Helen McDougall is heading off to other adventures after 16 years of volunteer service to Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, and many more to Deer Lodge Centre. Helen was a familiar face on the Centre’s main concourse, where she sold 50/50 raffle tickets with the help of her nine-year-old long-haired Chihuahua, Julio.

“He’s cantankerous but a real charmer,” says Helen of Julio. “He drew in the crowds and I took care of the actual transaction.” Helen began volunteering for the Foundation after she retired; Julio has been at it his entire life. Neither show any signs of slowing down.

Volunteer positions available

Are you looking for a way to make friends, keep busy and give back to your community? Become a Deer Lodge volunteer! Summer and fall are our seasons of greatest need for volunteers to help Deer Lodge Centre make lives better for our patients and residents. We accept volunteers starting at the age of 13, and provide training for each position. We ask for a minimal commitment of one shift per week for the first three months, unless otherwise stated. We also have some special volunteer positions available for anyone interested in a greater commitment:

Volunteer Ambassador

We’re looking for an outgoing and independent personality to provide a warm welcome to Deer Lodge residents, staff and visitors at our main entrances. You’ll offer information and directions, and may also physically escort residents and visitors to various locations.
8 am–12 pm, 12 pm–4 pm, and 4 pm–8 pm shifts available, Monday to Sunday

Chad’s Place bartender and server positions

Must have a server’s certificate for both positions
1:30-4:30 once per week, one-year commitment

Chad’s Place coffee program

Serve coffee and tea, deliver newspapers to some units
8:30-11:15 shift available

Dancing Bear Gift Shop attendant

Cash register, light cleaning, dusting, rearranging/organizing shelves, pricing, shelving items
9:45–1:15 or 12:45–4:30 shifts available, six-month commitment

For details, or to apply for a position, please contact Joy Tanchuk, Volunteer Supervisor, Deer Lodge Centre, at 204.831.2912 or

To volunteer for Deer Lodge Centre Foundation, call 204.272.8911.