Volunteer week 2022

CELEBRATING SERVUS
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Spring 2022 Special Edition

Thank You Volunteers

We see you helping in emergencies. We see you in schools. We see you
coaching athletes. We see you helping the homeless. We see you caring
for animals. We see you in health care centres. We see you assisting with
essential community services. We see you mentoring the next generation.

We see you all, and we salute your commitment to improving
the communities we call home.

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2 – National Volunteer Week 2022

Whether it is a neighbour “Servus is proud to sponsor individuals and stronger
shoveling your snow Volunteer Lethbridge communities.
covered sidewalk on for the Servus National Volunteer Lethbridge will
a freezing cold day, or Volunteer Week. Our recognize the community
an enthusiastic coach community is built on volunteers and the impact
tirelessly helping a young volunteers and we’d like they have in strengthening
player improve their to take this time to thank Lethbridge at the 2022
baseball swing, volunteers everyone that has helped to Volunteer Celebration Gala
are always there to lend a build Lethbridge to be such taking place April 28.
helping hand. a vibrant place to live,” says The Gala recognizes the
Ian Burns, CEO of Servus individuals, businesses,
Servus National Volunteer Credit Union. groups and associations
Week takes place April who donate countless hours
24-30 and the annual This year’s theme to truly make a difference.
celebration is a time to Volunteering Is Empathy Community members
recognize and celebrate In Action highlights how nominated individuals
the dedication and human connection is at or businesses that
achievement of volunteers. the heart of healthier

Continued on page 4
National Volunteer Week: 2022 – 3

demonstrated leadership, to the public good. We community and recognize
inspiration, innovation, celebrate the many that leadership happens
impact and engagement in achievements of the in multiple manners. We
the Lethbridge community. Leaders of Tomorrow in the wanted to be inclusive
The categories include 18-24 year old category, to recognize both the
Leaders of Tomorrow (5- and congratulate all those formal and informal ways
24 years old), Community being recognized!” says volunteerism occurs in our
Leaders (25+ years old), Dr. Shelly Wismath, Dean community,” says Amanda
Good Neighbour & Acts of The School of Liberal Jensen, Executive Director
of Kindness, Community Education. of Volunteer Lethbridge.
Inclusion, Lifetime Service
(30+ years of service), The volunteer award Last year’s event was
and Group & Business program has developed held virtually due to the
Community Impact throughout the years. pandemic, and Volunteer
recognizing those who Volunteer Lethbridge Lethbridge staff are excited
have contributed to the started the Leaders of to host this April’s event
wellbeing of Lethbridge. Tomorrow program 25 in person at the Sandman
The University of years ago to recognize Signature Lethbridge
Lethbridge School of the volunteer impact of Lodge. All award nominees
Liberal Education is youth, and last year the will be recognized at
sponsoring the Volunteer event was expanded to the ceremony, receive a
Celebration Gala this year. celebrate not only youth certificate and invitation to
Volunteer Lethbridge and volunteers but to also the evening featuring guest
the University of Lethbridge recognize community speakers, entertainment
created the UVolunteer involvement and highlight and a dinner.
program in 2013 to the invaluable support of
encourage volunteerism. local businesses. The 2022 Volunteer
The program works to pair Celebration Gala
students with their ideal “Volunteer Lethbridge builds upon Volunteer
volunteer positions within has a long history of Lethbridge’s guiding
the city. celebrating volunteers who principle to strengthen
“The School of Liberal demonstrate leadership. We and sustain a healthy,
Education at the University certainly want to continue vibrant community through
of Lethbridge is to recognize volunteerism support and advancement
of all ages in our of volunteer excellence.

proud to support National Volunteer Lethbridge is a capacity builder helping to
Volunteer Week and the strengthen and nurture growth in non-profits across
2022 Volunteer Celebration Southern Alberta, and support over 120 organizations
Gala. Our uLethbridge in Lethbridge. For more information on how to make
model of Liberal Education a difference and find out more about some of the
encourages our students volunteer opportunities available in our community
to be involved in their through Volunteer Lethbridge’s member agencies,
communities by thinking please go to www.volunteerlethbridge.com
about and contributing

