Thinking of Volunteering?

Volunteers play a very important role in helping newcomers adjust to living in Medicine Hat and in Canada. There are a variety of opportunities to become involved at SISA as a volunteer.

Learning English is one of the most important elements in the successful adaptation of newcomers to Canada. As a volunteer in any position, you could play a vital role in helping your newcomers learn English. Specific English skills will be addressed in English class, so your job would be to assist with day-to-day language development. Encouraging newcomers to practice their English skills and meet other English-speaking friends will help to raise their confidence and skills!
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The testimonials below show the appreciation of newcomers for their volunteers, and also the satisfaction volunteers receive from helping others.

The following section lists the ways a volunteer may help, and also provides details about each:

Choose an option:

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As a Life Skills Coach, you’ll support newcomers in learning essential skills to navigate daily life in Canada. You’ll help them prioritize important matters, solve problems, understand local customs, and explain common terms in Canada like “utilities,” “mailbox,” “tax,” “lease,” “transit,” to name a few. You may accompany them to thrift stores to save money, and support the environment and the community. You may also help them review mail they receive, explain laws, bylaws, and seasonal responsibilities like shoveling snow, and introduce them to holidays, local events, sports, and leisure activities. This role empowers newcomers to build independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of Canadian life.

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As a Shopping Buddy, you’ll help newcomers navigate grocery shopping with confidence. You’ll show them where to find items, how to compare products, read labels, make smart choices to get the best value for their money and interpret common terms like “discount,” “sale,” or “coupon.” This role combines practical guidance with friendly support, empowering newcomers to shop independently while building confidence and easing their transition into the community.

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As a Bus Buddy, you’ll help newcomers confidently navigate the local bus system. You’ll teach them how to plan routes, use bus passes, and travel safely to key destinations such as the Saamis Immigration office, MH mall, grocery stores, library, and other important community locations. This role combines practical guidance with friendly support, helping newcomers gain independence, feel more comfortable getting around, and confidently explore their new community.

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CONVERSATION CIRCLE LEADER
- facilitate group discussions about particular topics

SURVIVAL ENGLISH GUIDE
- teach and practice English used in daily life in Canada, including explanation of slang and regional varieties

CONVERSATION PRACTICE PARTNER
- practice conversational English in person or on the telephone

LINC CLASSROOM SUPPORT
- assist our language instructors within the classroom with one-on-one support for those who need it

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SISA has a language bank of about 150 volunteers capable of interpreting/translating in about 61 different languages and dialects. The language bank has an ongoing recruitment of volunteers who speak English and other language(s).

INTERPRETERS
- Interpreters assist SISA with communication between English and newcomer’s mother language
- Interpreters assist SISA and newcomers with a range of appointments, including medical, banking, and other essential services that are crucial when settling in a new country. These appointments include but not limited to: bank, doctor, Service Canada, Community Housing, courses and presentations facilitated by SISA, and other government and social services appointments

TRANSLATORS
- Translators convert a written document from one language to another, while ensuring the original meaning is retained
- Community interpreter/translator may or may not have formal training

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If you are uncertain which area(s) you would like to assist, Saamis will be happy to assess your strengths and help you decide.

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If you would like to volunteer with Saamis Immigration:

Call: 403-504-1188

Complete the form below, by choosing the area(s) of interest to you, enter your contact information, and click Submit.

Life Skills CoachShopping BuddyBus BuddyEnglish Language CoachLanguage Interpreters & TranslatorsUncertain

Your First Name: (Required)

Your Last Name: (Required)

Your Phone Number: (Required)

Your Email Address: (Required)

Comments: (Optional)


The volunteer application forms can be found here.