Mentors make a difference by guiding and working one-on-one with aspiring entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.risehelps.ca. 

Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata, a community-led organization, needs volunteer drivers to deliver food hampers to families in need. Volunteers can go to 575 Larsen Ave., Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Email volunteer co-ordinator Kaylie at volunteer@mamawi.com for more information.   

Age & Opportunity‘s senior immigrant settlement services needs culturally sensitive volunteers who enjoy working with older people to facilitate conversation classes for English as an additional language learners. The volunteers will help participants achieve greater fluency and confidence through conversation in an informal group setting and facilitate conversation circles. Email Meenu at mkapoor@aosupportservices.ca. 

CancerCare Manitoba’s prevention and screening program needs public advisers for a lung cancer screening project. The project will develop materials to help educate people at increased risk for lung cancer. Advisers will offer feedback on public communication tools. People who smoke or have a history of smoking, are willing to share personal experiences and have a minimal knowledge about cancer are needed. Applications are being accepted for participation over the next two months. The time commitment is three to four meetings of one to two hours each, and some pre-meeting review. Advisers participate by telephone or online from home because of COVID-19 restrictions. Email ccmbvolservices@cancercare.mb.ca or phone 204-787-2121 by Oct. 2.

Save our Seine is seeking a volunteer member for its education committee. Save our Seine works to save, protect and enhance the natural vegetation and eco-systems along the 26 km of the Seine River Greenway. The role includes attending monthly committee meetings (by Zoom, for now) to plan and offer learning activities related to vegetation and water life along the Seine. The organizations are seeking educators and people interested in outdoor activities with students of elementary and high school levels. Go to saveourseine.com to learn more and to apply.  

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.