4 – National Volunteer Week 2022

Let's Celebrate Servus
National Volunteer Week

April 24 we recognize the member Flexibility Learning
organizations that provide services and www.Flexibilitylearning.ca
support to Nature & the Environment
Frontier College
Friends of the Helen Schuler Nature Centre www.f rontiercollege.ca
www.naturecentre.ca/f riends
Volunteers are needed for: Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village
• Board of directors and Cottages
• Fundraising activities www.gss.org
• Grant applications
• Research Good Samaritan Society West
• River walks Highland Centre & Estates

Helen Schuler Nature Centre Junior Achievement Southern Alberta
www.lethbridge.ca/nature www.jasab.ca
Volunteers are needed for: Volunteers are needed for:
• Conservation Project • Mentorship
• Coulee Cleanup
• Shoreline Cleanup Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO)
• Invasive weed pull www.lethseniors.com
• Exhibit roving / docent Volunteers are needed for:
• Trail roving • Board of directors
• Program assistants • Bingo
• Behind the scenes • Meals on Wheels kitchen support,

Lethbridge & District Horticultural Society drivers and couriers
www.lethbridgehorticulture.org • Drive Happiness
Volunteers are needed for: • LSCO Boutique
• Office support • Computer clubs
• Board of directors • Special event decorating
• Fundraising activities • Gardening
• Plant gardens
Lethbridge Youth Foundation/5th on 5th
Parks Canada - Waterton Lakes National Park Youth Services
www.pc.gc.ca/waterton-volunteer www.youth.ab.ca
Volunteers are needed for: Volunteers are needed for:
• Be a citizen scientist • Board of directors
• Busy Beaver clean-up crew • Practicum students
• Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup • Building maintenance
• Adopt-a-Patch
• Spring bird count April 26 we recognize the member
• iNaturalist organizations that provide services and support
• Eco ambassadors to our Indigenous & Multicultural communities
• Group volunteer projects
Lethbridge Family Services Immigrant Services
April 25 we recognize the member www.lfsfamily.ca
organizations that provide services and Volunteers are needed for:
support to Youth, Students, & Seniors. • Connect with newcomers to help familiarize
Sponsored by Lethbridge College
them with the community
BGC Lethbridge
www.bgclethbridge.com April 27 we recognize the member
Volunteers are needed for: organizations that provide services and
• Kinder Club support to Health & Wellness. Sponsored
by Canadian Tire Lethbridge South
Big Brothers Big Sisters
www.bebig.ca Building Brains Together
Volunteers are needed for: www.buildingbrains.ca
• Fundraising activities
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters National Volunteer Week: 2022 – 5

Volunteers are needed for: YMCA of Lethbridge
• Research projects www.lethbridgeymca.ca
• Blog writing Volunteers are needed for:
• Special events • Group fitness instructors
• Play Kit assembly • Fitness floor attendants
• Family outdoor, play program • Membership gate greeters and tours
• Immigrant services pop up play • Child care support
• National Child Day • Bingos and fundraising activities
• Summer park events • Special events
• Committees (board and operational)
Canadian Mental Health Association - South Region
www.lethbridge.cmha.ca April 29 we recognize the member
Volunteers are needed for: organizations that provide services and
• Board of directors support to Social Services
• Fundraising activities
Ability Resource Association
Chinook Regional Foundation for www.abilityresource.ca
Career Transitions Volunteers are needed for:
www.careersteps.ca • Board of directors
Volunteers are needed for:
• Student events Alpha House
www.alphahouselethbridge.com
Coaldale Copperheads Hockey Team Volunteers are needed for:
www.coaldalecopperheads.com • Kitchen and laundry support
Volunteers are needed for:
• Game day Association Canadienne Francaise de l’Alberta
• Security (ACFA)
• Fundraising activities www.lethbridge.acfa.ab.ca
• Ticket sales Volunteers are needed for:
• Fundraising activities
Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta Branch
www.kidneywalk.ca Chinook Sexual Assault Centre
Volunteers are needed for: www.csacleth.ca
• Office support Volunteers are needed for:
• Board of directors • Peer support groups
• Fundraising activities • Board of directors
• Special events
Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association  
www.ltra.ca Crossroads Counselling Centre
Volunteers are needed for: www.crossroadscounselling.ca
• Board of directors Volunteers are needed for:
• Fundraising activities • Board of directors
• Animal husbandry tasks • Fundraising activities
• Assisting stable management
• Assisting equine coaches Family Centre
www.famcentre.ca
Southern Alberta Self-Help Association Volunteers are needed for:
www.sashahouse.org • Board of directors
Volunteers are needed for: • Fundraising activities
• Meal planning and cooking • Office support
• Group activities • Early Childhood Education assistants

