NANAIMO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

CAN YOU HELP OUT?

The following are opportunities at Volunteer Nanaimo. For more information, please call 758-7121 or go online to www.volunteernanaimo.ca. Volunteer Nanaimo is located at Unit 3-2350 Labieux Rd.

Morrell Nature Sanctuary – Volunteer nature interpreters needed to lead children’s nature hikes for visiting schools. Training in early September. Season starts Sept. 15. If you love the outdoors and can spare 3 hours a week, please call Paul at 250-754-3093 or e-mail morrell@island.net.

MS Society – The Central Island MS Society is looking for volunteers for its gym and swim programs. Interest and/or experience in a gym setting would be helpful. No lifting required. If you have a couple of hours a week to volunteer, please call Isobel at 1-888-844-2047.

Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life – Volunteers are needed for this annual fundraiser Sept. 21. Do you have ideas, motivators and a willingness to raise money for HIV/AIDS work in Nanaimo and/or take part in the Aids Walk for Life 2008 (approximately three hours or less)? To register or for further details, please call James at 250-384-2366 or e-mail james.boxshall@avi.org.

VI Raiders Football Club – If you enjoy watching football, come out and help the V.I. Raiders at their home games at Caledonia Park. The team needs five volunteers pouring beer in the beer garden, three ushers, and several general helpers for Sept. 27 (2-5 p.m.), one game in October and possibly playoffs. If you can help, please call Art at 250-741-0877.

Nanaimo Walk for Farm Animals – Volunteers needed to help with registration and with leading and guiding the walk which takes place Sept. 27 at Maffeo Sutton Park to raise funds for their rescue and protection campaign. Registration is at 10:30 a.m. and the walk is at 11 a.m. Those interested in helping, please contact Robin at 250-591-3413. nanaimowalkforfarmanimals@gmail.com.

Special Olympics B.C. – If you have a knowledge of a variety of sports and fitness, and are interested in coaching persons with an intellectual disability on a Wednesday evening (7-8.30 p.m.) at Fairview Community School, please call Sylvia at 250-758-0630 or e-mail Sylvia-miller@shaw.ca.

CVI Multicultural Society – This society on Prideaux Street needs volunteers (once a week for three months) to take part in the Youth Buddy Program (ages 13 – 18) and Adult Host Program, assisting new immigrants and their families who may be experiencing difficulties in connecting to the community and making friends. Volunteers should be Canadian residents familiar with the social, school and recreational systems in the community. Intercultural training workshops will be held and informational handouts will also be provided. Interested? Please call Hilda at 250-753-4250.

Downtown Nanaimo Partnership – Are you friendly, outgoing, interested in working with the public? Familiar with downtown Nanaimo and Vancouver Island? This agency needs volunteers in the Information Centre, 150 Commercial St. to assist with downtown events and to act as cruise ship ambassadors. The hours are flexible and training is provided. For information, e-mail info@nanaimodowntown.com or call Katherine at 250-754-8141.

Volunteer Nanaimo – Several charities are looking for a person with an accounting background to help them learn how to complete their annual Registered Charity Information Return as part of their fiscal year end. This is a one time request and if you are interested, please contact Volunteer Nanaimo at 250-758-7121 Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.

Nanaimo African Heritage Society– This non-profit organization requires a personable, organized administration assistant who is interested in this unique society. Excellent office skills and computer knowledge are an assest. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and available immediately. Please call Shalema at 250-753-6849.

Crimson Coast Dance Society – The society is seeking a board member to fill a position for the remaining term. The society’s board meets once a month at friendly and efficient meetings. Ability to read financial statements an asset. Directors participate in production tasks for events. They are celebrating 10 years of showcasing contemporary dance in Nanaimo and look forward to your input. Please telephone Michael or Holly at 250-716-3230.

Theatre B.C. – Are you familiar with writing newsletters? Theatre B.C. is looking for a skilled volunteer to write a newsletter every quarter, approximately 20 pages. Some new articles, tables and graphics and some cut and paste from previous editions. If you have a flair for writing and would like more information, please call Heather at 250-714-0203.

Catnap Society– Several volunteers needed for various tasks for this new cat care organization in Nanaimo. Jobs such as taking cats to and from the vet, helping with shelter cleaning, comforting healing cats, visiting pet facilities, and short-term foster homes desperately needed. If you can spare an hour or two a week to help our animals in need, please call Kathi at 754-6546 or Barbara at 1-250-947-9404.

Nanaimo and Region Disability Resource Centre – This agency is seeking someone who can spare four to eight hours a week at their office on Northfield Road. The coordinator will liaise with the peer support coordinator to ensure there are sufficient volunteers to attend organized events, such as picnics, bowling, games night on Thursdays, etc. For more information, please call Jeff at 758-5547.

Canadian Diabetes Association – If you enjoy public speaking and can spare a few hours each month, then you may enjoy this position. You will be responsible to the branch coordinator and will organize and arrange three to five presentations, liaise with the regional leadership centre, the programs and services team and with other volunteers. Knowledge of diabetes would be an asset. Training is provided. For more information, please phone Jennifer at 250-729-3824, ext. 21.

Nanaimo Food Link – Media coordinator. This agency seeks a motivated individual to implement our media strategy. Knowledge of Excel, Internet and local media a plus. Good communication and organizational skills required. Training includes familiarization, security, sustainability, networking, Food Link goals and strategy. For more information, please e-mail Lisa at 4abetterworld@live.ca.

