Spring is nearly here! If you are looking for a way to give back to your community, this is the list to help you out with helping out!

(Psssst....... HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: You get 1 credit for 110 hours of volunteer work!)

 

MCC Thrift Shop

Volunteers are the life-blood of MCC! Whether its sorting, pricing, or working at the cash register, volunteers are vital in helping their shop make a difference in the community and around the world. You can contact them to start volunteering today at 239-4836. You can also visit them in-store at 149 Saskatchewan Avenue East.

 

Fort la Reine Museum

Fort la Reine Museum is looking for Ambassadors to work in one of their three new travelling exhibits, and at our signature special events at the Fort la Reine Museum from May - October, 2017. Ages 14+ should apply! Become a part of our Fort la Reine Volunteer Team. Contact Tracey at info@fortlareinemuseum.com for more details or call 204-857-3259. This is an awesome way to build your resume, gain experience working in heritage, or just experience something new!  

 

Portage Animal Welfare Society

PAWS could not operate without the efforts of dedicated volunteers. They make it possible to find caring “forever homes” for adoptable animals here in Portage la Prairie and area. They are looking for volunteers for events/fundraising, transporting animals, adoptathon events, Animal Adoption Centre help for the cats, Foster care for dogs, and so much more. If you love animals and want to make a difference while having some fun, contact them today! You can do so by calling 204-857-PAWS (7297) or email them at portageanimalwelfaresociety@hotmail.com . A volunteer application is available here:http://www.portageanimalwelfaresociety.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Volunteer-Application.pdf

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters

For just a few hours a month, you can help a child succeed by volunteering to be a mentor! Big Brothers Big Sisters is different from other mentoring organizations because they seek volunteers who are committed and consistent. They ask that you serve at least a year. Studies show that prolonged mentorship experience in a child aids them to stay in school, avoid risky behavior, and experience first-hand the importance of helping others in their community. Training and support is provided! You can apply here: http://www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/portage/en/Home/volunteer/applytobeamentor.aspx

 

Soup Kitchen 

This soup kitchen operates in the First Presbyterian Church here in Portage la Prairie. They need volunteers to heat soup, prepare sandwiches, serve food, and clean up. The time commitment is about three hours ranging from 10:00-1:30pm, at least one day a month. This provides not only an opportunity to feed those in need, but also enjoy social time. Contact 857-4351 for more information.

 

Portage Community Revitalization Corporation

If you live, work, or volunteer in the City of Portage la Prairie and are at least 15 years of age, you're invited to become a member of the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation. As a member, you will be a part of revitalizing Portage la Prairie, be sent the quarterly newsletter, receive notice of special meetings including their AGM, be able to volunteer for events and committees of the PCRC, and be able to vote on important community issues at special meetings, including the AGM. You can fill out an application here : http://www.portagecrc.com/images/Forms/Become%20a%20Member%20-%20PLPCRC.pdf

 

Portage Plains United Way

At Portage Plains United Way, their mission is to improve lives and build community by engaging individuals and mobilizing collective action. Their statement of values include demonstrating trust, integrity, respect, inclusivity, and transparency; energizing and inspiring volunteerism and volunteer leadership; endorsing innovation, partnerships, and collective action; providing non-partisan leadership, and embracing diversity. If you're interested in volunteering at future events, contact them at 204-857-4440 or at info@portageplainsuw.ca !

 


Recreational Opportunities for Kids Central

ROK Central, or recreational opportunities for kids relies on volunteers for help with events, their programs including Pals on the Playground, and even the upcoming Hometown Hockey tournaments. In order to be a volunteer, you must have a criminal record check and child abuse registry check completed. It will not cost you to get these checks done for volunteering. Contact ROK Central today at 870-2015 or message on the ROK Facebook page. You can also email the Executive Director at ed@rokcentralinc.com .

