Women's Shelter supporting those fleeing family violence

Volunteers are an integral part of the work being done in the community by Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society to provide support and services for those fleeing family violence.

“Our volunteers deeply believe in our cause, and we would not be able to provide the level of programming we do without their dedication,” said Deidre Giesbrecht, MHWSS volunteer and donations coordinator. “We are so thankful for their energy and commitment.”

Currently, there are just under 100 community members who volunteer with MHWSS. In 2023, they volunteered for a total of 2,832 hours.

Volunteers support MHWSS in a variety of ways. They are the friendly face at front reception during weekdays, or can be found in the kitchen cooking and baking so those staying in shelter have the comfort of delicious home-cooked meals and treats. Volunteers sort the generous donations from the community, ensuring items are organised and easily accessible when needed.

For children who have experienced family violence, volunteers help provide a safe environment to play and “just be kids” through supporting MHWSS’s Treehouse Day Care program and annual summer day camp program.

Volunteers also help advocate for MHWSS in the community, assisting with information booths at local events, and play a key part with fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

“These are just a few of the ways volunteers contribute to MHWSS,” said Giesbrecht. “Because there is a range of volunteer opportunities with MHWSS, there’s flexibility so each person lends a hand in ways that fit best with their schedule and with the skills they have. Some volunteer on a weekly basis, others are the helping hands we need for casino nights.”

“Many of our volunteers bring with them their own areas of expertise, and we’re grateful for them sharing these skills with us in their own unique way,” said Giesbrecht.

For more information on volunteering with MHWSS, visit www.mhwss.ca, phone 403-527-8223, or email deidreg@mhwss.ca.

Our volunteers deeply believe in our cause, and we would not be able to provide the level of programming we do without their dedication

Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society volunteers Cindy Strain and Susan Baird help with the fundraising raffle booth at the annual Fall Into Christmas show. Assisting with this annual fundraiser is just one of many ways volunteers help make a difference with MHWSS.

Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society volunteer Barry O’Donnell, with volunteer and donation coordinator Deidre Giesbrecht , and volunteer Janice Sich smile during the 21st Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society Charity Golf Classic, presented by Scotiabank Group last September. The annual event is just one of many ways volunteers help make a difference with MHWSS.