Volunteer Manitoba is hoping to match non-profit organizations with people seeking their next volunteer opportunity at a recruitment fair later this week.
The fair takes place Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Viscount Gort Hotel. Visitors will have the opportunity to network with more than 55 non-profit organizations.
“The fair is literally for everyone and anyone,” says Ashley Seymour, executive director at Volunteer Manitoba. “There’s something that will suit everyone’s interest and availability.”
RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS
Ashley Seymour, executive director of Volunteer Manitoba, says there is a position for just about everyone at the organization’s upcoming recruitment fair.
Volunteer Manitoba and the Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada — Manitoba Chapter are organizing the fair to address the declining involvement in volunteering since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early 2023, Volunteer Canada released the results of a survey in which 65 per cent of responding non-profits reported volunteer shortages. About a third of those said they had to cut volunteer programming as a result.
“We’re trying to play a key role in education and awareness about the value of volunteerism and why it’s important to communities,” Seymour says.
The fair is a great opportunity for Meals on Wheels, says Adam Rout, volunteer co-ordinator.
The organization, which provides home delivery of nutritious meals to anyone who cannot prepare meals for themselves, relies heavily on volunteers.
“Opportunities like this — where we’re able to get out and interact with the public and tell them about our organization and the important work that we do — are fantastic,” Rout says. “It’s one of those opportunities that doesn’t come along very often.”
Meals on Wheels received an influx of applications when people were at home during pandemic lockdowns and looking for things to do.
Now that people are, more or less, back to their pre-pandemic routines, Rout is looking for more drivers to deliver meals to the organization’s 300 clients.
Anyone with a reliable vehicle who can volunteer for a few hours in the middle of the day is invited to apply.
“It’s a really heartwarming place to work because there’s nothing but people giving, giving, giving here,” Rout says.
The intrinsic rewards that come from volunteering are important, says Kyla Walton, volunteer service manager at Main Street Project.
“It’s really important when you volunteer that it’s something you absolutely love because then you don’t feel like it’s an obligation,” she says. “You’re helping community members… and it’s also helping your (mental) health, which is really important right now.”
Main Street Project offers a variety of services and is one of those organizations in which the volunteer base hasn’t bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
Walton is looking for volunteers to visit with community members, make food and sort donations. She is also looking for volunteers who can lead community members in fitness and art classes during the day.
“A lot of people think you need to have a lot of time, but you can volunteer once per month and that helps an organization a lot,” Walton says.
Seymour says volunteering is instrumental in driving change in the community. She hopes the recruitment fair can play a part in inspiring Winnipeggers to help others.
“We really expect it to be a great day,” she says. “I encourage people to stop by and learn about what’s out there in the community.”
Volunteers can RSVP at http://wfp.to/yPq.
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@gmail.com.