St. John Ambulance Family Ties
www.stjohn.ab.ca www.familyties.ca
Volunteers are needed for:
• Child Safety Seat facilitator Interfaith Food Bank
• Therapy dog program www.interfaithfoodbank.ca
• Medical first responder Volunteers are needed for:
• Ambassador Program • Receiving and sorting donations
• Packaging food hampers
Wellness Through Living Society • Giving out food hampers to clients
www.wellnessthoughliving.ca • Run Interfaith Learning Garden
Volunteers are needed for:
• Office support Lethbridge Food Bank
• Board of directors www.lethbridgefoodbank.ca
• Fundraising activities Volunteers are needed for:
• Distribute food to clients
• Sort produce and package food for clients
• Mindful Munchies (make sandwiches and

6 – National Volunteer Week 2022

lunches for students) United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta
• Make food hampers, sort donations www.lethbridgeunitedway.ca
Volunteers are needed for:
Lethbridge John Howard Society • Fundraising activities
www.johnhoward.ab.ca • Lethbridge Hurricanes raffle ticket sales
Volunteers are needed for: • Local Love Golf Classic
• Accounting
• Board of directors YWCA Lethbridge & District
• Client services www.ywcalethbridge.com
• Connecting clients to community resources Volunteers are needed for:
• Sorting donations
Lethbridge Pregnancy Care Centre
www.lethbridgepregcentre.com April 30 we recognize the member
Volunteers are needed for: organizations that provide services
• Office support and support to Arts & Culture
• Board of directors
• Fundraising activities Branches Fine Arts Academy
• Other activities www.branchesfinearts.ca
Volunteers are needed for:
MADD Lethbridge and Area • Office support
www.maddchapters.ca/lethbridge • Fundraising activities
Volunteers are needed for: • Student mentorships
• Victim support • Educational assistants
• Fundraising activities
• Board of directors Canadian Herstory
• Awareness campaigns • Writers
• Social media • Graphic designers

Martha Retreat Centre Galt Museum & Archives
www.martharetreatcentre.ca www.galtmuseum.com
Volunteers are needed for: Volunteers are needed for:
• Building team • Office support
• Board of directors • Special events
• Fundraising activities
• Peace At Lunch Program (P.A.L.) Lethbridge Folk Club
• Music on the Grounds www.lethbridgefolkclub.com
• Grounds, hospitality, prayer, program, and Volunteers are needed for:
• Board of directors
promotions team support • Fundraising activities
• Special events
Read On - Lethbridge Public Library • Bartender
www.lethlib.ca/readon • Merchandise and concession Sales
Volunteers are needed for: • Stagehands
• Fundraising activities • Door monitors
• Family Literacy Program • Security
• Read On (tutors for adult literacy and learning)
Lethbridge Symphony Association
Salvation Army Lethbridge www.lethbridgesymphony.org
www.lethbridgesalvationarmy.ca Volunteers are needed for:
Volunteers are needed for: • Board of directors
• Thrift Store • Front of house for concerts
• Christmas Kettle • Stage crew
• Food Hamper
Southern Alberta Art Gallery
Stitch It Forward Society www.saag.ca
www.stitchitforward.org Volunteers are needed for:
Volunteers are needed for: • Office support
• Board of directors • Board of directors
• Bookkeeping • Fundraising activities
• Grant applications • Events
• Knitting, sewing, crocheting, quilting • Programs
• Fundraising activities • Shop
• Work bee planning and implementing • Exhibitions
• Delivering supplies and finished projects
• Sorting through donations National Volunteer Week: 2022 – 7
• Social media and website support
• Make project kits for volunteers
• Contact organizations to determine needs

