Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary is a natural oasis in the middle of an urban environment. With its marshlands and Garry oak meadows, this sanctuary is home to a multitude of native plants and animals. Swan Lake relies on the dedication of its many volunteers, who help with site restoration, special events, administrative support, the board of directors and so much more. Currently, Swan Lake is initiating a special project with the New Horizons Seniors Crafting for Nature program. If you are a senior who loves quilting, knitting, or crocheting - and can create your art with a nature theme in mind - this is a great way to get involved, meet new friends and share your talents. Volunteers meet on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at Saanich Silver Threads Les Passmore Centre, starting Sept. 6. All materials will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring crafts from home. Your work will be sold to raise funds for education and restoration projects at Swan Lake, so get involved today. Please call 250-479-0211.
Want to Volunteer? These and other opportunities are available at VolunteerVictoria.bc.ca or by calling 250-386-2269. Event Volunteers: The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is Sept. 30. Volunteers are needed for that day, as well as for pre-event activities. Orientation is Sept. 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the University of Victoria. Roles include site setup/teardown, registration and route marshals.
Call 250-704-2873.
Gift Shop: Mount St. Mary Hospital seeks a volunteer to serve residents, staff and the community in the hospital's gift shop. This is a long-term role beginning in September, with shifts on alternate Fridays or alternate Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Training will be provided. Call 250-480-3118.
Fall FAIRfield: The Fairfield Gonzales Community Association is looking for volunteers for Fall FAIRfield, a community event to be held Sept. 29. Positions include food and beverage area attendants, event security, costume attendants, setup/teardown and more. Call 250-858-0136.
Handyman: James Bay Community Project seeks a handyman to assist seniors living alone who periodically need assistance with light chores. Examples include changing light bulbs, hanging curtains or breaking down cardboard boxes. Commitment would be periodic, perhaps an hour at a time. Call 250-388-7844.
Shopper/Shelf Stocker: The Mustard Seed Food Bank is always looking for extra hands to help out. One available role is a shopper/shelf stocker, who is responsible for packing and distributing food hampers to clients, and then replenishing shelves when necessary. Shifts are three to four hours, with a minimum one shift per week for four months. Call 250-220-6991.
Farm Volunteers: Haliburton Community Organic Farm Society seeks volunteers to assist farmers with a variety of tasks, including crop rotation, compost building, sorting seeds and more. Work parties are Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., and every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 250-658-0758.
Various: Habitat for Humanity Victoria needs a variety of volunteers for the ReStore, including customer service, warehouse assistants and driver's assistants for donation pickups. Commitment is one year, including monthly meetings and 16 to 20 hours per month, depending on the role. Call 250-480-7688.
