Volunteer at Oakland (St. Andrew's Manor): Bingo Caller

Description:

St. Andrew's Manor is seeking a volunteer Bingo Caller to lead Bingo activities for senior residents who have expressed interest in social and recreational programming. The volunteer will call Bingo games, assist residents during gameplay, and help create a fun and welcoming environment that promotes social connection and community engagement. This ongoing opportunity takes place during afternoon hours and typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours per session. Ability to speak Cantonese or Mandarin is strongly preferred.

Reports to:

Volunteer Coordinator and the site's Service Coordinator

Goal of Position:

To provide senior residents with an enjoyable recreational activity that supports mental stimulation, fine motor skills, social connection, and community engagement. This role helps reduce social isolation, encourages friendly competition, and fosters a positive and healthy community environment.

Specific Tasks:

1. Set up the Bingo activity space by gathering Bingo boards, calling equipment, prizes, and other necessary materials.
2. Ensure all participating residents sign the attendance sheet before gameplay begins.
3. Explain Bingo rules and assist residents who are unfamiliar with the game.
4. Call Bingo numbers clearly and loudly and write numbers when needed to support participants.
5. Monitor gameplay and verify winning cards to ensure accurate Bingo calls.
6. Encourage resident participation and positive social interaction throughout the activity.
7. Assist residents with limited English proficiency by repeating or writing numbers when necessary.
8. Clean, sanitize, and break down the activity area after each session, returning all materials to storage.

Qualifications:

Physical/Age Requirements:

• Able to lift and carry Bingo equipment, supplies, and prizes between storage areas and the community room.
• Able to speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard by a group of participants.
• Able to stand, walk, and move around the activity space during the program.

Skills/Education/Experience:

• Knowledge of Bingo or willingness to learn the game.
• Enjoys playing games and engaging with others in a group setting.
• Friendly, patient, dependable, and open-minded.
• Interested in working with senior residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Comfortable facilitating group activities and interacting with participants of varying abilities.
• Ability to speak Cantonese or Mandarin is strongly preferred.
• Patient and supportive when assisting residents with limited English proficiency.

Benefits to the Volunteer:

1. Gain experience working with a diverse population of older adults.
2. Develop communication, leadership, and group facilitation skills.
3. Help seniors maintain cognitive engagement and fine motor skills through recreational activities.
4. Build meaningful relationships and strengthen community connections among residents.
5. Provide valuable support that helps reduce social isolation and promotes resident well-being.
6. Enjoy participating in a fun and rewarding activity while making a positive impact in an affordable housing community.