The following are opportunities at Volunteer Nanaimo. For more information, please call 250-758-7121 or go online to www.volunteernanaimo.ca. Volunteer Nanaimo is located at Unit 3-2350 Labieux Rd.
Nanaimo Meals on Wheels – Three positions need to be filled including delivery drivers, 3-5:30 p.m. for a minimum of one day per week. Must have a Class 5 driver’s licence; a Friday day captain with personal computer and own vehicle to work four to five hours spread over two days a week to ensure routes are organized; and an accounts receivable clerk with bookkeeping experience who can work from home approximately four to five hours per week. All positions require a criminal record check. To apply please call Joanna Saunders at 250-753-1300 Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, or e-mail mownanaimo@shaw.ca.
Cedar Woods Farm – Volunteers are needed to answer phones, e-mails and perform general office duties from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Ability to work with people with barriers is an asset and a criminal record check is required. A commitment of a minimum of one day a week is preferred. Please call Marjorie or Linda at 250-758-7121.
Errington Therapeutic Riding Association – Volunteers ages 19 or older are needed to assist riders on horseback, and walk beside horses for one-hour sessions at Pyramid Stables, 7581 Harby Rd., Lantzville. Orientation begins Feb. 1 and a commitment of eight weeks is required. Call Karen Anker at 250-754-4962 between 9-10 a.m. or e-mail karenanker@shaw.ca.
Volunteer Nanaimo – Office-friendly volunteer required on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer phones and e-mails and greet the public. Knowledge of computers would be an asset, on-the-job training provided. Please telephone 250-758-7121 or e-mail vn.admin@shaw.ca.
Special Olympics Nanaimo – Volunteer swim coach is required for one day per week until April. Applicant must have knowledge of swimming skills and how to teach the progressions. Training available and a criminal record check is required. Volunteers are also required to coach from basic skills to competitive skating to athletes with intellectual disabilities. This is an ongoing position, one practice per week until March, and a criminal record check is required. Please contact Sylvia Taylor at 250-758-0630 or e-mail sylvia-miller@shaw.ca for either position.
Citizens on Patrol – Take an active role helping to reduce crime in your community. The Nanaimo COPs program, under the guidance of the RCMP, monitors areas requesting more patrolling to reduce crime. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and a commitment of one four-hour shift (usually Friday or Saturday night), and one Wednesday evening a month is requested. Options to cover special events are available too. Must be 19 years of age or older, be of good character and be able to pass an RCMP security screening. To learn more or to sign up, please contact Brian at bcornborough@shaw.ca.
Alzheimer Society of B.C. – An office assistant volunteer is needed for general office duties including filing, updating resources, answering calls to referral sources and general organizational skills. Please contact Jane Hope at 250-734-4170 or e-mail jhope@alzheimerbc.org.
Nanaimo African Heritage Society – Volunteers with basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office are needed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Training will be provided and a commitment of 12 hours per week would be appreciated. A marketer volunteer is also needed and should have a car, a willingness to sell to the public and be able to commit to six hours per week. Please contact Shalema Gantt at 250-729-9332 or e-mail nanaimo-africanheritagesociety@gmail.com.
Extreme weather shelter – Volunteers are needed to assist shelter Workers from 6.30-9 a.m. each morning, and approximately the same hours in the evening. For volunteers who do not necessarily wish to interact with guests, there are laundry positions and cot-cleaning duties. Morning shift duties include sign-in, check communication log, first-aid supplies, tongs and sharps container, pick up laundry, assist shelter worker with guest breakfast, clean up tables and kitchen where necessary, complete log, sign-out and turn off lights. Evening shift work includes assisting with cot bedding, assist guests with removing wet boots or clothing, if necessary, hang costs on rack, place dirty clothing in containers, provide guests with clean, warm clothing as required, assist shelter worker with food and beverage service, clean up tables and kitchen. Evening shift volunteers usually leave by 9 p.m. For either position, please e-mail ewshelter@live.com.
Tourism Nanaimo – Enthusiastic volunteers for front line positions are needed to help visitors to Nanaimo at Tourism’s Beban House location. Participants should be comfortable answering telephone and e-mails, using a cash register and helping people one-on-one. A commitment of four hours per week would be appreciated and support staff will be on hand to assist. The office is open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call Courtenay Bilton at 250-756-0106 ext. 23.
Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre– Volunteers who are over 55 and computer savvy are needed to make a positive difference for a computer student with a disability. The My ComputerTutor@Home program trains senior volunteers to tutor at homes of disabled students who cannot attend classes at the centre. The course is six two-hour sessions and, though free, the DRC requests a tutor mileage expense. For information, please e-mail tutors@nrdrc.org or call Tom or Paul at 250-758-5547. Learn more at www.nrdrc.org/tutortraining.html.
Immigrant Welcome Centre – The centre is looking for both adult and youth volunteers (youth between ages 13-18) to be matched with newcomers to Canada, individuals or families. Volunteers and newcomers will meet regularly to socialize, connect with community resources and participate in group activities and community events, based on common characteristics, professional background etc. A criminal record check is required.Those interested can contact Pat Simpson, program coordinator at 250-753-6911 ext. 114 or e-mail orpsimpson@cvims.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Vancouver Island – The society is accepting donations of furniture and appliances (free pick up), used clothing, shoes, bags, bedding, and stuff toys. Please call 250-756-2447 Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., e-mail tadmin@bigscvi.ca or drop by 3- 2350 Labieux Rd.