Volunteer Newsletter
May 2020
COVID-19 and Volunteering Update from Volunteer Canada

The outpouring of support and generosity of people helping others within the uncertainty and anxiety that this public health emergency has created is nothing other than awe-inspiring. We applaud all those who reach out to others, whether within their networks of family, friends and neighbours or through non-profit organizations and public agencies. The expertise of volunteer centres, volunteer resource managers, and corporate community engagement professionals can go a long way to increasing safety for volunteers and those being helped. 

Volunteer Canada is currently listing sites for people interested in COVID-19 response volunteer opportunities that are connected to local volunteer centres. This is because volunteer centres know the organizations in their communities and are vetting the opportunities for safety and quality. Volunteer centres also provide resources to organizations on screening, volunteer safety, virtual volunteering, and other key volunteer engagement practices. The leadership of volunteer centres increases the safety and quality of the volunteer experience for both the volunteer and those they are helping. 

Many  volunteer centres  across the country have volunteer matching platforms where individuals can find and apply online to volunteer opportunities during COVID-19.

Locally, please click here for more information - Red Deer – Volunteer Central or Volunteer Alberta (Volunteer Alberta is an inclusive member association serving and representing Alberta’s diverse nonprofit organizations. They are a voice for the value of volunteerism and the nonprofit sector, encouraging participation and collaboration that contributes to the common good in Alberta.)
Blackfalds Lunch Box Program

Blackfalds Food Bank, After the Grind and Blackfalds FCSS have partnered to offer our community the Blackfalds Lunch Box Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic our children may not be getting the nutrition that their growing bodies and minds need. To meet this need this program has been developed.

If your household, or someone you know, could benefit from this program please contact FCSS at 403.600.9066 or send an email.

There is no eligibility to access this program, outside of being from Blackfalds.

Special thank you to the amazing sponsors that have made this program possible! Telus, Go Services, MEGlobal, Dow, Vesta Energy, Blackfalds IGA, Central Alberta United Way, Optimist Club, Gurleen's Enterprises LTD. and some very generous community members.
Blackfalds Food Bank
If you are looking for ways to help our community cope with the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the Blackfalds Food Bank is looking for your help!

Did you know that you can donate non perishable goods at our local IGA? If every time a person did their grocery shopping, they donated one item - our Food Bank would have shelves full to bursting! Want to donate online? Visit ATBCares .
Our Blackfalds Food Bank does not have a financial eligibility threshold. If you know someone who could benefit from the great local partnerships that the Food Bank Society has created - please refer them to FCSS so they can get the info necessary to make an appointment at the Food Bank.

Cobb's Bakery in Red Deer donates bread weekly, local farmers donate inspected beef whenever needed and Lacombe Pik-n-Pak provides weekly fresh vegetables!

During the COVID-19 Pandemic the Food Bank will be open on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. May 6th and May 20th are the upcoming dates. Please call 403.600.1768 to make your appointment for pick up.

If you might have some time and an interest in supporting this worthwhile initiative please contact Karie Ackermann , Food Bank Chairperson, at 403.885.0119
Volunteer Recognition Events ~ POSTPONED
We are so grateful and proud of our amazing community volunteers. COVID-19 has caused us to postpone this event to a future time. We look forward to bringing all of our wonderful volunteers together - because if ever there was a group worth celebrating - this is it! Please stay tuned for more information about a reschedule date.
Town of Blackfalds Volunteer Award Nominees 2020
We are so thankful for the work that you have done and continue to do for the community and those who reside within it. We look forward to celebrating with you at our rescheduled Appreciation event.

Please continue to refer back to future newsletters for more information.
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 (for volunteers 18 years of age and older) 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 through email.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Camp Curious Volunteer Program ~ July-August
The Abbey Centre is excited to announce that they are offering volunteer opportunities for ages 16+ to help with Camp Curious summer camps. They are looking for volunteers who can help plan and partake in camp activities while maintaining a clean, safe, and fun atmosphere!

Interested in volunteering? Complete the  Camp Curious Volunteer application  and email the  Guest Services Officer  Carol Simpson.
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.

  • 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.

  • The Dual Ice Development Society and the Blackfalds & District Agricultural Society are still actively seeking individuals or businesses who are looking to leave their mark on the new arena through sponsorship opportunities!! Please feel free to contact us for further information. You can contact either Sean Barnes, Director Community Services or the President of Dual Ice Development Society Karen Sernecky or 587.877.9266. Or find us on Facebook or instagram. Volunteer opportunities also available!
Blackfalds FCSS | 5016 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB
Volunteer Programmer | 403.885.6360 | volunteer@blackfalds.com
www.blackfalds.com/volunteer