Nourish Program Volunteer – Edmonton

Wellspring Alberta is a charitable organization that supports, informs, and empowers those diagnosed with cancer by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption, and practical problems cancer can bring to their lives.  An affiliate of the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Wellspring Alberta provides a comprehensive range of programs, support, resources, and programs so anyone living with cancer and the people who care about them can improve the quality of their lives. All programs and services are informed by evidence and offered free of charge and without referral in three centres and online. Our vision is that no one has to face cancer alone. 

The collective efforts of our wonderful team of volunteers contribute to the heartbeat of Wellspring Alberta. Their commitment of time and talent is a gift of immeasurable worth. Volunteers embody the kindness, compassion and community that Wellspring Alberta extends to all who seek support in dealing with cancer. 

Position Description:
Wellspring Alberta is seeking enthusiastic, dedicated and compassionate volunteers to join our in person Nourish program team at Edmonton House! Nourish is an evidence-based program that dispels nutritional myths, provides the latest recommendations on cancer-related eating, and offers helpful tips for selecting and preparing the foods patients will feel better eating while undergoing treatment or living with a longer-term cancer prognosis.   

Wellspring’s Nourish program covers a variety of nutritional topics through education and demonstration. Sessions include proven recipes and guidance from a professional dietitian with cancer experience.   

Demonstration sessions are delivered in a kitchen by a Registered Dietitian. Nourish programs provide educational content, preparation of demonstrations, sampling, and take-home program materials and recipes.    

Location: Edmonton House – 11306 65 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6H 2Z8 

Responsibilities: 

• Provide a warm, friendly greeting to all persons who arrive at the program. 

• Depending on the amount of preparation that is required, arrive at Wellspring 30 – 60 minutes before the lecture or demonstration, in order to help prepare. 

• Assist in the kitchen with tasks including ingredient preparation and cooking.  

• Assist with program setup including wiping down surfaces, preparing serve ware and flatware.   

• Assist with program takedown including washing dishes, cleaning up prep and lunch space, put away leftovers and return the space to a clean and usable state.  

• Support the Nourish team and Program Leader as needed.
   

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age 

• May be a Wellspring member or member of the general community, such as a health care
  professional or student; if a Wellspring member, no longer using programs for their own acute
  cancer support needs 

• Comfortable in a kitchen setting and working with food, or willing to learn  

• Willingness to take initiative and step in where needed to support a team environment and program success  

• Must successfully complete a screening process (including interview, reference check, and police record check for the vulnerable sector) and training sessions 

Training requirements (provided): 

• Completion of food safety training 

• Completion of Nourish training 

• Ongoing in-service training as offered 

What’s the commitment? Nourish volunteers commit to supporting one full two-week program. Each program includes two sessions held on the same weekday and at the same time each month. While we understand that personal circumstances might change, we ask that you do your best to commit to the role for a minimum of 6 months. 

To apply: 

To apply, please complete the Wellspring Volunteer application form and we will be in touch soon. 

Inclusion Statement 

Wellspring Alberta is committed to being an inclusive organization. We are in the process of expanding the diversity of identities and lived experiences to be more reflective of the communities in which we work and live. To support this process, we’ve become an employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, developed an Advisory group, and we are taking action as part of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. We understand we’re on a journey, which will take time, and that increasing equity in our organization and in cancer care is critical.  

We encourage applications from groups that are typically under-represented in cancer-serving organizations, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, LGBTQ2S+ identifying individuals, persons with disabilities, and candidates from all equity-seeking groups.  

We welcome you to contact us for a conversation about accessibility and accommodations throughout the recruitment process.  

We know that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about the role, but your qualifications don’t match perfectly, we encourage you to apply.  

We appreciate your interest in Wellspring and warmly welcome all applications.