The effects of

Vovlouluwnntteeeelreli-nrbgsoe’ning
Arecent analysis examining the good news for volunteers, many of
potential correlation between whom may be quick to point out
volunteering and well-being found that they get as much as they give
that volunteering is associated with when volunteering. Recent analyses
a higher well-being as well as a support that notion and may compel
positive change in well-being. Authors millions more to make time to give
of the study, which was published in back through volunteering. Though
the Journal of Happiness Studies in more studies are needed, the
March of 2020, acknowledged that Cleveland Clinic notes that some of
evidence pertaining to the correlation the health benefits often associated
between volunteering and well-being with volunteering include lower blood
has accumulated gradually in recent pressure, increased self-esteem,
years, though they feel their study lower levels of depression and stress,
offers the most realistic assessment and greater satisfaction with life.
to date in regard to that link. That's
Credit: MetroCreative

“You make a living by what you get.
You make a life by what you give.”

THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SERVICE!

(403) 327-1515 • marquisflowers.com

8 – National Volunteer Week 2022

National Volunteer Week: 2022 – 9

Presented by Volunteer Lethbridge
Cocktails, Dinner, Entertainment, Celebration

For tickets &
more details visit
VolunteerLethbridge.com

10 – National Volunteer Week 2022

Volunteering is a great way for  Utilize the internet. often sponsor youth-based
people to give back to their volunteering activities. Many
communities. Many people give The internet is a great resource churches encourage all youths
back out of a desire to help others, for aspiring volunteers. to join in their efforts, including
but those same individuals may VolunteerMatch.org partners those who are not members of
acknowledge that volunteering with more than 130,000 nonprofit their congregations.
benefits volunteers most of all. organizations to help them find
the volunteers they rely on to  Speak with children.
Various studies examining the meet their missions. Volunteering
benefits of volunteering on opportunities listed on Parents can encourage youngsters
volunteers have been conducted VolunteerMatch are broken into to offer their input in regard to
in recent years. Seniors and retirees categories such as Animals, Arts volunteering. Some youngsters
who volunteer often cite the sense of & Culture and even Children & may already have strong ideas
purpose that giving back provides. Youth, making this an ideal place on the types of volunteering
But it’s not just adults who benefit for aspiring do-gooders to start activities that interest them.
from volunteering. In fact, a report their volunteering journey. For example, avid surfers and
from the Institute of Agriculture and nature enthusiasts may want to
Natural Resources at the University  Speak with School volunteer with their local parks
of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension noted officialS. A child’s school is system to help keep beaches and
that volunteerism promotes positive parks clean. The more enthusiastic
citizenship among youth, contributes another great place to discover children are about a volunteering
to youths’ identity development volunteering organizations. opportunity, the more likely
and increases their self-esteem. The Extracurricular activities like they are to stick with it for the
authors of the report also note that school-sponsored clubs may long haul.
volunteering helps youth develop organize volunteering excursions
empathy for others. throughout the school year. Volunteering benefits
Educators, including school young people in myriad
Parents who want their children to principals, teachers and guidance
reap the rewards of volunteering counselors, also can help parents ways, especially
can try various strategies to help find the right volunteering when kids find an
youngsters find an opportunity to opportunities for their children. opportunity they can be
lend a hand. passionate about.
 Speak with local
chUrch officialS.

Like schools, local churches

National Volunteer Week: 2022 – 11

Seniors are interviewed
as part of the program
and matched with a
volunteer who best
fits their needs and
personality.

