December is the month of holiday giving. Give of your time and volunteer in your community. The St. Albert Community Information & Volunteer Centre has many volunteer opportunities to choose from and can help find the right fit for you, even if you are not sure of what that might be. For information on any of the following volunteer opportunities, or to call and discuss other opportunities, call 780-459-6666 or visit the website www.govolunteer.ca.
Do you have good communication skills, the ability to be flexible, depending on the situation, and are you comfortable initiating conversation with strangers? Volunteer as a unit assistant to greet patients, and provide them with companionship and comfort, or volunteer as an ER greeter welcoming patients, directing them to areas as required and providing general information to help them with their wait. There are many shifts to choose from. Volunteers must be 16 years of age.
Put your needles and hooks to work for a great cause. More than 650 athletes will go for gold at the 2012 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in February, 2012. Show them your support by hand-knitting or crocheting a cozy scarf, one that will become a treasured keepsake well after the Games come to a close. Scarves need to be made to certain measurements and colours. Participate in this fun and worthwhile project, as the scarves are made with love and worn with pride.
Be a part of this Edmonton International Winter Festival taking place Dec. 31, 2011 to Feb. 20, 2012 at Sir Winston Churchill Square in Edmonton. This new festival will run every weekend and take place in six heated temporary structures in the square. Help with crowd control, assist with children’s arts and crafts or with the play area, or oversee the volunteer room and be the friendly face to the volunteers helping at the event.
Do you have sewing skills, your own sewing machine and a desire to make a difference by helping to improve the quality of life for someone in our community? Help adapt clothing for residents in a local care facility, who have a low range of motion and need adjustments to their clothing such as adding buttons, snaps and Velcro. The time commitment varies to your schedule and work can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Do you have a strong interest in reading, knowledge of literature and would you like to be a part of a vibrant, friendly team at this local bookstore? Provide excellent customer service as you assist customers with their book purchases. As well, assist in keeping a well-maintained and organized retail business. The commitment is a minimum four-hour shift twice a month, Thursday, Friday and Saturday day shifts.
Work one-on-one with an adult to improve their reading, writing and math skills, as well as English as a second language for some clients. Hours are flexible to your schedule and the program breaks for the summer months.
Our St. Albert Steel hockey team is looking for volunteers to help, in various roles, on game days throughout the season. Commit to one game or as many games as you would like. The season runs from September to February.
