How to Get Involved and Give Back over the Holidays - the 2026 Edition!

October 19, 2001

Posted by: Corinne Napper

How to Get Involved and Give Back over the Holidays

Volunteering during the holiday season is a wonderful way to spread joy and make a positive impact in your community. It gives you a sense of connection and gratitude, reminding us of the importance of giving back and supporting those in need, while also creating lasting memories and friendships.

We've gathered some volunteer opportunities to put you in the holiday spirit! Want to lift your holiday spirits further? The list of small acts of kindness below are a great way to spread joy during this season of giving.

In case you don't see a suitable role - be sure to check out our Volunteer Opportunities website page for a list of over 200 opportunities!

Featured:

Operation Red Nose Winnipeg needs fun, friendly volunteers for help with driving or HQ opportunities. See here for more information. Deadline is January 1, 2027.
Dalnavert Museum is looking for Special Events Bartenders for their Christmas programming. In this role, you will serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at museum events. You will work the bar, checking IDs, serving guests, and keeping the area clean. Volunteers in this role MUST be 18+ and have current Smart Choices certifications. This is a perfect casual role for folks looking to gain bar-tending or museum experience, or for people simply hoping to enjoy the historic holiday spirit at Dalnavert! Click here for more information!
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence-an international campaign to end violence against women and gender-diverse people - Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre (FGWRC) is inviting local groups and businesses to host non-perishable food collection drives in support of FGWRC clients and their families this winter. For more information, contact info@fgwrc.ca

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!

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. (You can also volunteer at 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:

Purchase gifts or holiday treats from local small businesses to support your community
Bake homemade cookies or treats and share them with neighbors or coworkers.
Offer to help someone with their holiday decorations or gift wrapping.
Organize a virtual holiday gathering for friends or family who are far away.
Share cheerful holiday music by building a playlist and sharing with family and friends
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 @volunteermanitoba 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.

Looking for even more Volunteer Opportunities?

Photo credits:

The WRENCH, Operation Red Nose, Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, German Canadian Congress - Christkindlmarkt

How to Get Involved and Give Back over the Holidays - the 2026 Edition!