Volunteer Opportunities Over the Winter Break

Winter break is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, but let’s face it – it can get a little boring if you don’t have a lot to do. So to spice up your holiday break, you should consider volunteering in your community. It’s also a great way to meet new people, add some valuable volunteer hours to your resumé and remember what the holidays are really about. If volunteering is on your to-do list this holiday break, here are some opportunities to consider!

Mount Seymour
This is a completely different kind of volunteering but can be a blast for people who are really into skiing or snowboarding. As a volunteer, you would be working with Mt. Seymour’s Bear Cubs program or as a mountain host. There are some requirements though as you must be over 15 years of age, have a first aid certificate and commit to a minimum of 72 hours snow work plus six hours training. For more information visit www.mountseymour.com.

Operation Christmas Child (Samaritan’s Purse)
Samaritan’s Purse is an international relief organization that provides aid across the world. Operation Christmas Child has been a hands-on project of Samaritan’s Purse since 1993. Shoeboxes are filled with school supplies and gifts for children overseas. Volunteers are needed at the processing centre to sort and process gift-filled shoe boxes, or send a shoebox of your own. Visit www.samaritanspurse.ca for more info.

Union Gospel Mission
The Union Gospel Mission is another great option since they are always looking for volunteers. The jobs at Union Gospel Mission usually entail working at soup kitchens or helping out with collecting warm clothing for people in need. If you’re looking for something to do over winter break and at the same time really help out people who are in need, this can be a really life-changing experience. Check out www.umg.ca and click “Take Action” to find out more.

Food Banks
The food bank is always looking for people during the holidays. At this time of year, when people are celebrating and feasting it is particularly difficult for those who cannot afford to feed themselves or treat themselves to a holiday meal. Everyone needs help sometimes, and it’s a great feeling to be able to help someone out with their basic needs. Check out Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society at www.foodbank.bc.ca

Salvation Army Kettle Drive
The Salvation Army is always looking for new volunteers. The Kettle Drive is a great way to help in the community and get some volunteer hours. This year, the organization has introduced iKettle 2009 for online bell-ringers! You can customize your own iKettle web page and then invite others via email to donate and fill your
iKettle. For more info on how you can help, visit www.salvationarmy.ca