Volunteering in Calgary

[Pizza]

So I have some time freed up now and as a young, healthy human being, I want to give back to my community and help others who are in need.

Recommend me some volunteering options. With so many Calgarians here, I figure some of you may be involved in some local organizations, or know of some, who would need another set of hands to help out

I'm more in favor of activities that involves helping the elderly or children as they're less able help themselves. I cant do anything that involves handling animals as I have allergies

Thanks guys

[Sliver]

Good for you.

I was thinking of volunteering for Let's Clean Calgary this year - anybody know if that has already happened?

[Hockeyguy15]

Donate some blood/plasma while you are at it!

Try the boys and girls club, I'm sure they would be more than happy to take you.

http://www.boysandgirlsclubsofcalgary.ca/volunteer.html

[kirant]

Many retirement homes are looking for volunteers, as is the Foothills Hospital.

[KTrain]

http://www.volunteercalgary.ab.ca/

They have a searchable database of volunteer opportunities. I would suggest looking for short term volunteer opportunities first so you can see if it's for you.

You might also want to look for an opportunity that allows you to expand your career. The search allows you to look at volunteer jobs for marketing, financial, board members, etc. Not all opportunities are frontline but are still necessary for the operation of these non-profits.

[DrJ]

Charitable pizza donations would be greatly appreciated.

YMCA takes volunteers. Senior homes are also great experiences. If you want to volunteer at the hospital, they need a full year commitment so that may be more difficult.

[Slava]

What part of the city are you in? You could volunteer for your community association.

[Frank MetaMusil]

I sometimes volunteer Thursdays after work at the drop in centre cooking and serving food. My company donates a certain amount to them for every hour I put in as well.

[transplant99]

Alberta Childrens Hospital is a likely target for you as well.

[Bunk]

Definitely Volunteer Calgary is the best way to get connected based on your interests and skills. Good for you for taking the initiative!

[JiriHrdina]

The distress centre is always looking for volunteers to man their 24 hour crisis line. I did it for almost 10 years and found it very rewarding.

[afc wimbledon]

Do they have police reserves out there? that is a sort of a macho'ish volunteer program and can lead to a job if thats your inclination.

[metallicat]

Meals on Wheels, I used to deliver frozen food for them a few years back. Easy stuff, you get to drive around and meet people, and it's a good organization.

[nickerjones]

My mother in law is charge of the volunteer services for the CPS ... If you want more info I can get it for you ..

[Dion]

The Beverly Center (seniors home) in Lake Midnapore is always looking for volunteers willing to work with seniors. I did this for 5 years and found it quite rewarding. You can help with the daily activities they have planned for the seniors like bingo and other things. Then there's the bus outiings they take them on. You can also volunteer for one on one visitations where you become a friend to those who have no family. I visited with a blind woman 3 times a week before she passed away.

Hope that helps

[RW99]

nm

[Reggie Dunlop]

You could always volunteer to mow my lawn.

[Wormius]

I volunteered (and should again) with Tetra. They need engineers and people who are mechanically inclined and have tools to build custom devices for people with disabilities. Stuff like modding wheelchairs, book holders, etc.

[afc wimbledon]

what do you mod a wheelchair with generally? I assume the usual nitrus, racing clutch and a new chip set to get the BHP up.

[Pizza]

Awesome response. Thanks guys
I'll check out the links, especially that volunteer calgary one