How to Get Involved and Give Back over the Holidays

• December 20, 2018

  Posted by: Dawn Bourbonnais

  This time of year, Volunteer Manitoba receives a lot of phone calls and emails from people who are looking to volunteer their time over the holidays. Holiday volunteer roles can be a challenge to find - most are filled in the months leading up to December and regular volunteers are often relied on for the special events and activities that take place this time of year. However, there are still many ways you can give back over the season and have a meaningful volunteer experience. Check out our list of ways you can get involved and give back over the holidays!

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  How to Get Involved and Give Back over the Holidays

  1. Ask a neighbour if you can help them this season by performing chores or errands.
  2. Bake holiday cookies and bring them to your local nursing home for sharing. You can also donate your time to Actionmarguerite St. Boniface and St. Vital, and help get their elderly residents to appointments and activities (the St. Vital location is looking for French-speaking volunteers).
  3. Donate your time to Operation Red Nose and help keep the streets safe for everyone over the holiday season!
  4. Give the gift of life by donating blood and/or sign up to be an organ donor.
  5. Make a care kit for people in need, with items like socks, deodorant, mittens, feminine hygiene products and snacks-give them out directly or donate them to any of the following: 1Just City, Siloam Mission, Ndinawe/Tina's Safe Haven, Main Street Project, Rossbrook House and in Brandon, MB, Samaritan House Ministries.
  6. Donate gently used DVDs, games, and crafts to the Youth Resource Centre at MacDonald Youth Services.
  7. Invite an elderly neighbour, or a newcomer and their family, to your holiday dinner, movie night or for a celebration.
  8. 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
  9. Organize a coat and winter clothing drive in your community and then donate the items to any of the following organizations: Salvation Army, John Howard Society, Elizabeth Fry Society, United Way Koats for Kids, and in Brandon, MB, Samaritan House Ministries and the Women's Resource Centre.
  10. Compliment a stranger and wish them a happy holidays either in person or by leaving a note for someone to find.
  11. Drop off thank you cards for staff and volunteers at non-profits, charities and community centres in your neighbourhood.
  12. Bring some blankets, pet food or toys to an animal shelter. You can also donate your time to D'Arcy's A.R.C. (Animal Rescue Centre). They are looking for weekday morning volunteers to help them care for the cats. (web link)
  13. Pay it forward - buy someone else a coffee or warm drink anonymously.
  14. Host a fundraising event-like an ornament making party or office holiday sweater day-for the cause of your choice.
  15. 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!)

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