Nanaimo Women’s Centre – 1. Volunteers required for a variety of events during the year who are willing to do a minimal set up of information tables when required, able to communicate well with public, provide clear information about what the centre offers, and assist with various fundraising events. 2. Volunteers required in the centre to answer phones, communicate effectively with women of various backgrounds and abilities, perform a number of other duties at the centre. orientation provided.

If you are interested in either position, please apply in person at the Nanaimo Women’s Centre, 285 Selby St. between Tuesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call Veronica Buck at 250-753-0633 or e-mail dropin@nanaimowomen.com.

Citizens on Patrol – Volunteers needed for the COP program throughout the community. This group of concerned citizens operate under the guidance of the RCMP and provide “eyes and ears” for the RCMP working in two person teams, mostly on weekends. Commitment of a minimum of eight hours a month, specialized training provided. Must pass a criminal record check, possess a drivers licence and vehicle, and he in good physical shape. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Brian at 250-758-6535.

Nanaimo Men’s Resource Centre – The Nanaimo Men’s Resource Centre is looking for men or women to fill the volunteer position of front desk greeter. Someone needed Tuesdays 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon and someone on call when other volunteers cannot be in. Training is provided and a criminal record check is required. Please call James at 250-716-1551 or e-mail james@nanaimomen.com.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind – Are you an understanding person who would enjoy short walks with a lady experiencing low vision who wishes to become more familiar with her neighbourhood? Only two hours of your time each week is required. Some reading of correspondence is needed. For further information please call Marg at CNIB 250-519-1104.

Multiple Sclerosis Society – The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Central Island Chapter is seeking individuals to join its board and help in its mission. To be a leader in finding a cure for MS and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. If you are interested, please call the MS Society at 250-754-6321.

Missing Adults Society – We are looking to establish a centre for missing at-risk / endangered adults similar to the Canadian Missing Childrens’ Society. The purpose of the centre would be to reunite families with their missing loved ones. We need dynamic, willing and committed volunteers. Of particular need at this time are persons known as “jack-of’all-trades” and persons interested in bookkeeping. Please call Volunteer Nanaimo at 250-758-7121 to add your name and phone number to the list.

Big Brothers Big Sisiters of Central Vancouver Island –Looking for committee members who are familiar with the game of golf and are willing to contribute approximately four to six hours per month from April to September. Board members experienced in social work, education, marketing, law enforcement, business and/or management are needed as well as volunteers in fund development, and recruitment. Please call Denise at 250-756-2447 or email her atdenisebbbsevi@shaw.ca.

Kids Help Phone – Attend a monthly meeting on Thursday evening, schedule and attend presentations, recruit volunteers, implement public relations initiatives, work to establish a speaker’s bureau and assist in pledge-drives. Requires a minimum of five hours per month. Full job description available. Call or e-mail Sandra for more information – phone: 1-604-267-7058 or Sandra.Harley@kidshelpphone.ca.

Nanaimo Telephone Visiting Society – Seeking community-minded volunteers who are concerned about the health and wellness of seniors. Meet once a month. Training and support from other board members, ongoing. No experience necessary. Call Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 250-756-9455.

TheatreOne – Nanaimo’s only professional theatre company seeks immediate assistance in bookkeeping. Experience required. Commitment level is two hours per week. Orientation and training by previous bookkeeper provided. Please contact Mary at admin@theatreone.org

Run for the Cure - Run co-directors urgently required for this annual CIBC event. Year round commitment is required, especially in peak months of August to October. In addition, attend monthly committee meetings. Five-day orientation training provided. Please call Kimberly at 1-800-561-6111 ext. 242 or e-mail kmoss@cbcf.org.

Nanaimo Telephone Visiting Society – Be a telephone buddy. This wonderfully caring group supports many Nanaimo seniors. Are you friendly with good communications and telephone skills? Are you ready to make a buddy and never leave your home? This society will welcome your help and thoroughly train you to handle four hours a week volunteering from the comfort of your home. Call 250-756-9445.

Mid Island Health Information Society – Information desk, Port Place shopping centre. Small organization that provides valuable medically related information to the public needs person to answer inquiries on phone and in person. Excellent location on bus route. Please call James at 753-6600.

Tourism Nanaimo – Passionate about our local Island spots, and would you like to learn more about Nanaimo area? Greet and meet people from all over the world. We are seeking enthusiastic and positive people with excellent communication skills who are willing to complete training and begin to work within the local tourist industry. Some computer entry and inventory knowledge required. Please call Megan at 250-756-0106, ext 23.

Kidney Foundation – Kidney Foundation needs your help. If you can spare a few hours a week phoning members to keep in touch, helping to organize fundraisers, or taking minutes at meetings periodically, they would love to hear from you. Please call Theresa at 250-758-4002.

Kids Help Phone – (two positions, one year commitment)

Student Ambassadors

Develop employment and leadership skills and help raise awareness within schools, act as student liaison, help with fundraising events and provide Kids Help Phone with insight and direction for the future. Training provided, should attend a one-day conference. Full job description available.

Student Ambassador Liaison

Support implementation of Student Ambassador Program, train and motivate Student Ambassadors, update students monthly, maintain presentation supplies, provide oral or written updates to chapter council and ensure students have a rewarding experience as volunteer with Kids Help Phone. On average, two to four hours a week will be required. Full job description available. Call or email Sandra for more information – phone: 1-604-267-7058 or Sandra.Harley@kidshelpphone.ca