 

Portage Service for Seniors

Portage Service for Seniors offers volunteer opportunities in positions for Meals on Wheels delivery drivers, “friendly visitor” volunteers, transportation volunteers for local and distance driving. Various other programs, helping tenants in building, helping out with meals. You can contact PSFSED at psfsed@shaw.ca or by calling 239-6312 / 239-1453

 

Central Plains Cancer Services

Volunteering for Central Plains Cancer Services is rewarding! Central Plains Cancer Services rely on people who believe in our mission to provide services to support the quality of life for people affected by cancer and to support the promotion of cancer awareness. They offer many different volunteer opportunities, and are very flexible with your time commitments. From helping in our office to being in the community performing fundraising activities or helping with special events/projects, there are always opportunities to do something amazing. Contact them today at 857-6100 or at cpcancerservices@shaw.ca ! You can access the application form here: http://nebula.wsimg.com/264b5fd76f5ac653b22660f20f08e445?AccessKeyId=363DCAC6B216D69ECFB4&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

 

Canadian Mental Health Association

If you would like to volunteer for committees and other projects, attend and vote at their AGM, apply to sit on the Board of Directors, and encourage people with mental illness to maximize their potential while working towards reducing stigma associated with mental illness, then you should become a member today! You can find the application here:https://central.cmha.ca/get-involved/join-cmha-central-region/

 

Portage Friendship Centre

The Portage Friendship Centre is a non-profit organization committed to becoming self-sufficient and to continuing cultural, spiritual, and educational programming thereby promoting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being of urban Aboriginal people. They do this by developing and implementing social and educational programs to promote and develop leadership, increase awareness levels of Native heritage, and to establish resources for community development of urban aboriginal self-governing institutions.

Contact at 239-6333 or info@ptgfc.org

 

Portage la Prairie Regional Library

If you have some spare time and would like to volunteer, the library just might have a volunteer opportunity for you! Volunteer applications can be picked up at the Portage la Prairie Regional Library, and require a Child Abuse Registry Check as well as a Criminal Record Check. You can contact them at 857-4271 or email portlib@portagelibrary.com

 

Portage and District Arts Centre

Volunteers are the heart of the Portage & District Arts Centre. The smooth functioning of the Arts Centre depends to a large degree on the contribution of the many skills and talents of volunteers,. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact them at 239-6029 or by emailing them at pdac@mts.net . They could really use your help!

 

Prairie Players

Prairie Players has volunteer opportunities for those interested in the Fine Arts and would like to help out with production, stage management, costume design, sound production, directing, acting, singing, and so much more. Contact them today at 872-2361 or email them at skglobetrotter@hotmail.com .

 

Portage Rotary Club

The Portage Rotary Club always has volunteering available, whether with their events, programming, or activities. If you are interested in volunteering, contact them today at 870-1460 or email pmeier@miginsurance.ca .

 

Portage Regional Recreation Authority

The Portage Regional Recreation Authority welcomes volunteering for special events within our community (example: Hometown Hockey). If you are interested in volunteering with the PRRA, contact them today at 857-7772 or by emailing info@prra.ca

 

Portage District General Hospital

The Portage District General Hospital offers youth volunteer program for ages 14-19. You can apply to be a volunteer through your school and attend a Fall time orientation. The orientation is 2-3 days and informs you about what to expect in the hospital, infection prevention/control, and hospitality. If you are interested in this field, this progra is how you can get your feet wet!

Adult volunteers are welcome too, and are required to provide an Adult and Child Abuse Registry Check and a Criminal Record Check.

 

SaM Inc.

SaM Inc. works with employment programs and local high schools to help you gain work experience. There are also volunteer opportunities available in one-on-one mentoring activities (example: reading), and teaching or aiding in basic cooking programs. If you are interested, contact them at 857-6560 or by emailing tw1sam@mts.net

 

Sources: http://thrift.mcc.org/portage-mcc-thrift-shop/home , www.portageanimalwelfaresociety.com , www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/portage , http://www.firstpcportage.com/wordpress/?page_id=128 , www.portagecrc.com , www.portageplainsuw.ca , www.centralplainscancerservices.com, www.central.cmha.ca , www.ptgfc.org , www.portagelibrary.com , www.portageartscentre.ca  , prairieplayers.ca , https://portal.clubrunner.ca/994