Please wait...
As a Harsh Weather Haven volunteer you will be helping vulnerable people, and anyone else who is cold outside this winter in Cochrane. You will be setting up a warming station in the Cochrane Library, offering warm drinks, food, clothes and caring :)
Help your community as a Harsh Weather Haven volunteer!
Starting in November 2026, we will roll out a winter Harsh Weather Haven (HWH) pilot in cooperation with the Cochrane Public Library.
The Cochrane Public Library has traditionally observed high traffic of vulnerable people coming into its spaces during the afternoons and evenings when it gets cold while waiting for the bus.
Helping Hands will be setting up a warming station in the library to help anyone who is cold.
>The Harsh Weather Haven will be open Mondays to Fridays, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, divided into two shifts: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, depending on when volunteers are available.
>The Harsh Weather Haven will run from November 2, 2026, to February 26, 2027.
Volunteers will set a table in the main area of the library, visible from the service desk, but with enough space to offer privacy.
HWH volunteers will hand out warm hats, socks, hand warmers, granola bars, and warm cups of soup, coffee, or tea to people looking to shelter from the cold. Volunteers will also be willing to listen to anyone who wants to chat, as we all know how a little bit of social connection could go a long way for someone going through a tough time. There will also be a directory of resources that volunteers could offer to people who want to connect with other available services in the community. Vulnerable individuals won't be the only ones stopping by the table at this location, as volunteers may also get to tell visitors about what Helping Hands offers and volunteer opportunities.
We are looking for a roster of volunteers willing to take a few shifts throughout the season. Each shift will have 2 volunteers; at least one will have First Aid training, and one will have either Trauma-Informed Care or Crisis Intervention training. Training will be provided as needed.
Apply soon to take part in group training sessions for first aid and crisis intervention!
Select how you want to sign-up for this volunteer opportunity.
Be sure you and your group meet the requirements to volunteer below. The organization may request proof or verification.
Note: By selecting you meet a requirement, you are giving your electronic consent that you and your friend or group do meet the requirements and can provide proof if or when requested.
You've selected the Volunteering with Friends option. List each person below, one at a time and then click Add Friend. Your friends don't need to be registered with Volunteer Success but they will receive an email to opt out. You are first on this list and cannot remove yourself.
You are signing up to the waitlist for this role. If a spot becomes available for you due to cancellations, we will send you a confirmation message.
Minimum age requirement is Yound Adult (Age 18-56) for all participants of this event.
Select a group you are already a part of below. These are found in your profile groups page. You can only select a group that has you as a member or above. You can create a new group from your profile-groups.
You haven't created or joined any groups yet. Create a group to continue with group volunteering.
Create New GroupYou are about to tell Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area that you're interested in their volunteer opportunity Harsh Weather Haven Winter Pilot If you'd like to add some additional information about yourself or ask questions, you can do so in the message box below.
Once you click the confirm button, Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area will be notified you're interested in volunteering for them and they will have access to your profile, contact information, and resume. You can wait for them to follow up with you or contact them through their Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area profile page.
Thank you so much for applying to volunteer with Helping Hands' Harsh Weather Haven. Please watch for an email and or phone call from us. Please also help us out by applying for your volunteer account at www.helpinghandscochrane.ca
Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area has been notified that you are interested in this opportunity.