Instead of lending money, lend your time this holiday season.
The Town of Cochrane has a long list of year-round volunteer opportunities for those who want to give back but might be strapped for cash.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation, a registered charity that invites individuals to volunteer at events throughout the year to help fundraise to invest donor dollars toward initiatives and programs that lead to, research and programs that have a clear impact for patients, earlier detection, and improved treatments and an enhanced quality of life.
For more information, go to albertacancer.ca/get-involved/volunteer
Alberta Health Services (AHS) seeks volunteers who want to help people and make a difference in the community. With the help of AHS volunteers, the time and energy provide support to the staff, while adding the extra care to the quality healthcare patients and residents receive.
For more information, go to albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page12616.aspx
Bethany Care, founded by volunteers in 1945, seeks volunteers to support all areas of the organization and help “spirit and individuality” of the residents.
For more information about volunteering, send an email to [email protected] with the location of where you would like to volunteer.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, with approximately 100 Cochrane children and teens currently paired with Big Brothers or Sisters, the organization is always looking for more adult mentors to help youth connect on a positive and meaningful level.
For more information, go to bbbscalgary.ca/programs/cochrane/
Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area (BGCCA) staff are grateful for any time Cochranites have to offer with multiple programs and events to choose from including out of school care, gametech, leaders in training, Rogers Raising the Grade, youth drop in, year-round events, Youth Emergency Support Services (YESS), and the board of directors.
For more information, go to bgccochrane.ca/be-involved/volunteer
The Cochrane Historical & Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS), founded in 1999 is always welcoming volunteers to help them work to identify, preserve, protect and educate the public about historically signification properties and buildings in Cochrane.
For more information, go to chapscochrane.com/
Cochrane Activettes are a dedicated group of women with the goal to engage in charitable welfare and civic work in the community with annual projects including the twice a year food drives, and Share Your Christmas campaign.
For more information, go to cochraneactivettes.com
Cochrane and Area Events Society, the non-profit society has two missions, to support and strengthen Cochrane’s economy through large-scale events, and to encourage and promote Cochrane’s community spirit. The society seeks volunteers for annual events such as Winterfest, Canada Day and Labour Day parade.
For more information go to cochraneevents.ca
The Cochrane and Area Humane Society is a non-profit local animal shelter always seeking help with a variety of volunteer opportunities such as fostering animals, helping with laundry and dog-walking – to name a few.
For more information, go to cochranehumane.ca/volunteer/help-out/
Cochrane and Area Victim Services Society is seeking victim advocates that are non-judgmental, honest, hard-working volunteers who are willing to commit a year to helping people during the toughest part of their lives.
For more information, go to cochranevictimservices.ca/volunteer/
Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce is a member-based group of business people looking for volunteers to promote local business and ensure a strong economy.
For more information, go to cochranechamber.ca
Cochrane Block Parents is always seeking volunteers to help provide immediate assistance through a safety network and offer supportive community education programs.
For more information, go to facebook.com/cochraneblockparents
Cochrane Home Treasures, a non-profit organization that funds “worthy causes and initiatives” in the community is always seeking volunteers to help fuel their team.
For more information, go to cochranehometreasures.ca/volunteering
Cochrane Research Institute is always looking for volunteers devoted to the preservation of biodiversity, conservation of indigenous species and restoration of ecosystems.
For more information, go to cochraneresearchinstitute.org
The Cochrane Society for Housing Options (CSHO) is a registered nonprofit always seeking volunteers to help with the mandate to promote access to safe, suitable, and diverse housing appropriate to the incomes of Cochrane citizens.
For more information, go to csho.ca.
Cochrane Tourism Association is looking for volunteers to help promote the community through the encouragement and facilitation of events, promotions and campaigns to raise the awareness of Cochrane as an outstanding, innovative and exciting visitor destination.
For more information, go to cochrane-tourism.ca
The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane & Area is always looking for volunteers for respite, small handyman jobs, tutoring, light housekeeping, moving assistance, visitation, volunteer driver program, summer do crew, snow helper program and newcomer helper program.
For more information, go to helpinghandscochrane.ca
Home Reno Heaven needs volunteers year-round to help provide recycling opportunities for home renovation products and appliances that still have useful service life, while generating revenue for self-sustaining affordable programs.
For more information, go to homerenoheaven.com
Nan Boothby Memorial Library is always recruiting volunteers for the Friends of the Nan, a group of library volunteers who support community libraries through fundraising events throughout the year.
For more information, go to cochranepubliclibrary.ca
The Rocky View Foundation (Big Hill Lodge) is a registered charity that welcomes volunteers to get involved and interact with seniors living at the residences, such as art classes, crafts, manicures, exercise programs, bus outing or entertainment.
For more information, go to rockyviewfoundation.org
Seniors for Kids Society is seeking volunteers for the non-profit organization that promotes intergenerational relationships, where seniors become mentors or “school grandparents” to young students.
For more information, go to seniorsforkids.ca
Seniors on the Bow Centre needs help year round for the centre that provides programs and resources for adults 50 and over in Cochrane and surrounding area.
For more information, go to cochrane.ca/257/Seniors-on-the-Bow-Centre
Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre has opportunities for volunteers of all ages for instructing or assisting with programs, giving tours of the facility, sharing information about the facility or assistant with special events like Family Day, the Community Wellness Fair, Stampede Breakfast, Halloween and Santa’s Cabin – to name a few.
For more information, go to slssportscentre.com/index.php/contact/volunteering
For additional volunteer opportunities and information, contact Brenda Dennis at [email protected].
FACTBOX
Reasons to volunteer:
Opportunities to meet new people and become familiar with the community
The satisfaction that comes when providing service.
Gain more excitement in your life.
The opportunities for continuous learning and personal growth.
Career development, items for your resume, and new job skills.
A feeling of increased self-confidence and self-esteem.
Opportunities to help solve local issues and become a leader in your community.
A chance to give back and make the community a better place to live.
