Volunteer Newsletter
August 2021
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
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.
Information About Vacancies on Town of Blackfalds Boards & Committees
Every October, or as vacancies become available, Council appoints residents to boards and committees. Each board and committee has their own bylaw or terms of reference that outlines the number of community volunteers and term lengths. Please go to the town website for more information.

All interested residents must send their intentions in before September 12th to be considered for member at large positions appointed by Council at the October 26th Annual Organizational Meeting.

If you have any questions about serving on a Town Board or Committee or would like additional details, please email or call 403.885.6360.
Blackfalds Health Professional Attraction & Retention Committee (BHPARC)
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Did You Know?
Blackfalds has a Health Professional Attraction & Retention Committee. This group of community members works with individuals from Town Council and Administration and health service agencies to develop attraction and recruitment strategies for health care professionals.
What Does this Group Do?
Committee members will attend meetings as needed and participate in varied activities that correspond with their interests and abilities. Some of the Committee initiatives include promoting health provider opportunities in Blackfalds, hosting community tours, building relationships with community health providers and organizing appreciation activities, and providing support for their families.

Want to Help? 
Many hands make light work and robust and diverse community representation on this Committee is welcome! In particular, residents who are seniors, well-connected to the local business community, newcomers to town, or who have a young family are invited to contact cjohnson@blackfalds.com or 403.885.6246 for more information.
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!
Meet Camp Curious Volunteer Katie

"Hi I'm Katie! I enjoy spending time outdoors, if that's quadding, fishing, camping or even farming, you name it! I decided to join Camp Curious as a volunteer this summer, and I've learned so much already. I love to meet and learn all about the unique kiddos that come every week! I also enjoy seeing the returning faces as well. I'm excited for a fantastic summer ahead!"

We sincerely thank Katie for the giving of her time and for bringing fun and her beautiful smile to share with our camps. We appreciate you!

For more info on volunteering with Camp Curious see our website or contact Carol Simpson, Guest Services Officer.
Summer Culture Series ~ July & August

Looking for volunteers to help Town of Blackfalds staff at our Summer Culture Series. Tasks may include greeting and counting attendees.

Thursday's, July 1 - August 26 from 5:45-6:45PM
Ag Society Amphitheatre | Abbey Centre | 4500 Womacks Rd

When emailing to volunteer, please indicate which dates you're available:
  • August 5, and 19
Alberta Culture Days ~ Activities All September Long
Help Blackfalds say goodbye to summer with a variety of activities, events and projects that will raise awareness, engage residents and inspire future involvement in the cultural life of Blackfalds and Alberta.

Stay tuned to the September Edition
Volunteer Opportunity:
Drive-In Movie
Friday, September 24th
All Star Park | Soccer Field
6:00-11:00PM

Needed: 6 volunteers to help staff with parking.
Blackfalds Fire | Rescue Volunteer Firefighter
Community Information
You are invited to join us in celebrating diversity and community
during Alberta Culture Days at the

Blackfalds Community Info Expo &
Celebrating Diversity Food Truck Festival
Wednesday September 8
Blackfalds Community Centre - 4810 Womacks Road
6:00 - 8:00pm

Don't miss this opportunity to reconnect with our community groups and organizations, learn about the programs and services they provide and stop by the Celebrating Diversity Food Truck Festival.

Food Trucks confirmed include:
  • Taco Monster
  • Roly Guacamole
  • Simple Spice
  • 3 Pink Flamingoes
2021 is an Election Year!

If you're interested in becoming involved in municipal politics, now is your chance!

Nominations for the general election are open until September 20, 2021.

Nomination packages will be accepted during Town Office hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Beyond Food Community Hub
Blackfalds Food Bank is rebranding to Beyond Food Community Hub. Our intent is to grow the capacity of support services available to our community members.
 
We are looking for passionate, community minded volunteers who are interested in growing the Food Bank to beyond the scope of emergency food hampers. Please connect with the Blackfalds Food Bank at 403.600.1768 or managerblackfaldsfb@gmail.com
Beyond Food Community Hub Lunchbox Program
As we continue to deal with the implications of COVID-19 and recognizing how beneficial the Lunchbox Program was in alleviating hunger in our community we are continuing this vital community program.
 
Each Monday you can pick up a box of food supplies for the week to build healthy lunches and breakfast for your family at home.
 
If your household, or someone you know, could benefit from this program OR if you would like to donate to the program please contact FCSS at 403.600.9066 or send an email.
KidSport Lacombe County
We provide grants to help cover the costs of registration fees so that all kids aged 18 and under in Lacombe County can play a season of sport.
 
Our chapter accepts applications and administers grants of up to $250 per child/year, for kids who live in Lacombe County, or in one of the other communities we serve.

If you live outside of Lacombe County, please contact the Provincial Office to find your nearest chapter, or to get support through the Provincial Fund.
KidSport Lacombe County Board is in need of a secretary!
 
The board/ committee members fundraise, plan events, and give out grants to local families so all kids can play community sports. If you have time for one meeting per month, you can make a worthwhile contribution that will give a kid a chance to experience the benefits of sport. We believe every kid deserves the chance to experience the benefits of sport. Help change the lives of local kids by volunteering with KidSport Lacombe County. 
 
Please, send us a message to learn more about this volunteer opportunity or other ways you can support KidSport Lacombe County and/or pass this message onto anyone you think might be interested in getting involved. 

For more information please go to the website or email.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
  • The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is looking for volunteers to help on their 24-Hour Help Line. Volunteers will be working remotely answering incoming phone calls or text/webchats and providing support, information, and referrals to all those that call in. For more information, please contact CASASC at 403-340-1124.

  • Parents of Iron Ridge Intermediate Society (PIRIS) are looking for volunteers to help out at their monthly bingos. Bingos will be held Aug 17, Sept 11, Oct 10 and Nov 20 at the Red Deer Bingo Centre. Shifts start at 4:30pm and run until 9-9:30pm. Each volunteer will receive a free supper AND a $10 gift card to either McDonalds, Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen or a grocery store. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer, please contact Krysta at 780.972.9395.

  • The Dual Ice Development Society are still actively seeking individuals or businesses who are looking to leave their mark on the new arena through sponsorship opportunities; including naming of seat fundraiser! Put your name on a piece of Blackfalds history and buy a seat plaque today! For only $150, a plaque featuring your family's or business's name will be a permanent fixture in the Eagle Builders Centre. 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!

  • The Blackfalds Public Library has free memberships and access to eBooks, eAudio as well as regular books. In addition, we offer curbside pick up and online programs now and through out the spring and summer. Follow us on Facebook or our website. The Friends of the Library are fundraising for the new Library furnishings for our new Library furnishings for our new move to the Eagle Builders Centre in 2021. Contact the library for more information on how to make a tax deductible donation 403-885-2343.

  • 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 is available to do so. Please apply online.
Blackfalds FCSS | 5016 Waghorn St | Blackfalds, AB
Volunteer Programmer | 403.885.6360 | volunteer@blackfalds.com
www.blackfalds.com/volunteer