Volunteer Voice - "Volunteers Mean the World to Us!"

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Have a fun time volunteering with Between Friends Club! Sign up early to guarantee a spot in your favorite program(s).

What are the programs?

The programs are held most evenings and weekends so you can sign up for a program that fits with your schedule. Each program is designed to offer social and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities. You can volunteer in any of our programs such as Bowling, Swimming, Teen Night Out, Simply Social, Yoga, Dance, and other fun activities.

Where do the programs take place?

Programs locations vary and we offer programs in North, South or Central Calgary in order to serve our members located across Calgary.

What is the time commitment?

Typically our programs run for eight weeks and our summer programs run for four weeks. A commitment of once a week for the full eight weeks at 1.5 – 4 hours a week is expected, depending on the program of choice. You will be volunteering at the same time, same day each week and, depending on the program, the same location each week.

How do I volunteer for a program?

Volunteering with us is easy. If you are a previous volunteer or staff member, all you have to do is pick a program and call to let us know you are interested. If you are a new volunteer it is just as easy. Call and let us know you are interested in volunteering. The Personnel Coordinator and yourself with arrange a mutually agreed upon date and time for a brief meet and greet.

This initial meeting will allow open communication of what Between Friends Clubs’expectation are of our volunteers and to find out what you would like to experience. From this meeting we can decide on a program that is beneficial to both yourself and Between Friends Club. New volunteers will be provided with an orientation and training package/session prior to the start of a program.

Follow this link to complete an application form to get started as a volunteer.

Who can volunteer?

Our year round W.E.S.O.A.R! volunteers are required to be 16 years of age or older. Group volunteer opportunities are available for special events, Books Between Friends and other areas. Junior volunteers, 12 – 15 years old, are welcome to volunteer during the summer months at Camp Bonaventure. All volunteers are required to go through a screening process prior to volunteering with Between Friends Club.

2010 VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

W.E.S.O.A.R! Volunteer Opportunities Summer 2010

Position:	Program Recreation Assistant
Date:	Evening and Weekends. A commitment of one night a week for 10 weeks is required.
Where:	Various locations throughout the city - Choose from North, South or Central Programs.
Who:	Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.
Time Commitment:	Each program is 8 weeks, approximately two hours per week.
Role:	Volunteers will provide support and friendship to people with disabilities in a fun, safe and inclusive environment. Volunteers are expected to exhibit patience, caring attitudes and model positive behaviors.

During July and August, we provide W.E.S.O.A.R! Programs only to our Young Adult and Adult participants. Youth and Teen W.E.S.O.A.R! Programs will continue in the fall.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

SPECIAL EVENT VOLUNTEERING

What:	Camp Cookout Volunteers - Volunteers are needed to assist with our weekly camp cookout for Camp Bonaventure and Day Trippers during the month of August. Volunteers are needed Thursdays, during the evening hours for an hour or two to help cook and serve dinner to participants that will be sleeping over at Camp. Volunteer groups of 4-8 are invited to help out. All equipment and supplies will be provided by the organization - volunteers/groups just need to help cook, serve and have fun with Campers and Camp Leaders!
What:	Between Friends Club Charity Golf Classic - Volunteers are needed to help with our upcoming Golf Tournament on Monday, August 23 at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club. Responsibilities include helping with registration, watching one of the hole-in-ones and helping with the silent auction.
What:	Group or Corporate Group Volunteering - Please contact our Personnel Coordinator for specific projects and dates.
What:	Flower Day - Volunteers will be needed Saturday, September 11 to assist us in preparation for Between Friends Club's annual Friendship Day.

SUMMER VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

What/When:

Camp Bonaventure/Adventurers/Summer Camps - Volunteers will be needed during the summer months of July and August to volunteer at our summer programs. Volunteers will be helping our Group and Team Leaders in the care and supervision of a number of campers. Volunteers are expected to volunteer for a full day and participate in the scheduled activity. Volunteers are required to model positive behavior and be a positive role model. Volunteers 12 years old and older are welcome to apply.

BOOKS BETWEEN FRIENDS

Books Between Friends is a book store that is located at Alberta Computer Cable (1816 - 25th Avenue NE) and helps raise money for charities such as Between Friends club.

Volunteers are needed year round to help with sorting, organizing, and shelving books. Volunteers may be asked to help in other capacities, in relation to Books Between Friends.

Every couple of months they have huge book sales where they need volunteersto help sell and sort books.

There are tons of books so even if you are unable to volunteer, visit Books Between Friends to peruse the selection. You will be pleasantly surprised at the bargains and the wide, wide, WIDE selection that Books Between Friends has!

If you would like more information or to volunteer at Books Between Friends, please call 291-5560.

WHO TO CONTACT FOR VOLUNTEER OR STAFFING QUESTIONS

Please contact Kathleen Whelan at 508-0111 or kwhelan@betweenfriends.ab.ca for information about getting involved with Between Friends Club as a volunteer.