Volunteer Newsletter
February 2020
The Town of Blackfalds recognize the important work that individuals and local non-profit organizations provide to our community. Every year, Blackfalds FCSS hosts two events: Volunteer Appreciation Event during National Volunteer Week and Youth Recognition Night during Youth Week. These events recognize and thank Blackfalds volunteers for the time and energy they contribute to causes that benefit our community and provide us with an opportunity to promote the benefits of volunteering to individuals and society as a whole.

Do you know someone in your organization who selflessly gives their time? Please consider recognizing them by nominating them for the awards listed below before March 1, 2020. Full details, including nomination form, criteria and guidelines for each award can be found in the below links

Recognizes an individual who has exemplified volunteerism by being a leader through their actions.
Recognizes an outstanding mentor in our community who demonstrates commitment to mentoring community members.
Recognizes a group of 3 or more people, organization, society or team who have come together to volunteer time involving leadership, innovation and creativity.
Recognizes a youth individual or group who has contributed to their community and been an ambassador for the community of Blackfalds.
Recognizes a youth between grades 1-12 who deserve recognition for their devotion to helping others.
Recognizes a group of 3 or more people, organization, society or team who have come together to volunteer time involving leadership, innovation and creativity.

Cara Kroetsch, FCSS Volunteer Programmer
BE THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY !
Volunteering offers vital assistance to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, therefore transforming both the lives of the people who volunteer and those who benefit.

“The Heart of a Volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the
Commitment to Make a Difference in the lives of others.” ―  DeAnn Hollis

As part of the volunteer recruitment process, we require your Volunteer Form and a Criminal Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search (for volunteers 18 years of age and older) to be conducted as part of the screening process. Volunteers are required to reaffirm their interest in volunteering for events every 24 months. Download the Volunteer Form.

For more information please contact the Blackfalds FCSS Volunteer Programmer at 403.885.6360 or email volunteer@blackfalds.com.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Jim Hurley Free Skate Monitor ~ Sunday's
The Town of Blackfalds is looking for a volunteer to help monitor the Jim Hurley Free Skate on Sunday’s from 6:00-7:45pm.

This volunteer will help arena staff with skate aids at the beginning and after the skate, as well as monitor safety and behavior - both on and off the ice. Volunteer must be 17 years of age or older, have competent skating abilities and have strong conflict resolution skills.

If you have any questions about the volunteer position please feel free to connect with Parks & Facilities Manager, Jeff Heindel
Winterfest ~ February 17
Below is a list of volunteer opportunities during Winterfest, shorter shifts available:

* Kids Zone from 10:30am-2:30pm in the Field House | Abbey Centre
Help supervise inflatables or drop-in sports in the field house

* L'IL Chippers from 10:45-2:15pm outside of the Abbey Centre
Help families carve ice sculptures in the Igloo

* Parking from 10:30am-3:30pm in parking lot at the Abbey Centre
Help Bylaw with parking
Winterfest Penguin Dippers Needed
It's once again the time of year where participants take an icy plunge in order to raise money for a favorite charity! Would you like to make a difference while participating in one of the most popular Blackfalds winter events? Sign up today to join other eager dippers for the 2020 Penguin Dip.
For more information please check out the Penguin Dip Package
Snow Angel Program ~ Winter Season
The Snow Angel Program is a volunteer program that supports Blackfalds residents who require assistance to clear their snowy driveway and/or walkway.

"Adopting" a drive/walkway is a fun and healthy way for all ages to be good neighbours, while contributing to improving the quality of life of others in the community. Those needing assistance can contact Volunteer Programmer to be matched with a Snow Angel.
As a Snow Angel you are committed to the same resident throughout the season and may adopt more than one resident if desired. Volunteers who have been matched will receive a toque & collapsible shovel at the beginning of the season, which has been generously donated by Telus.

For more information please check out the brochure.

Snow Angels needed in the following areas:
  • Popular Ave
  • Westview Cres
  • Landsdowne Ave
Pink Shirt Day ~ February 26
Once again FCSS would like to invite you to join us in celebrating Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday February 26, 2020.

Pink Shirt Day is a nationally recognized bullying awareness campaign. We are encouraging everyone to practice kindness and wear a Pink Shirt on February 26 th to symbolize that we, in the Town of Blackfalds, do not tolerate bullying. 
Other Volunteer Opportunities
  • Canadian Red Cross is seeking volunteers for their Emergency Management program. While based in Red Deer, Volunteers in this program will respond to small-scale disasters across Central Alberta and large-scale disasters across the province, and the country. Volunteers are asked to consider that immediate deployments are unlikely and on-going training is key to being prepared to respond when and if the volunteer has available to do so. Please apply online.

  • 1st Blackfalds Scouts… Where adventure begins. From ages 5 to 25 we currently offer Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Do you have what it takes? Contact us today via Facebook or at myscouts.ca . IT STARTS WITH SCOUTS.

  • Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society invites you to accept the challenge of helping others in your community and to make a difference in the lives of victims/witnesses of crime and tragedy. We are currently looking for Board Members and Event Volunteers for the victim services program at the Blackfalds RCMP Detachment. Call 403-885-3355 or check our website at www.victimsupport.ca for volunteer application forms. We can also be found on Facebook.

  • Block Parent is a non-profit organization and being a board member is really easy. We meet when we can (a few times a year) and we try to put on one fundraiser a year. At Blackfalds Days,we ran a BBQ in partnership with FCSS. As well, we try to attend at least one market/fair to talk about the program & getting more Block Parent homes signed up. Board Members Needed!!! Please contact Jody for more information at 403.350.9434.
Blackfalds FCSS | 5016 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB
Volunteer Programmer | 403.885.6360 | volunteer@blackfalds.com
www.blackfalds.com/volunteer