The past two volunteers with Volunteers also benefit
years have been a seniors for weekly from the program in
challenging and lonely phone support calls. the relationships that
time for many people, Participants bond develop and the impact
and a local program is over their interests, seniors feel knowing
providing support to activities and lives, that someone does
help make a difference and volunteers also care and is willing to
for seniors. help connect seniors take the time to simply
with resources and listen.
Volunteer Lethbridge support services in the
developed the Keep community. “I have enjoyed many,
In Touch Program in many volunteer
response to the global “[The] Volunteer is very positions over the
pandemic that aims nice and I feel like I years. I am currently a
to provide emotional know her even though volunteer with the Keep
support to reduce the we have never met. in Touch Program in
isolation and loneliness She is a super lady, so Lethbridge. I became
of seniors. comfortable to talk a volunteer with the
to. You cannot have a program in January
The program pairs better friend - she is just 2021. What immediately
like family. I love her so stood out for me (above
12 – National Volunteer Week 2022 much,” says participant all the volunteer work
Kathie Gust. I have done) was the
tremendous support
Senior participants offered to me and other
are referred to the volunteers from the
program through a program staff to ensure
variety of ways ranging that I was comfortable
from medical clinics, and effective in my
community agencies, volunteer role. From
family or friends. quick responses to my

Continued on page 13

that require a variety productive, just

phone calls and emails, of talents, like many because I wanted
check-in calls from of the hobbies I enjoy, to. And that is what
staff, monthly video that fit into the mission volunteering is for me.
meetings for volunteers, or the operations of Things like the Yoga
newsletters and a an organization. It Club and Lethbridge
very comprehensive was really rewarding Sustainable Living
volunteer manual I for me to use those Association that I
feel so supported and hobbies that I did in volunteer for. They are
prepared to help the my free time to make fulfilling to me, and
Senior with whom I a difference to other they really help the
have been matched,” people. community. That is
says Janice Varzari. what drives me.”
“I am a huge believer in - Loryn Plante,
The need continues to doing things because UVolunteer.
grow. The program has you want to. And
expanded across the that was kind of what Loryn Plante
province and Keep In volunteering provided
Touch Rural Community for me because it felt
partners include like I had to pay my
Barons-Eureka-Warner rent, so I had to have a
FCSS, Strathmore FCSS, job and I had to work.
County of Grande And I was in school
Prairie No.1, Westlock because I wanted to get
& District FCSS, a degree, so I had to be
Neighbourlink Parkland in classes. Those both
felt like obligations.
But I wanted to do
something with
my time that was

Spruce Grove, FCSS Fort More information on the Keep In
Macleod and Volunteer

Strathcona. Touch program can be found at

“There are so many www.volunteerlethbridge.com or

volunteer opportunities by phone at 403-332-4320.

available in this city

National Volunteer Week: 2022 – 13

During the months between  AnimAl shelter:  religious groups:
graduating high school and
beginning college, or between Animal shelters rely on Churches, synagogues and
getting a university degree volunteers to help with their mosques may have volunteer
and entering the workforce, operations. They can be a opportunities focused on
graduates may want to explore good fit for anyone with a community outreach or
the personal growth that comes passion for animals and animal programs affiliated with local
from volunteerism. rights activism. nonprofits.
Volunteering provides various
benefits. Some of these rewards  english As A second  conservAtion
include networking with an lAnguAge: groups:
entirely different group of people.
Volunteering also can help a Volunteers can spend time Volunteers can work on
person realize greater happiness abroad teaching English to conservation projects
by doing selfless acts for others, students. Others may want across the country. From
while they also can help one to volunteer domestically by wildlife management to trail
to realize a new passion. In the helping non-English-speaking restoration to invasive species
future, volunteering with an individuals improve their eradication, there are a wide
organization also may help with a language skills. variety of conservation-based
student's job search. volunteering opportunities.
There are many arenas where young  community
people can focus their volunteer government:  tutoring:
efforts. Here are some ideas.
A person may choose to sit Graduates can volunteer to
on the board of a school, tutor students in local schools
a neighborhood housing or overseas.
association, or even explore
volunteerism with a township Volunteerism can fill gap
municipal office. This will years or add to résumés
provide valuable hands-on
experience and may help one for recent graduates.
lend a voice to issues that Credit: Metrocreative
affect his or her living situation.

14 – National Volunteer Week 2022

Proud to Support our local Volunteers

National Volunteer Week: 2022 – 15

Thank you

to our generous sponsors for their support
in making Servus National Volunteer Week

a success!

Canadian Cornerstone Warwick
Western Bank Funeral Home Printing Co. Ltd.