Inspired to smile

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.

Fireweed Food Co-op is seeking a treasurer for a two-year term on its board of directors. The volunteer should have an interest in local food, social enterprise or community-led projects and have experience in finance and administration. Apply at http://wfp.to/HQN or email info@fireweedfoodcoop.ca before Nov. 12.
Friends Housing operates a 28-unit apartment building providing supported, independent living for people with mental illnesses, and a 15-unit townhouse complex for low-income families. Board members are needed. Previous board experience — or accounting, legal or fundraising expertise — would be an asset but is not necessary. Go to http://wfp.to/HDP to learn more about Friends Housing. Apply to board chairman John Gosselin at jgosseli@mts.net. The deadline is Nov. 30.

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 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.
Evermore Gather Grow Lead is seeking board members. The organization, formerly the West Central Community Program, provides recreational and developmental programming for area youth. Members attend monthly meetings (usually held at 6 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month), the annual general meeting and possibly some committee meetings. Call 204-772-9315 or email info@evermoreggl.com.

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.

The Women’s Health Research Foundation of Canada is expanding membership on its volunteer board. Applicants should have a keen interest in promoting women’s health by supporting research. A background in fundraising, accounting, or marketing and communications would be helpful. Applicants should send a resumé and brief overview of their community/volunteer experience, and their interest in the research foundation, to donna.chow@umr.umanitoba.ca.