Katie's Place

. Katie's Place animal shelter needs volunteers, particularly cleaners for Fridays and Sundays. However, any schedule can be accommodated. Help out some messy but grateful and loving little critters. Katie's Place has been in operation for 10 years. They are located at 10255 Jackson Rd. Info: 604-463-7917 or volunteeratkatiesplace@shaw.ca.

Special Olympics .

The local Special Olympics needs volunteers to be coaches and assistant coaches for various sports. They also need a newsletter writereditor, and non-coaching swimming volunteers. Info: a.caughy@gmail.com.

Hospice thrift store

. Ridge Meadows Hospice Thrift Store requires volunteers to sort, price, and stock shelves. The thrift store, located at 3-12011 224th St., has extended its hours and is now open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Info: 604-463-7711.

Cythera Thrift Store

. What does one hour of your time mean to us?

Everything! Cythera Thrift Store at 22255 Dewdney Trunk Rd. has volunteer opportunities for weekend retail cashiers. Shifts are one hour in duration. Full training and support provided. Call Shelley at 604-467-4671. Net proceeds support women and children fleeing abuse.

Red Cross equipment

. The Canadian Red Cross health equipment short-term loan program in Maple Ridge needs volunteers. The depot is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12: 30 to 4 p.m. This program lends out basic types of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, and bathroom aids, on a donation basis, for up to three months. A medical referral is required for equipment loan. The Maple Ridge office is located at 5-11435 201A St. and can be reached at 604-465-5050.

Therapeutic riding

. The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association is gearing up for its Winter 2012 Horseback Riding Program. They urgently need volunteers to come forward to help groom and tack up horses and to either lead or side walk with the riders during their lessons. Horse experience is fabulous but not required. This is the place for anyone who enjoys the outdoors, working with wonderful people of all abilities, and loves animals. Potential volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. A volunteer orientation will be held on Jan. 15 from 1 to 1: 30 p.m. Contact the office at 604-462-7786 for information or to sign up for the orientation.

Health crisis line

. The Fraser Health Crisis Line is recruiting volunteers to provide assistance to people in the region who are experiencing emotional distress. No previous experience is needed as extensive training and ongoing support is provided. Anyone interested in learning more about this challenging and rewarding opportunity, visit www. options.bc.ca and follow the link for the crisis line. Their next training starts Jan. 14.

Baillie House

. Baillie House is looking for spiritual care volunteers to support their residents. A sixweek training session begins mid-January. Anyone interested should apply by Jan. 10 by contacting Alan Anderson at 604-476-7888 ext: 552700 or Alan.Anderson@fraserhealth.ca.

Light festival

. The Maple Ridge Festival of Light Society is planning for the February lantern celebration which in the past has featured local dance and music groups, a poetry contest, hands-on lantern making, and a parade in Memorial Peace Park. To get involved, contact Sammy Nelligan at 604-467-4806 or rg674806@telus.net.

Ridge Meadows Hospital

. Ridge Meadows Hospital is holding a volunteer information session at 10 a.m. in the main floor conference room. Learn how to volunteer and give back to the local community hospital. Info: 604-466-7911.

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