VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre.
First thing you need to do is fill out a volunteer registration form so we can get to know you and
have your emergency contacts. Download it from the website under the Get Involved Tab.
Before you send in your volunteer registration form to our Volunteer Coordinator and start your
first shift, we ask you to learn about the volunteer experience at the SFBLC.

Below, you will find information about what you can expect while volunteering. Please read the
information carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability.

FIRST LEARNING SEGMENT: Location / Parking

The SFBLC is located at 202 Ave C. South (in between

21st and 20th Street.) There are City of Saskatoon Pay
parking spots on the street on Ave C. and a pay car
lot across the street (beside OUT Saskatoon). Plus,
there are four-hour free parking spots on 21st St.
between Ave C & D (by Habitat for Humanity) and
all-day free parking spots can usually be found on
Ave D and Ave E.
Bus service is very
regular to both 20th
and 22nd St. Call
Saskatoon Transit 306-975-3100 to plan your route.
 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Once you have arrived please check in at the main

office located on Ave C. to start your shift.

SECOND LEARNING SEGMENT: Before Shift

Before coming to
your shift, please
make sure you’re
wearing close-toed
shoes and
comfortable clothing.

Leave valuables at home.

The front door

and the main
office is located
on Ave. C. and is where register for your shift.

Tell the staff

member at
reception
your full
name; we
need to
register
everyone
and know
who is in the building in case of emergency.
 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

You will receive a key to a locker where you can keep your belongings.

If you bring your cell phone, please keep it safe in the locker as it can be destroyed or lost while
working in the warehouse. Be mindful of
SFBLC’s staff in the surrounding area of the
foyer, please keep your phone notifications
silenced. This locker is yours and the key is
in your possession, and you can check the
phone whenever you need.

The washroom in the foyer is for public use

in our community.
We ask that you use the washroom in the
warehouse to make space for our
community members. This is a safe space
for community members to come inside
and warm up or cool down. Use the phone
or get some water or a snack. There is also
a First Kit located at Reception. Please let a
staff member know immediately if you
need help.
 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

THIRD LEARNING SEGMENT: Tour

We’re going to take you on a virtual tour so you can

see what our warehouse space looks like. This is
where you’ll be spending most of your time as a
volunteer!
Please sit and wait for the volunteer coordinator.
You will get a nametag and be given a tour if it is
your first time. There are hand sanitizer stations all
around the building. First one is on the way to the
door of the warehouse. This is an automatic door.
Press the button and come on in!

- Welcome to our Warehouse

Space! Let’s head inside.

This is our nutrition centre, where

our nutrition team provides light

meals and snacks for staff and
volunteers. You can help yourself
with any food and snacks in this
area when you take your break.
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In our larger break area you will find an

eye wash station, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), a
First Aid Kit, a washroom and a refrigerator for drinks.
 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Remember to stay hydrated and take as

many breaks as you need.

FOURTH LEARNING SEGMENT: Volunteer Tasks

There are three areas where you could in the

warehouse.

1. Sorting. When the donations come in they

are sent to the sorting area. You may work
there to put the items in the correct bins.

2. Re-Packing. Once the items are sorted the bins are moved to the repacking area. This
is where we take large quantities of food
items and repack them into smaller
packages.

3. Emergency
Food Hamper
Line. The third
area is the
final
production
line. This is
where the food items are ready to be packed into
individual or family hampers and are sent out to the
clients.
 VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

FOURTH LEARNING SEGMENT: Safety

Please let the volunteer coordinator know about any injuries or disabilities, so we can do our
best to accommodate you.

If you can’t do any lifting, standing or twisting please ask another volunteer, or warehouse
worker to help. Always keep your personal safety first.

Please remember to be careful and always aware

of your surroundings. Our warehouse workers use
pallet jacks and forklifts in the area and

Do NOT attempt to use the pallet jacks or forklifts.

When lifting any items in the warehouse, lift by

straightening your hips and knees. Keep your back
straight, and don’t twist as you lift. Hold the load
as close to your body as possible, at the level of
your belly button. Use your feet to change
direction, taking small steps.
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Please consider stretching every hour while you are volunteering.

Stretch # 1 – Arms above head. Stretch # 2 – Arms across the body

➢ Bring arms above your head ➢ Bring one arm across your body
➢ Rotate so your palms are facing ➢ Pull your arm with the opposite hand
the ceiling ➢ Hold for 20-30 seconds
➢ Hold for 20-30 seconds

And there are many stretches to add to it if you are interested in sharing some let us know.

We want you to feel safe and comfortable here. We have zero tolerance for harassment. Please
immediately bring any potential problems to the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.

Food for Volunteer Work/ Removal of Goods: It is the policy of SFBLC that volunteers do not
receive free food in exchange for volunteering. Anyone can access the Emergency Food Hamper
Program or Clothing Depot and food in the Nutrition Centre.

Resume Experience: If you want to add volunteer experience to your resume, please tell the
coordinator during your orientation. We require a minimum of 30 hours so that we may get to
know you and provide an informed reference.

Thank you for offering your time to volunteer Once you have finished the quiz and filled in
your registration form PLEASE confirm that the Volunteer Engagement Coordinator has received
it. Call 306-664-6565 ext 228 or email volunteer@saskatoonfoodbank.com