VOLUNTEERS
Our Helping Hands
Here at Interfaith Food Bank, we look for volunteers who have a passion for community and recognize the privilege it is to serve those in need. Our community focus includes not only the clients we serve, but also the volunteers who enable us to offer the services we do. We work hard to create an encouraging and enriching environment that our volunteers will want to keep coming back to and a team they can be proud to be a part of.
Please note that all volunteer positions involve some orientation and training. Shifts vary from 2-4 hours and although we would like you for a long-term association with us, we also accommodate corporate groups, community service, and student volunteers.
Client Intake
Duties include reception of clients, processing client orders, lifting and carrying food hampers, data entry, and other tasks as assigned. Time commitment is 3 hour shifts.
Client Advocate
Providing systems navigation support for information and referrals, facilitation of client-based programs at Interfaith Food Bank.
The Second Door Thrift Store
The Second Door serves two purposes for the Food Bank. First, funds raised from The Second Door help to purchase food and to cover other operating expenses associated with the Food Bank. Secondly, The Second Door offers a service to the individuals and families of the community by providing second-hand items at reasonable prices. The Second Door volunteers are responsible to manage the store & sales transactions, stock shelves, and other duties as applicable. This requires a 2.5 hour commitment.
Hamper Puller
Duties include lifting and carrying food hampers, selection and disposal of perishable foods no longer suitable for distribution, selection and arrangement of perishable foods to replace those disposed of, and general upkeep of the Client Intake area. This requires a 2.5 hour commitment.
Office Administration/Receptionist/Data Entry
Volunteers assist with the reception of donors and visitors, photocopying, stuffing envelopes, answering phones, data entry organizing, assembling and other duties as required. Time commitment varies on your schedule.
Warehouse
Volunteers assist with sorting and re-packaging food and other items, building food hampers, sweeping and washing floors & tables, and other general cleaning tasks. Volunteers are primarily responsible for one of the following positions: Repackaging, Sorter, or Warehouse. Prior to holidays and fundraisers we have increased need for help in this area. Time commitment varies on your schedule.
Repackaging/Bundling
Volunteers assemble Diabetic Bundles, Goodie Bags, and Baby Bundles according to prearranged instructions. Volunteers also repackage bulk items for dispersal to clients. Time commitment varies on your schedule.
Pick Room Set-Up
Volunteers are responsible for the setting up, stocking and cleaning of our client ‘pick’ area. As well, volunteers restock freezers and fridges used by Hamper Pullers to ensure the smooth operation of Client Intake when it opens. Shifts are usually 1.5 hr long.
Janitorial
Volunteers help us in maintaining a clean working environment. Duties include and are not limited to sweeping, washing floors, dusting frames and plaques. Time commitment varies on your schedule
Interfaith Learning Garden
Garden volunteers help with garden planting & maintenance. They may also volunteer to be a Garden Mentor, working with beginners to share their love and knowledge of gardening. Time commitment varies on your schedule
Current Opportunities are client based, working to help identify and fill their needs.
For more information please contact our Volunteer Coordinator: Bill Selles
Email: volunteer@interfaithfoodbank.ca
Phone: 403-320-8779
Are you seeking an opportunity to make a positive impact in your community while experiencing the rewards of volunteerism? If so, the Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge is currently looking to fill 5 Board of Directors positions with 2-year terms, beginning April 2024.
Our Board of Directors function in a governance role providing oversight to Interfaith Food Bank, a non-profit organization committed to recognizing the human dignity of those in need and providing food and access to services and resources generated from within our community. In partnership with the community, Interfaith Food Bank is a leader in alleviating hunger and its root causes. We are a progressive organization and are continually looking for opportunities to develop, support and strengthen a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion beginning at the Board level.
We are currently looking for someone with a legal background to fill one of the board vacancies. In addition, we are interested in engaging community members from all generations including applicants from 18-30 years of age. For more information on board member expectations, please see the attached Board of Directors application form. For additional information, please contact Penny Kwasny, Chair, Interfaith Food Bank Nominations Committee at pkwasny@telus.net. Please also forward completed application forms to Penny.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
For those interested in a shorter or occasion-based commitment, there are other ways to be involved:
Casual volunteers assist with specific projects that are usually organized by outside groups for the benefit of the Food Bank. Most often our role in these projects is to facilitate the collection of donations, assist with promotions, and to provide volunteers for various shifts and duties. Casual volunteers are placed on a list and contacted to inquire about their availability for specific events.
We also offer limited placements for students needing credit hours and community members participating in the Fine Option program.
Are you Interested in Volunteering as a Group?
Group volunteers are always welcome at Interfaith Food Bank. Contact us for more info on what you’re interested in, we will do our best to accommodate you. Groups events usually rage from 1-3 hours, which include a tour of the facilities and showcase the programs we offer.
Volunteer Programs are Funded in Part by:
Interfaith Food Bank is a grateful recipient of the Together in Action program, the Annual Bishop’s Appeal of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, home to over 400,000 Catholics in Southern Alberta led by Bishop William T. McGrattan.
For more information contact: http://www.calgarydiocese.ca