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Available to volunteer

Available to volunteer

LukeD
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 72

LukeD
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 72

Available to volunteer
3/26/2020 at 1:42 PM

In these difficult times, are there any organisations out there that are in need of volunteers?
I'm willing to commit my evenings and weekends, if required.
LukeD
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 72

LukeD
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 72

I'm on there
3/26/2020 at 3:03 PM

But I don't see any requests for help yet
Grace1956
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 661

Grace1956
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 661

:)
3/26/2020 at 3:21 PM

Someone said it’s not up in Brandon yet.
finallyme
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 26

finallyme
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 26

another volunteer
3/26/2020 at 5:02 PM

I too thought great now I can help, seems only Wpg people are requesting help. I thought it works all over Mb. S o far no one from Virden has requested help.
Not sure how those that need help can find these things
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Help next door site
3/27/2020 at 6:40 AM

I did a quick test at https://helpnextdoormb.ca on the section for submitting a help request where it asks you to put in your address it absolutely does recognize Brandon addresses. Went a step further and Virden, Souris, Neepawa, Minnedosa, Boissevain addresses were all recognized too and assume others.

There’s actually a single Brandon submission in there. If you don’t have an account and the system doesn’t have your address it looks like you have to pick “In Manitoba” for it to show.

New sites like this are a bit of a chicken and egg problem that only gets cracked when enough people post content when the site is new to get the ball rolling. Once helpers see requests are rolling in they’ll keep checking back and the snowball would keep growing from there! If you have something you need help with it could go a long way toward getting things going locally if you had a request you could post... I'm thinking it wouldn't take long for a helper to see the request.
if you notice more local requests going up before I do please feel free to also post that here so that the "helpers" in our community have an extra nudge to take a look!
Happy_ Hour
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 918

Happy_ Hour
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 918

.
3/27/2020 at 7:19 AM

I saw it on CTV news early this week. I think the problem could be that a lot of seniors (not all) are not so comfortable with computers, iPads, apps and maybe don't understand how to set up a request.

A good idea, but wrong approach to reach the target.

It should have a phone in option. Unless there is one that I did not hear about.
LukeD
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 72

LukeD
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 72

Organizations
3/27/2020 at 1:04 PM

What about organizations, groups, charities?
SpclNeedsDad
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 35

SpclNeedsDad
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 35

Request for Others
3/28/2020 at 5:10 PM

Princess_Fred said "I totally agree about the majority of those in need of this service might not be able to access it.

So hey kids, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends - make a phone call - maybe someone you know needs volunteer assistance and you can book it for them. "
When the service was announced, it was pointed out that requests for help can be made by others (family, friends) and not only by the person needing help. So, while there is no phone-in option, for those who may not have computer access or be computer savvy, etc. someone else can put in the request for the.

Those returning from travel and needing supplies should be using this service if they don't have anyone else that they know close by.
finallyme
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 26

finallyme
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 26

Princesses Fred
3/28/2020 at 6:28 PM

Great suggestion but the information was in our Friday paper so seniors can read it and be aware of the offers for help
The App also lets you chose the distance you want to go to help.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Helpnextdoor
3/30/2020 at 5:50 PM

From the media conference this afternoon, it was said they've had more than 5200 users from more than 150 communities. I havent had a chance to have a look over the last couple days but if there's an issue it's not that folks dont know about it or havent signed up... people need to post (real) requests to get the ball rolling!
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Volunteers
4/3/2020 at 11:17 AM

From this morning’s press conference by Premier Pallister, some new and more detailed stats on the Helpnextdoor site...

- 5,792 total users signed up,
- 2,541 active users,
- 228 help requests:
- 185 help requests matched, 36 cancelled requests, and seven open requests.
- 163 cities and towns participating in Manitoba.
Out of that I take that for folks not seeing a long list of requests on the site, it's because helpers are jumping on them pretty quickly! Thank you to those locally who might've helped out or who are standing by waiting to help.
For those looking for the province’s daily update that includes the COVID-19 case count, that will come with the 1pm press conference... will post on it in the main updates thread later.