Numerous volunteer opportunities abound in Moose Jaw, which can be great for seniors since they can give back to their communities and maintain their physical and mental health.
Presented below are a few places where seniors can volunteer in the community.
Humane Society
While the Moose Jaw Humane Society focuses on animals, it requires humans to ensure the organization runs smoothly, which means volunteers are always welcome.
There are three areas where seniors can help: cuddling cats, organizing and selling books and helping at fundraising events.
Volunteers can spend 30 minutes playing with and holding the felines. This is a great way to socialize the animals and lets seniors be with animals if their condos or apartments deny pet ownership.
There is an on-site bookstore that requires sorting since it receives boxes regularly. Seniors can organize the literature, while they can also sell books if customers come.
The humane society holds several events during the spring and summer that need tickets sold or someone to sell merchandise at a table. While most summer events and fundraisers have finished, seniors should still watch for other opportunities in the fall or winter, such as the annual radiothon.
To volunteer, call 306-692-1517.
Canadian Blood Services
Canadian Blood Services sends a mobile clinic to Moose Jaw on the first Tuesday of every month. Volunteer shifts typically run from three to 3.5 hours.
Some ways volunteers can help include monitoring donors post-donation, serving refreshments, acting as ambassadors in the community and recruiting residents to give blood.
To volunteer, visit blood.ca or call 1-888-2DONATE (236-6283).
Western Development Museum
Volunteering at the Western Development Museum can be a great place for seniors because many displays likely harken back to their younger days.
The museum needs volunteers to support the many activities it holds — usually on the weekend — throughout the year. Some events focus on Lego, steam-related machines, fashion show, museum day, pioneer days, model trains, energy efficiency, archives and heritage, and a Christmas program.
To volunteer, contact Alexis Jones at 306-693-5989.
Sukanen museum
Similar to the WDM, the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum focuses on promoting Saskatchewan’s early days and the pioneers who helped build the province. It has several events throughout the year where volunteers are required.
Some volunteer areas include groundskeeping, vehicle and tractor maintenance, arranging or re-arranging displays, and helping with building upgrades and maintenance. A ladies’ group also helps paint, organize, clean, garden and perform other activities.
To volunteer, call Gord at 306-630-5727.
Moose Jaw Cultural Centre
The Moose Jaw Cultural Centre hosts shows 11 months of the year and, to ensure each show runs smoothly, needs a dedicated team of 18 volunteers each time.
The centre offers training to volunteers and, once trained, offers mentorship for a few shows before helpers operate solo. The organization needs people to be ushers, bartenders, ticket scanners, ticket sellers, greeters and facilitators, among other roles.
To join, contact volunteer co-ordinator Jen Warren by email at jennifer@moosejawculture.ca.
Moose Jaw Art Gallery and Museum
Volunteers are an integral part of the Moose Jaw Art Gallery and Museum, which hosts several events each year that require help. Volunteers contribute their time and sometimes materials for events.
Some yearly activities include ParkArt, fundraising, gallery exhibitions, scavenger hunts, receptions, school tours and programs, Festival of Words, and other events.
To volunteer, call 306-692-4471.
Churches
There are nearly 40 churches in Moose Jaw and many of them typically hold events that require some help. While most rely on their members, some probably need outside help.
For example, St. Aidan Anglican Church and St. Andrew’s United Church have lunch programs that feed people struggling to find nourishment. Teams of volunteers are required to ensure lunches are made and distributed.
To volunteer with any church, search for numbers in the phone book or online.
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