If you’re between 12-17 years old, volunteering at St.Amant is a great way to learn new life skills, gain some independence, help others and meet some great people. You will be part of a compassionate community, interested in social justice and most of all-fun.
What do we look for in a youth volunteer:
- Most importantly – an open mind and a positive attitude!
- Someone who is able to
- Follow directions
- Be on time
- Follow health and safety precautions
- Participate in mandatory training sessions
- Make an effort to interact with everyone
Opportunities
Recreation and Leisure Opportunities
Volunteers support people to participate in recreation and leisure opportunities, both in person and virtually. The range of volunteer opportunities is vast!
St.Amant School
Volunteers support students to participate in a wide variety of learning activities; sensory programs, physiotherapy, community outings, gym/recreational activities and swimming. (we have an outdoor and an indoor pool on site)
Friendly Visitors/PALS
Volunteers spend time one to one visiting with people at 440 River Road, virtually or in community homes in a casual setting (reading, walking, playing games, etc)
River Road Child Care
Volunteers assist with the preparation of upcoming events, everyday hands-on activities, outdoor activities and many other tasks in a licensed daycare setting for children aged 2-6.
Administration
Volunteers perform basic clerical duties such as data entry, phone calls, filing and photocopying.
Gardening
Volunteers help the head gardener with planting, weeding and general maintenance of the 440 River Road the Buhler Gardens and community homes.
Individually
Tailored Opportunities
to Volunteer
When possible, we will tailor opportunities to match interests, skill development needs and availability of the volunteer.
Virtual
Virtual volunteer opportunities are as unique as each volunteer and each person we support. You can facilitate a cooking class, read a story one on one with a person we support, host a dance class, share craft ideas. We encourage our volunteers to create fun and meaningful opportunities through this avenue.
Benefits
If you’re between 12-17 years of age, and you volunteer for 40 hours or more you can access the following benefits:
- St.Amant’s Corporate Education Training opportunities
- Request a reference, for future employment and scholarship opportunities
- Be part of a fun community
- An opportunity to join St.Amant clubs and committees
- Volunteers are invited to all volunteer and staff appreciation events
- St.Amant Scholarships for volunteers
Transportation
St.Amant’s head office in St. Vital is serviced by Winnipeg Transit Routes 16 and 54.
There is limited transit availability on evenings and weekends to 440 River Road. Winnipeg Transit’s new On-Request transit service pilot project is now in service for South and South East Winnipeg. Passengers can book On-Request trips using the Winnipeg Transit On-Request app. Passengers can also book rides using a web browser to access the Winnipeg Transit On-Request booking site, or by calling 311. Bookings are required before using the On-Request service to ensure there is enough room for everyone.
Information for parents/guardians
Our volunteers work in an environment that may present challenges your child has never faced. It’s important that all of our volunteers be ready to listen to directions, have compassion and have an open mind. There are tasks that require our volunteers to be responsible, to collaborate with others and to be reliable. Volunteers play a very important role at St.Amant.
There is a 40-hour commitment, which can be completed over four months.
Volunteers 15 and under may have their parent/guardian attend the initial inter with them and must provide a signature on parent/guardian consent form.
Volunteering at St.Amant has been a fantastic experience whether that be online or in-person. It has allowed me to make lasting connections and there is no greater feeling than knowing you were able to brighten someone’s day.
Tamara Sturch
FAQs
How old do I have to be to volunteer at St.Amant?
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and/or going into Grade 7.
Does St.Amant have opportunities for students during the summer months?
Yes. We encourage students to apply in early June as spaces fill up quickly.
Can I use St.Amant as a reference?
Any youth volunteer who volunteers 40 hours or more can formally request a reference. Volunteer services can provide a reference based on the volunteer’s evaluation, supervisor feed back and we can share attendance information.
Without a formal request, our confidentiality policy means that we can only verifyvolunteer status and active dates.
We’ve heard that a lot of youth use these references for their first job and/or scholarship applications.
Will volunteering help me get a job at St.Amant?
Anyone 18+ who volunteers 100 hours or more is considered an internal applicant. Volunteering will help you gain employment skills and provides valuable experience, but it does not guarantee a paid position.
What type of references do I need for my application form?
You require references from people who have known you for at least three months and are from different aspects of your life (teachers, co-workers, group leaders, supervisors or colleagues). Always ask permission to use someone as a reference and provide a current, daytime phone number. References from family members are not accepted.
What level of English language and literacy do I need to successfully volunteer?
Many of our placements require interactions with others; we ask our volunteers be able to follow directions, give directions and to express themselves clearly and concisely in English.
Do I need any special immunizations to volunteer at St.Amant?
Yes, anyone 12 years or older will require two doses of theCOVID-19 vaccination.We also encourage all volunteers to receive the seasonal flu vaccine because many oft he people we support are highly susceptible to upper-respiratory infections.
Is there a minimum time commitment?
A minimum one shift per week, or 40 hours over a four-month period. Shifts are 1-3 hours depending on the placement.
What qualities do you look for in volunteers?
We look for people who are motivated, energetic and customer service oriented.You’ll find many of our long time volunteers have a positive attitude, an open mind and are sensitive to the needs of others.
Which days of the week, and what time of day can I volunteer?
We have volunteer placements seven days a week from morning until late evening. We have more opportunities,Monday to Friday during the day, than any other time.
What area volunteer’s responsibilities?
To know when your volunteer shifts are happening, to be on time for those shifts and to be ready to volunteer when you arrive, dressed appropriately and ready to work! We appreciate at least two weeks notice before a vacation and as much notice as you can before an absence, understanding that we want everyone to be healthy while they’re volunteering.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are important, clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. We would advise against any long necklaces or flowy sweaters that may get in the way of any active movements
Can I use St.Amant as a reference?
Anyone 18+ who has volunteered 100 hours or more can formally request a reference. Volunteer services can provide a reference based on the volunteer’s evaluation, supervisor feed back and we can share attendance management information.
Students applying for scholarships, reference is available at 40 hours.
Without a formal request, our confidentiality policy means that we can only verify volunteer status and active dates.
Can my group/organization come for a one day volunteer experience?
Please connect with the St.Amant Foundation for one-time/group and workplace volunteer opportunities foundation@stamant.ca or volunteer@stamant.ca