If you are looking to add some value to your free time, there are a few organizations that are searching for volunteers. 

Carla Walker says the Pat Porter Active Living Centre in Steinbach needs help with a variety of things such as reception work, deliveries for Meals on Wheels, and maintenance, to name a few. 

“Some people love the big jobs, and some people do the little jobs,” she says. “Each one is important, and we value each one.” 

Walker says it is important to have volunteers come to the centre and be part of the community in such a meaningful way, adding purpose to their day. 

There are a variety of volunteer roles that need to be filled on various days and at various times of day, she adds, including some evenings. 

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, call Carla at 204-320-4600. 

Meanwhile, Agape House is looking for volunteers to watch children while parents attend programs. There is also room for more people to help with fundraising events. 

Volunteer Manager Gianna Froese says it would be great to have more people join their amazing team of volunteers. 

“They just give so generously of their time and skills, and they work together with each other and with our team of staff,” she says. “So, they're really part of our organization, completely, and they help us maintain the work and services that we provide.” 

Froese notes they have a list of various tasks that need to be taken care of, from yard maintenance and snow shoveling to sorting donations. 

“Volunteering opportunities include gardening, lawn mowing, snow blowing, building shelves, giving haircuts and manicures for our Spa Day, and helping with events like Teddy Bear Fun Day and International Women’s Day.  We are grateful for the time, talents, and experience our volunteers share with us and our clients. If you would like to volunteer in any way, please email volunteer@agapehouse.ca or please contact us.” - Agapehouse.ca 

In Grunthal, the Caring Hands Food Bank also wants to add a few people to their volunteer teams. 

Evy Wiebe says they have two teams that alternate on hamper pick up days so that it’s not a lot of time commitment and it gives the volunteers a chance to get to know everyone else on their small team. 

“We really like the teams because as we’re caring for the community, we also want to be a community that's caring for each other,” she says. “We only meet once a month as the team of volunteers, so it's not a high level of commitment.” 

You can find more information by calling the Grunthal Caring Hands Food Bank at 1-204-371-1394. 

-With files from Carly Koop