Where to volunteer in Calgary?

[TopChed]

I am taking a university course where I need to write a paper based around experiences gained while volunteering. It has to be a new volunteer experience to me, so I figured I'd ask for suggestions.

I am wondering if anyone can point me towards a place that they have had a good experience. Also, it would help to know any organizations that are in need of volunteers at the moment. The requirement for my course is 10 hours, and ideally, I would be able to do it this week. My schedule is pretty flexible this upcoming week, so almost any hours could work.

If anyone knows a place where I could volunteer and immediately go to work, I'd appreciate the input.

[jar_e]

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

Pretty good list of places to volunteer from and you can search by interest/organization etc.

[KTrain]

You may want to look into some sort of "drop in" style volunteering if you're looking to get it done this week.

Many places looking for volunteers will want to do background checks and interviews so it could take longer to be accepted. They don't allow just anyone to volunteer because many volunteer positions can involve sensitive information or working with vulnerable populations.

[TopChed]

Thanks for the replies.

I just emailed a few places, but it seems like my best hopes are for data entry somewhere or to just go to the food bank this week.

Any other ideas definitely welcome

[pope04]

Another thought since I work for the City:

http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server....=2&cached=true

[GoFlamesGo89]

You could volunteer at the drop-in shelter downtown-- you would have plenty to write about for your paper, and it really does make one appreciative of how lucky most of us are. I'm sure you could get in quickly as well. I've volunteered in the kitchen, but I'm sure they have other areas as well.

[Sliver]

You could do some odd jobs around my house. PM me if interested.

[sclitheroe]

I had a paper requirement like this once...I made up a story about volunteering rather than actually go. You can tailor the story to cover a couple major themes such as interpersonal relations between "sense of entitlement guy", "holier than thou volunteer", "humble kid who is paying back those who helped him up", etc.

Overall I found the experience just as rewarding, and I got a good mark on the paper, so other than the people in actual need of volunteers, it was win-win

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

I had a paper requirement like this once...I made up a story about volunteering rather than actually go. You can tailor the story to cover a couple major themes such as interpersonal relations between "sense of entitlement guy", "holier than thou volunteer", "humble kid who is paying back those who helped him up", etc.

Overall I found the experience just as rewarding, and I got a good mark on the paper, so other than the people in actual need of volunteers, it was win-win

That's touching.

[burning_acid1]

I think the Mustard Seed allows for drop-ins.

[TopChed]

Originally Posted by sclitheroe

I had a paper requirement like this once...I made up a story about volunteering rather than actually go. You can tailor the story to cover a couple major themes such as interpersonal relations between "sense of entitlement guy", "holier than thou volunteer", "humble kid who is paying back those who helped him up", etc.

Overall I found the experience just as rewarding, and I got a good mark on the paper, so other than the people in actual need of volunteers, it was win-win

Lol

This was trumped when she told us a story about a group that tried to cheat their way out of it one semester. Three guys submitted papers with similar experiences at the same place, and she decided to check and make sure they all did it. Called someone at whatever charity it was, and they told her that the one guy who came was great.