The following are opportunities at Volunteer Nanaimo. For more information, please call 250-758-7121 or go online to www.volunteernanaimo.ca.
Meal Exchange – Local food champion volunteers are needed to form a team or teams to go out into the community to spread awareness and register people for National BBQ day July 13. Volunteers will schedule a weekly check-in with Meal Exchange National to update progress and promote the day through social media, word of mouth, etc. A tool kit is provided, as are connections with local Meal Exchange to lead volunteers. Please contact Praan Misir with a resumè before July 13 to 1-416-657-4489, ext. 2 or e-mail praan@mealexchange.com.
Nanaimo Disability Resource Centre – Volunteers are required to greet walk-in clients, answer phones, take messages, provide information and referrals and process parking permit applications. All training is provided and the volunteer will always have support staff nearby. A commitment of four hours a week for six months minimum is preferred due to training required. A criminal record check is required and paid for by NDRC. Please call Christina at 250-758-5547 between Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nanaimo Child Development Centre Society – Volunteers with communication skills and walking ability are needed for the July 21 Silly Boat Regatta. Commitment is between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to work a minimum of two hours as face painters, greeters, event set up/take down and cleanup. Must be physically able to do these tasks. Volunteer orientation is July 17 at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Please call Michelle Kocourek at 250-753-0251, ext. 227, or e-mail michelle@nanaimocdc.com.
Youth Sticking Together – At least 40 volunteers are required for this Guinness Book of World Record attempt for the world’s longest floor hockey game at Frank Crane Arena Aug. 9 -11. Available positions include a site crew and runners to keep the area clean, refill water bottles, food runners, registration, greeters, info workers and donations area. Floor hockey players – a minimum of 16 years – are also needed to play in the event. Please contact Tania Brzovic at 250-740-2792 or e-mail her at cycworker@yahoo.com.
Vancouver Island Exhibition – The VIEX Association is looking for enthusiastic and energetic volunteers to help at the Aug. 16-18 fair. Volunteers have a chance to meet new people and be part of the community spirit of Nanaimo. They also receive a free T-shirt, food voucher after four hours volunteering, free admission to the fair the day of volunteering and an invitation to the volunteer appreciation party. Some are required to assist prior to and following the fair. No experience is necessary and training will be provided. Volunteers can choose work shifts four hours or more. Please call Shirley at 250-816-1749 or Jessi at 250-758-3247 Monday to Friday between 9.30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
YANA (You Are Not Alone) –Visitor volunteers (with/or without a pet) are urgently needed. You love your pet so why not share that love with a lonely person. Or simply befriend an elderly person one-to-one and bring your ray of sunshine along. Commitment is only 30 minutes a week over a longer term. Excellent family or youth volunteering opportunity. Please contact Diane Morris at 250-729-0233.
Big Brothers Big Sisters CVI – Volunteers with fundraising and special events experience is needed. Time commitment is four to six hours a month would be appreciated. Please call Denise at 250‑756‑2447 or e-mail denise@bigscvi.ca.
Scouts Canada – The First Nanaimo Cub Scouts are looking for activity leaders to assist in providing programs to boys and girls eight to 10 years of age. A knowledge of crafts, games,and outdoor skills are needed approximately two hours per week. A criminal record check is required. Mentorship and training is provided.Please contact Melissa Braun at mbraun@scouts.ca or call 250-668-0983.
Catnap Society – Volunteers needed to spend time with cats in the adoption centre at the PetSmart store in north Nanaimo. Foster homes are also needed for rescued cats until they are ready for adoption; The society supplies everything the cat needs, but volunteers must have their own transportation be over 17 to help in the adoption program. A commitment of three hours a week is needed. To help, please call Karen at 250-741-4140, Barbara at 1-250-947-9404 or e-mail catnapinfo@shaw.ca.