Looking to Volunteer Over the Holidays?

• November 15, 2023

  Posted by: Corinne Napper

  

  How to Get Involved and Give Back over the Holidays

  We will be closed from December 22 to January 2 but before we take a break, we'd like to leave you with our annual list of how to get involved and give back this time of year.

  Be sure to check out our Volunteer Opportunities highlights in the Winnipeg Free Press (in Monday's paper and online) - this week and every week!

  Featured:

  • Assiniboine Park Conservancy needs volunteers for Zoo Lights 2023! Experience this unique winter festival in-depth and up close! Be sure to apply as early as possible to get the best choice of volunteer positions. Deadline December 29, 2023.

  • Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is looking for Snow Angels! If you are someone who loves to help others and is willing to brave the cold this winter, this opportunity is for you! Volunteers are needed to help clear the snow off sidewalks and private driveways for individuals who may not be able to do it themselves. Opportunities are available Monday to Friday - 9am to 3pm / when called in. You must be able to clear snow using a shovel or snowblower, able to lift at least 20 lbs and work in cold conditions. Join the team and make a difference in your community this winter! Apply by email: rec@chalmersrenewal.org, by phone: 204-669-0750 or in person. Deadline is December 1, 2023

  • Come join the WRENCH at our 13th Annual Cycle of Giving event happening December 2-3rd at Lord Roberts Community Centre (725 Kylemore Ave). This event will see volunteer mechanics come together for a 24 hour marathon of kids bike repair, which will see over 500 refurbished bikes get donated to families in need. Along with the bikes, every kid will receive a home-made holiday card and we're looking for anyone to come down to the event between noon on Saturday and noon on Sunday to help make those cards. We provide all the materials, you provide the creativity! No registration or minimum time commitment, so this is a great event for families to partake in. Any questions can be directed to Volunteer Coordinator Jon Benson at volunteer@thewrench.ca. Deadline is December 1, 2023.

  • Cystic Fibrosis Canada is seeking volunteers for Holiday Gift Wrapping at Kildonan Place. Join them in making a difference this holiday season! They're seeking volunteers to help with their gift-wrapping service, benefiting those affected by Cystic Fibrosis, a fatal childhood disease. You can choose your pace and schedule, simply sign up and they'll email you an easy tutorial. Don't worry if you've never wrapped a gift before, attention to detail and basic scissor skills is all you need. They're open during mall hours, and welcome volunteers aged 16 and up. Sign up today and share with your family, friends, and co-workers!

  • The Salvation Army has numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the Christmas season including:

    • Help low-income families in Winnipeg have a Merry Christmas with Toy Mountain campaign.

    • See how donations make an impact in local communities as a Kettle Bell Ringer.

  • Manitoba Theatre for Young People is currently seeking volunteer ushers to scan tickets, help patrons find their seats, and general patron assistance during MTYP's holiday season offering of Narnia between Dec 15^th-23rd. Some dates may be suitable for groups of up to 10. For more information and schedule availability, they can reach Susan @ sbohn@mtyp.ca Please submit interest by Monday December 4th.

  • Fort Gary Women's Resource Centre is looking for any groups or businesses willing to be non-perishable food collection hubs for their clients in honor of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. FGWRC can provide any signage you may need. The staff will also be available to help unload and promote your amazing contribution on our socials with a photo op! Deadline Dec. 10, 2023.

  • The ANSANM Foundation Inc is looking for volunteers to help at their annual Christmas Pop-up Market to help out at the children's craft tables, helping young kids do the crafts. They are also looking for volunteers to help vendors load and unload their vehicles. Dates: Sunday November 26th, December 3rd, December 10th.

  Other Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Age and Opportunity is looking for volunteers for its Connect Program. As a volunteer, you'll reach out to isolated seniors and help reduce their feelings of loneliness. You can also be a Santa to a Senior, and deliver gifts to older adults who might not otherwise receive a gift over the holidays.
  • Donate your time to the Christmas Cheer Board or Harvest Manitoba and help those in need over the holidays. Outside of Winnipeg, you can support the Winkler and District Christmas Cheer Board or the Steinbach Community Christmas Drive is looking for volunteer help and donations.
  • Give the gift of life by donating blood and/or sign up to be an organ donor.
  • Want to support our furry friends over the holidays? The Thompson Humane Society needs help and/or supplies. You can also drop off pet supplies and food to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, or D'Arcys ARC (animal rescue centre).
  • Make a care kit for people in need, with items like socks, deodorant, mittens, feminine hygiene products and snacks. Donate them to any of the following: 1Just City, Siloam Mission, Ndinawe/Tina's Safe Haven, Main Street Project and in Brandon, MB, Samaritan House Ministries and the John Howard Society of Brandon. (Check out their websites first, or call to find out what items are most needed!)
  • You can also host a collection drive - get your friends, family, coworkers and neighbours to gather essential items and then donate them through the United Way. Or contact the following organizations to learn about how you can offer support: North End Women's Centre, RaY - Resource Assistance for Youth, Ronald McDonald House, and in Brandon, MB, the Women's Resource Centre.
    
  • Donate gently used DVDs, games, and craft supplies to the Youth Resource Centre at The Link (formerly MacDonald Youth Services) or to Arts Junktion.
  • Meals on Wheels is looking for drivers to deliver delicious and nutritious meals to clients in the community. If you have a few hours a week to spare, visit www.mealswinnipeg.com
  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace is doing their Annual '50 Days of Giving' campaign again this year, from Nov 12 - Dec 31 (the last 50 days of the year).

  Simple acts of kindness to warm hearts:

  • Donate to a local food bank or shelter for families and individuals in need.
  • Send a handwritten letter or card to a friend or loved one you haven't seen in a while.
  • Offer to walk a neighbour's dog or pet sit for them if they're traveling this season.
  • Send a small gift or care package to a faraway friend or family member to let them know you're thinking of them.
  • Compliment a stranger and wish them a happy holidays either in person or by leaving a note for someone to find.
  • Ask a neighbour if you can help them this season by performing chores, errands, or shoveling snow.
  • Drop off thank you cards or treats for staff and volunteers at non-profits, charities, and community centres in your neighbourhood.
  • Pay it forward - buy someone else a coffee or warm drink anonymously.
  • Leave a five-star review online for your favourite restaurant, salon, or store.
  • Share your holiday volunteering or acts of kindness on social media and encourage others to give back too! (Tag Volunteer Manitoba in your posts so we can share them!)

  
  Remember, always call or visit an organization's website before showing up with donated items or asking to volunteer.

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