Volunteer & Community Engagement It’s through our volunteers that Sonshine’s clients experience the comforts of home and the reassurance of a supportive network. Whether you’re wanting to serve by yourself or with a group, we have a place for you!

Special Annoucement: Calling Male Volunteers! Are you a male interested in being a positive influence in the life of a child impacted by domestic violence? The Sonshine Centre is looking for men in our community who can spend a few hours a month interacting and having fun with our resident children. There are various opportunities for involvement that can accommodate your schedule. Please call Terry-Mae at 403.243.0274 for more information.     Male or females, we'd love to have you join our volunteer team. If you are interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 403.243.0274 or fill out an online feedback form by clicking here.

Child Support

Support a resident mother by providing care to her children during her weekly counseling session. Build a caring, consistent relationship with a child or children. Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week during the day, in the mother’s home or in the drop-in centre.

Children’s Play Group

Work with other volunteers in providing a loving and supportive atmosphere for children of the Sonshine Centre, as you partake in fun group activities while mothers are in weekly life-skills sessions. A unique opportunity to build relationships with children of all ages and become their friend and role model. We welcome female and male volunteers, and especially need male volunteers who can be positive role models to the children. This is a great way for couples to volunteer together! Time commitment: Tuesday evening from 6:15 – 8:15 pm, every week, or every other week OR Thursday morning from 9:15 – 11:15am, every week, or every other week.

Special Events

Share with the public about Sonshine Community Services through a display at events such as the Women’s Show, churches, and volunteer fairs.  Be part of a committee to plan our Annual Gala and/or spring fundraising event. Our 2009 Gala planning committee will begin planning in March 2009. Our spring fundraising event planning committee will begin planning in February 2009.

Drivers

On an as-needed basis, help drive residents to appointments or the grocery store. Individuals with a van or pick-up truck are especially needed to help move & pick up donated furniture or other items

Movers

On an as-needed basis, assist resident women moving out of the shelter and back into the community. Activities can include packing, loading moving truck, driving moving truck, unloading moving truck, unpacking or providing child care support to mothers while they move

Administrative Assistance

On a project by project basis we need people to do a number of tasks in the office.  Projects can include manning the phones, stuffing envelopes for mailing, data entry, etc.

Adopt-A-Suite (Group Project)

On an as-needed basis, groups come in once a woman has moved out to prepare the suite for a new resident.  This can include a number of tasks such as painting the apartment, replacing the old lighting fixtures, decorating, and stocking the cupboards with some essentials, such as toilet paper and non-perishables.  Creating a warm and welcoming space for a woman moving into Sonshine makes a world of difference!

Movers (Group Project)

·         On an as-need basis, assist resident women moving out of the shelter and back into the community. ·         Activities can include loading moving truck, driving moving truck, unloading moving truck and unpacking. ·         This is an excellent opportunity for a family or group to serve together!

Work Projects (Group Project)

·         This can be any number of service opportunities that come up at Sonshine, including painting common areas or doing some lawn maintenance ·         Time commitment: 1 day or 1 evening

Adopt-A-Family at Christmas (Group Project)

·         Adopt-a-Family is a program at the Sonshine Centre designed to help past and present residents of Sonshine to meet their needs and the needs of their children at Christmas time. ·         Residents compose a wish list, which is given to a group or individual sponsor to fulfill. ·         The program gets under way each October and finishes in early to mid December.   A special thanks to ConocoPhillips Canada Employees for being major sponsors of our Adopt-a-Family Program!