Information for Little Bits Volunteers

Little Bits could not operate without the many dedicated volunteers who serve as side-walkers, horse-leaders and grooms. There are also many volunteer opportunities in public relations, fundraising and on the board of directors. No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers are fully trained.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the backbone of Little Bits. There are certain areas that may interest you more than others. We want your experience with Little Bits to be an enjoyable one, we try to match your interests and needs to a job that best suits you.

Becoming a Volunteer

Volunteers are an integral part of the program at Little Bits. They are indeed the backbone of the organization.

Any person 14 years and over can volunteer; previous experience is not needed. The only requirement is the wish to help others achieve their goals. All volunteers are encouraged to participate in an orientation session before working in the program. Volunteers are needed on a weekly basis throughout the academic year. Their duties are primarily handling the horses and side-walking with the riders. They may also participate in grooming and tacking the horses and fundraising and promotion activities. For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Lisa Doyle.

Some of the many important functions performed by our volunteers include:

• Lessons:
  Volunteers are required for leading and side-walking during the lessons. Commitment is approximately 2 - 4 hours per week.
• Committees:
  We have a number of committees that require volunteers including Finance Committee, Personnel Committee, Riding Committee, Public Relations/Fundraising Committee and Camp Committee. Complete Terms of Reference for each committee are available by contacting Meredith Hazen.
• The Celebrity Event & Auction:
  A very successful fundraiser held on Fathers Day Sunday in conjunction with Global Country and the Festival of Stars. This event is run by a committee that meets approximately five times prior to the event. Volunteers are required for the committee, decorating the hall, setting the tables and chairs up, selling tickets at the door, arranging the auction items, pulling the auction items that are sold, clean-up of the hall and various other jobs.
• Casino:
  Every eighteen months we run a casino. This takes a minimum number of volunteers over a two day period. Shifts are 4 - 6 hours long. The work is easy and the money earned for Little Bits is awesome!
• Miscellaneous Fundraisers:
  These are fundraisers that Little Bits may be involved in throughout the year. Examples of past events are The Celebrity Brunch, Daisy Days, Alberta Reined Cow Horse event, The Canadian Rodeo Finals, etc.

Our Committment to our Volunteers

As an organization committed to our volunteers, Little Bits will:

• Provide training and supervision to help you feel comfortable in your new role.
• Provide a safe, secure and supportive environment that will make your time with Little Bits truly worth while.
• Help you attain your goals and objectives as a Little Bits volunteer.
• Keep you up to date on rider cancellations or any other event that could affect your volunteer work.
• Recognize your value to this organization.
• Recognize and work around your busy schedule.