Wecan Food Basket Society of Alberta

What services does your organization provide?
Each month Wecan organizes a group grocery purchase. Members pre-pay for their groceries on or before the first Friday of each month and then in the third week, return to their depot to pick up their groceries. There is a $5 annual membership and then monthly grocery baskets cost $15 for three cuts of freshly frozen meat and $10 for produce (3 types of fruit & 3 types of vegetables).

Do you have any age requirements?
Depot Coordinators must be adults.
Drivers must have valid insurance.
Sorters should be 12+, or bring along an adult helper.

Do you require language proficiency other than in English?
English is great; another language may be an asset at some depots where members' first language might not be English.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
Coordinators usually put in the bulk of the volunteer time (approx 7-10 hours each month); Drivers need only deliver the groceries to their depot (usually less than 1 hour per month); Sorters spend approximately 1-1.5 hours dividing the groceries at each depot.

Are there any other requirements for being a volunteer?
Volunteers should value helping others.

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
Coordinators should be "people persons" and have experience handling and being responsible for money. Drivers must have their own vehicles and valid insurance. Sorters need not be particularly skilled or experienced.

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?
Each depot requires a Volunteer Depot Coordinator, a Volunteer Depot Driver and Volunteer Grocery Sorters.

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
Coordinators receive individual training prior to committing to their role. Drivers will be shown how to read their order sheet and have proper lifting techniques demonstrated. Sorters will receive support and supervision from their coordinators; hand-washing is emphasized.

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Ordering food, transporting food, sorting food, distributing food, some light paperwork.

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Wecan Food Basket Society of Alberta?
Coordinators receive a free meat order. Drivers receive a free full order (meat & produce). Sorters are usually given first access to extras. Everyone is invited to the Volunteer Appreciation Party and is shown appreciation year round in the hopes they will take away "warm fuzzies".

Do you accept high school students?
Yes.