How to Get Involved and Give Back over the Holidays - the 2024 Edition!

• November 15, 2024

  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:

  • The Dream Factory's Santa Suite will be the most magical place to have family photos taken this holiday season - but just like at the North Pole, they need elves to help make it happen! Join them in Santa's Village in the lobby of the Fairmont Winnipeg to help with greeting guests, set up and manage supplies for festive activities (crafts, cookie decorating, letters to Santa, etc.), and check families in for their holiday photos. The Santa Suite runs every Saturday & Sunday from November 16-December 22. 10 volunteers are needed for each shift - so groups are more than welcome! Volunteers will have the option to volunteer for the morning (9:30am-12:30pm), the afternoon (12:30pm-3:30pm), or a full day (9:30am-3:30pm). Volunteers who take on a full day shift will be provided lunch! For more details and to sign up, click here! Deadline December 20, 2024.

  • Operation Red Nose needs fun, friendly Team Members for driving and HQ roles to help keep impaired drivers off the road during the holidays. Coordinated by Safety Services Manitoba, the campaign will be operating in nine communities. Volunteers work in teams of three to provide safe rides, while HQ volunteers handle registration, team formation, and dispatch. It's a fun way to give back to the community and meet some very interesting new people! For more information and to sign up, click here!

  • Winnipeg Crime Stoppers is looking for a person (or group) who can prepare and deliver a 30-minute performance as a special guest for their Holiday Dinner Party on Wednesday, December 11 at Glendale Golf Course. Volunteer performers are welcome to join their dinner as their guest at 7pm, with their performance set to begin at approximately 8:15pm. This is an invite only event and there will be approximately 50 guests in total, from the Crime Stoppers Board, their spouses, volunteers, their major sponsors and political leaders will be in attendance. To apply, contact info@winnipegcrimestoppers.org. Deadline is December 4, 2024.

  • Many volunteer opportunities are available during the 39th Annual Christkindlmarkt - The German Christmas Market held at the Fort Garry Place Mall November 29, 30 and December 1, 2024. Roles include setup and take-down volunteers, kitchen staff to serve hot food throughout the weekend, volunteers to man the donation and chocolate tables as well in the café. To find out more click here! Deadline December 2, 2024.

  • Zoo Lights runs from November 22nd to January 5th. Zoo Lights Volunteers will have the opportunity to experience this unique winter festival in depth and up close! Assiniboine Park Conservancy relies on volunteers to help their guests enjoy a magical experience each visit. Volunteers at Zoo Lights are critical to keeping all guests well informed, safe, and comfortable throughout their visit. Volunteers will enjoy a number of benefits including free Zoo tickets, Zoo Lights branded gear, snacks and hot chocolate during your shift. The more you volunteer, the greater the reward! There are a variety of volunteer positions available. Must be 18 years of age or older, comfortable spending 4 - 5 hours outdoors (with breaks) surrounded by crowds of happy guests and bright lights. For more information, click here or visit their website at www.assiniboinepark.ca. Deadline December 22, 2024.

  • Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre - Holiday Photos with Owls. Volunteers can help with the event to set up and take photos for guests. No prior experience needed, direction will be provided, ideal for individuals or pairs of folks. Dates: Sunday November 24 and Saturday November 30, 10am-4pm both dates. Location: St Mary's Nursery & Garden Centre Ltd. 2901 St Mary's Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2N 4A6. Please contact Julia if you have any questions or would like to volunteer for this event: by email: pwrcwilded@gmail.com or phone: 204-806-8890. Deadline is November 20, 2024.

  • Holiday Food Drive Hubs: Fort Garry 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. For more information contact info@fgwrc.ca. Deadline November 30, 2024.

  • Villa Cabrini is looking for a volunteer that enjoys each holiday and wants to share that joy. They are a 55+ apartment building and like to decorate the main areas for each holiday. They are hoping to find someone that can be creative, available during the day and can work alone. For more details click here! Deadline June 1, 2025.

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  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!

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  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:

  • Purchase gifts or holiday treats from local small businesses to support your community
  • 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.

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  Photo credits:

  The Dream Factory, Operation Red Nose, Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Fort Gary Women's Resource Centre

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