Volunteer Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in our volunteer opportunities at WIS

WIS depends on volunteers to enhance its services to newcomers. With your help, newcomers can take steps to successfully adapt and integrate into Canadian society. Volunteering is also a great way for newcomers to network, gain experience in a Canadian workplace, and gain a reference for future job applications.
If you are patient, compassionate, live in Manitoba, and are interested in a cross-cultural experience, a volunteer opportunity at WIS may be right for you! Ability to speak a language other than English is not required. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
If you are interested in volunteering with WIS, please email volunteer@westmanimmigrantservices.ca

If you have any questions about volunteering at WIS, please email our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@westmanimmigrantservices.ca.

Please note: all volunteers must undergo a screening process including: application, interview, reference checks, Child Abuse Registry Check and/or a Criminal Record Check.

Settlement Partner Program

As a settlement partner, you will be matched with a newcomer, or newcomer family, to help them adjust to life in Canada.

Through this program, newcomers gain friendship, support and knowledge about community resources, while helping the newcomer learn and practice English.

Newcomers are matched with a volunteer, then, partners meet once a week for 1-2 hours, for a 3 month period. Visits can take place virtually (through Zoom, Whatsapp or Facebook), or the partners can meet in person.

If you are interested in volunteering to be a Settlement Partner, please fill out the online application form above.

We asked our volunteers: Why do you volunteer with WIS?

“I heard about a volunteer opportunity regarding helping new immigrant mothers and their families. This of interest to me because I grew up as a child of immigrant parents. I understand some of the struggles being new to a country can have. Especially when dealing with possible language barriers and trying to connect with communities.”
“I would like to be more involved in the community.”
“I like to volunteer in order to help my academic and future professional career.”
“I love children and need experience for the future.”
“I would like to volunteer because I like to help other people.”
“Through this opportunity in WIS, I can regain my self-confidence in meeting and
communicating with other people. And of course, I would be very happy to help others.”
“I am recently retired and looking for way to help out in the community.”
“I enjoy assisting people to get to know our community, Canada and learn English. I enjoy people from different backgrounds and cultures. I love to travel and learn about different cultures. People are fascinating! I believe volunteering is good for the soul.”

Funders

Our volunteer program is made possible thanks to our ongoing support from our funder:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada