Volunteering for Animals

*🍾 Between 20 and 30 international attendees 🍷* We meet to promote cultural exchanges or practice a foreign language. 🥂 The number of participants is limited to preserve user-friendliness. The address is therefore given only for participants who have taken a membership card valid for one year. The membership card offers a special feature: choose a sticker number and receive a free shot at the bar after chatting with other group members. **Card fee is 5€ and available here** : https://bit.ly/apero-linguistique2025

**⚠️ Nouveau lieu : Pub Saint-Michel (19 Quai Saint-Michel 75005 Paris). Détails en commentaire.** **FIL ROUGE DE LA RENCONTRE :** les risques liés à l'Intelligence Artificielle et comment y répondre. Il y a déjà de nombreux discours alarmants sur l'impact de ce développement technologique notamment sur le marché de l'emploi ou l'avenir de la guerre. Mais se développe de plus en plus celui d'un risque existentiel, pouvant menacer la survie de l'humanité toute entière. Plusieurs organismes militants et chercheurs proposent des régulations voire demandent un ralentissement global du développement de cette technologie pour mieux en étudier les risques. A cette rencontre, nous parlerons ensemble de ces risques et des solutions proposées, et aborderons celles qui sont pratiquement absentes du discours "AI safety" : celles qui n'impliquent pas un lourd processus législatif incertain, et qui viennent directement de la gestion des risques en associant stratégie, sûreté et résilience. *** Envie de parler IA, science-fiction et biohacking autour d’un verre ? On réunit des esprits curieux et technophiles pour échanger idées, projets et questions, dans une ambiance détendue et accessible. Débutants bienvenus, experts également. On explore comment la science et les technologies peuvent améliorer la vie, en théorie et en pratique. Vous pouvez aussi rejoindre notre [communauté sur Discord](https://discord.gg/K3RjYH4). **Pour nous trouver : à l'étage, cherchez les affichettes "Meetup H+**

Venez supporter votre équipe préférée pour la CAN 2025 🎉⚽️ N'hésitez pas à mettre votre maillot & Accessoire pour supporter 🎉 Plusieurs Écrans sont la bas avec un grand projecteur 📺 Resto- BAR sur place. Bières, soft et super cocktails 🍸 Formule imposée : Plats au choix & boisson 17 € (Burger frites / merguez frites/ Poulet frit et frites) Bières/ Soft / Vin

Are you tired of the usual expensive and boring New Year's Eve parties? Join us for a unique adventure to start 2026! 🎆 I'm **Francesco**, a wannabe biologist and explorer. I have organized a **7-day trip to Romania** (Dec 30 - Jan 6) that combines an authentic Urban NYE with a wild Road Trip into the heart of Transylvania. **🗺️ THE PLAN** **PART 1: The Urban Warm-up (Dec 30 - Jan 1)** 📍 **Timișoara:** We will explore the "Little Vienna" of Romania. * No tourist traps: we’ll hunt for **hidden Jazz Clubs**, drink fresh unpasteurized beer at the factory, and explore the communist history. * **NYE Night:** We celebrate in the main square with the locals and fireworks, then move to a cool pub to welcome the new year. **PART 2: Into the Wild Road Trip (Jan 1 - Jan 5)** We pick up our car and head to the mountains! 🚗 * 🦬 **Wildlife:** We’ll track **European Bisons** in the snow at the Hațeg Reserve. * 🏰 **Gothic Vibes:** Visit **Corvin Castle** (one of the spookiest and most beautiful castles in Europe). * ❄️ **Snow & Trekking:** Base in **Sibiu** (Medieval city) + a day of accessible winter hiking in **Păltiniș**. * 🧊 **The Ice Hotel:** Driving the legendary **Transfăgărășan Road** up to the frozen Bâlea Waterfall to see the famous Hotel of Ice. **👀 WHO IS THIS FOR?** I'm looking for 2-3 chill, open-minded travel buddies (20-40s). If you prefer nature, good conversations, and a snowy adventure over a chaotic disco, you are the perfect fit! **💰 COSTS & LOGISTICS** I have already arranged the logistics (Car Rental + Itinerary). * **Style:** Low-cost but smart (Hostels/Guesthouses). * **Budget:** We share the costs (Fuel/Food) and there is a fixed fee that covers the **Car Rental and Accommodation** for the whole week. **📅 DATES:** Dec 30th to Jan 6th. **📍 MEETING POINT:** Timișoara. **👉 HOW TO JOIN:** This is a small group (max 4 people in the car). **Send me a direct message here on Meetup or contact me on IG: pangolin_travel.**

*Hi everyone! 😊* Come sing your heart out and meet internationals or Parisians. Chat in every language! An icebreaker game with matching stickers is offered – and you can win a free shot 🍸 **🍾 Talk or Sing… you choose!** This is a brand new aperitif concept for: 🗣️ Chatting in multiple languages, 🎤 Singing with people from all around the world, You can come alone or with friends. Come whenever you can, but not too late to catch up with the group! **Practical info:** 🕖 Time: 7pm – 10:30pm 💸 Free with the pass available on the Socializus app 📲 WhatsApp for quick info: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/BjmhwVp9ojF9wWuK5sb6dn/](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BjmhwVp9ojF9wWuK5sb6dn/) **How to join:** * Check the exact address with the free app and free pass: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) * Support the association and help cover meetup costs with an annual membership card here: [https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Stay connected everywhere:** 🔹 Meetup – [https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/](https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/) 🔹 WhatsApp (info & reminders): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzsETXxc4Ug0RwvgrJZ49S](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzsETXxc4Ug0RwvgrJZ49S) (Activate “Receive all” so you don’t miss anything!) 🔹 Facebook Group –[https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Facebook Page – Photos & updates: [https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Socializus: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) 🔹 Become an Organizer via WhatsApp: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) It’s 100% free because we are a non-profit association. ✦✦ Last-minute changes may happen, but everything is updated via the app with the free pass. To better manage the number of participants, we rely on registrations through the free pass. Sign up only if you’re sure to come – we’re counting on you! 😊 📸 / 🎥 By participating in our activity, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed. Photos and videos will be shared on our social networks and may be used for commercial purposes. You can also post your own photos with the hashtag #socializus

***Golden dunes, volcanic trails, wild coasts & starry New Year skies — your perfect Fuerteventura (Canary Island) adventure starts here.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** For more detailed info & to get entry for this trip, click on link below 👇🏽: [https://canary-newyears2026.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup](https://canary-newyears2026.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup) **WHY GO?** Fuerteventura is one of the most breathtaking and diverse islands of the Canaries — a place where landscapes shift dramatically from golden desert dunes to volcanic craters, wild Atlantic cliffs, tranquil lagoons, and quiet whitewashed villages. In just minutes, you’ll move from otherworldly sand seas to ancient lava fields, from calm turquoise coves to windswept beaches that stretch endlessly into the horizon. We’ll wander across the famous Corralejo dunes, hike up the rim of volcanic craters with panoramic views, explore the raw west coast, and visit the historic inland towns that reveal the island’s true soul. And did you know? Fuerteventura is home to some of Europe’s clearest skies, making it a magical place for stargazing — the perfect backdrop for a New Year’s celebration under the open Atlantic sky. Let’s discover it together! Please do join our Whatsapp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [Whatsapp Group](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

**Némo Biennial 2025 is back in Paris and across Île-de-France! 🌟** This major event dedicated to contemporary and digital art explores the connections between the real, the virtual, and the imaginary. Expect immersive installations, audiovisual performances, and unique interactive experiences that push the boundaries of creativity. **What’s on the program?** • Artworks and devices that blur the line between humans and machines 🤖 • Captivating sensory and visual performances 🎭 • Innovative creations from artists, designers, and researchers from around the world 🌍 We will be visiting exhibitions at **CENTQUATRE-PARIS**, one of the key venues of this edition. It will be a great moment to share impressions, discuss the artworks, and enjoy an inspiring collective experience together. 💫 More information: [https://www.biennalenemo.fr/](https://www.biennalenemo.fr/) **Want to get more involved?** Become a **co-organizer, event organizer, or assistant organizer** and help plan the outing, suggest ideas, or give a hand so everything runs smoothly. 📩 **How to participate**: Just reply directly to this message on Meetup and let us know your interests or availability. Let’s organize everything together to make this an unforgettable experience! 💫 **Spread the word!** If you have friends or colleagues who might enjoy this kind of cultural outing, invite them to join our Meetup group! The more passionate people we have, the more fun, lively, and inspiring our experiences become. 🎊 See you soon, **The Art&More Team**

🍷 Why become a volunteer? We invite you to join our team of volunteers to organize fun activities while enjoying a free drink, a small perk, but things are moving forward as we aim to support organizers. For organizers, the first drink is free! It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, practice different languages, and discuss how you can, if you wish, contribute to the evolution of the Socializus project. Whether you’re a graphic designer, a developer, or looking to develop your skills in communication, event planning, or another field, you’re welcome. Our goal is simple: support organizers and promote friendly meetups and language exchanges. Over time, our community has grown to become the largest in Paris, and we’re thrilled to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to share great moments. Our initiative is driven by a non-profit association. This means we move forward slowly, with the resources we have, but always with the desire to create connections and support organizers who want to develop similar events. **Practical Info:** 🕖 From 9:30 PM 💸 Free with the Socializus pass on the free app! 📲 WhatsApp for quick info:[https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) **How to participate:** Check the exact address with the free app and free pass:[www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) Or support the association with an annual membership card:[https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Stay connected:** 🔹 Meetup –[https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/](https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/) 🔹 WhatsApp (info & day-of reminders):[https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) (Activate “Receive all” to stay in the loop!) 🔹 Facebook Group –[https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Facebook Page – Photos, memories, and updates:[ ](https://www.facebook.com/groups/afterwork.paris)[https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Socializus:[www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) 🔹 Become an Organizer:[https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) ✦✦ Last-minute changes can happen, but everything is updated via the app with the free pass. To better manage the number of participants, we rely on registrations via the free pass. Please only sign up if you’re sure you can attend—we’re counting on you! 😊

🍷 ¿Por qué ser voluntario? Te invitamos a unirte a nuestro equipo de voluntarios para organizar actividades divertidas mientras disfrutas de una bebida gratuita, ¡un pequeño beneficio, pero todo está avanzando porque queremos apoyar a los organizadores! Para los organizadores, la primera bebida es gratis. Es una gran oportunidad para conocer gente nueva, practicar diferentes idiomas y discutir cómo podrías, si lo deseas, contribuir al desarrollo del proyecto Socializus. Ya seas diseñador gráfico, desarrollador o quieras mejorar tus habilidades en comunicación, organización de eventos u otro ámbito, eres bienvenido. Nuestro objetivo es simple: apoyar a los organizadores y fomentar encuentros amistosos e intercambios lingüísticos. Con el tiempo, nuestra comunidad se ha convertido en la más grande de París, y estamos encantados de reunir a personas de diferentes orígenes para compartir momentos geniales. Nuestra iniciativa está impulsada por una asociación sin fines de lucro. Esto significa que avanzamos despacio, con los recursos que tenemos, pero siempre con la voluntad de crear conexiones y apoyar a los organizadores que desean desarrollar eventos similares. **Información práctica:** 🕖 A partir de las 21:30 💸 ¡Gratis con el pase Socializus! 📲 WhatsApp para información rápida: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) **Cómo participar:** Consulta la dirección exacta con la app gratuita y el pase gratuito: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) O apoya a la asociación con una tarjeta de membresía anual: [https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Mantente conectado:** 🔹 Meetup – [https://www.meetup.com/fiesta-latina-paris](https://www.meetup.com/fiesta-latina-paris/)/ 🔹 WhatsApp (info y recordatorios del día): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa](https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVuEzaPwe0h4iRHglUZWoa) (Activa “Recibir todo” para no perderte nada) 🔹 Grupo de Facebook – [https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/](https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/) 🔹 Página de Facebook – Fotos, recuerdos y noticias: [https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/](https://www.facebook.com/paris.fiesta.latina/) 🔹 Socializus: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org) 🔹 Conviértete en organizador: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) ✦✦ Pueden ocurrir cambios de última hora, pero todo se actualiza a través de la app con el pase gratuito. Para gestionar mejor el número de participantes, contamos con las inscripciones a través del pase gratuito. Por favor, regístrate solo si estás seguro de asistir, ¡contamos contigo! 😊

**Hello fellow otakus!** Start the new year with a deep dive into the world of manga! Otaku’s Guild is heading to the **Guimet Asian Museum** to explore their spectacular exhibition: ***Manga. Tout un art!*** This exhibition celebrates manga as a major art form, tracing its roots from traditional Japanese prints to the vibrant, diverse universe we know today. You’ll discover original works, iconic characters, and the cultural influences that shaped manga into a global phenomenon. It’s a visual feast for anyone who loves anime, comics, and Japanese pop culture! **Event Details:** **What:** Visit the *Manga. Tout un art!* exhibition **Where:** Guimet Asian Museum **When:** **Sunday, January 4th, 2026 at 12h** **Cost:** **FREE** (first Sunday of the month = free museum entry!) **How it works:** Sign up here on MeetUp to join Otaku’s Guild for this cultural adventure. We’ll meet at the museum entrance and head in together to enjoy the exhibition at a relaxed pace. Let's kick off the year by celebrating the art and stories that inspire us! **PS:** If you can't make it on January 4th but would still like to visit the exhibition with the group, please leave a comment. We can plan additional visits on **February 1st** or **March 1st** if there's enough interest. | | |

Lunch at vegan Moroccan restaurant in the 20th. More details soon

Hello\*! 😊\* Fancy enjoying a gourmet aperitif while practicing the language of Molière in Paris? Join our gastronomic aperitif dedicated to the French language for locals and internationals who want to help or improve their French skills. We’ve found a cozy venue with a small mezzanine, and our community is growing! Upon arrival, show your pass. **💬 Concept** Come alone or with friends, and join us to socialize, 🍷 share a drink, or savor a gourmet dish! Arrive at the time that suits you, but coming early is even better to enjoy conversations and meet more people! When you arrive, ask the organizer for a numbered sticker. Find the person with the same number and win a free shot or a small cocktail tasting to break the ice with other participants! 🥂 **Practical Info:** 🕖 Time: From 7 PM to 10 PM 💸 Free with the Socializus pass, which helps us count participants 💸 VIP Option: Support the association, become a VIP! [https://bit.ly/apero-linguistique2025](https://bit.ly/apero-linguistique2025) 📲 WhatsApp for a reminder on the day Don’t forget to enable “See all”: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzsETXxc4Ug0RwvgrJZ49S](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzsETXxc4Ug0RwvgrJZ49S) **How to Participate:** Check the exact address with the free app and get a free pass: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org/) Help us cover costs and support the association with an annual membership card: [https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html](https://www.placeminute.com/event/afterwork/apero-linguistique-dans-un-bar-secret,36046.html) **Stay Connected:** 🔹 Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/](https://www.meetup.com/internationals-events-paris/) 🔹 WhatsApp (info & day-of reminders): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzsETXxc4Ug0RwvgrJZ49S](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JzsETXxc4Ug0RwvgrJZ49S) (Enable “Receive all” to stay updated!) 🔹 Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Facebook Page – Photos & updates: [https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/](https://www.facebook.com/socializing.with.internationals.in.Paris/) 🔹 Socializus info: [www.socializus.org](http://www.socializus.org/) **Want to Help?** Join the volunteer team and get a free drink 🍴 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KtR79S8Obfs3WTPTIBsoCm) It’s 100% free as we are a nonprofit association aiming to create friendly, inclusive meeting. ✦✦ Last-minute changes may happen, but everything is updated via the app with the free pass. To better manage attendance, we rely on registrations via the free pass. Only sign up if you’re sure you can come—we’re counting on you! 😊 Come practice French, help internationals learn, or simply enjoy a gourmet evening in a friendly atmosphere!

*🍾 Between 20 and 30 international attendees 🍷* We meet to promote cultural exchanges or practice a foreign language. 🥂 The number of participants is limited to preserve user-friendliness. The address is therefore given only for participants who have taken a membership card valid for one year. The membership card offers a special feature: choose a sticker number and receive a free shot at the bar after chatting with other group members. **Card fee is 5€ and available here** : [https://bit.ly/apero-linguistique2025](https://bit.ly/apero-linguistique2025)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

Volunteer with Westerville Queer Collective and the Neurospicy Meetup to build care packages for local unhoused folks, which will be distributed throughout local camps and neighborhoods via Heer2Serve (501c3). Will you donate any items? If so, comment what will you bring Please make sure clothing items are clean and if you’re donating food, ready to be eaten without a stove or microwave. We expect to assemble around 50-100 packages, so if you’ll purchase items, please consider that amount (ie bulk individually packaged candies etc.). Fun and interesting book or entertainment item donation also welcome! Package assembly will take place on January 17th from 10-12 am. Location TBA but will be in Westerville, Ohio.

Start the New Year off right! Join us as we get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event to distribute food at the Champion Food Pantry! We’ve created a great little community of Movie Group friends! Rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve people in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: The Champion Food Pantry provides needed food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. For this event, we’ll be volunteering to help with Food Distribution during client pick up times. Our group will receive on-the-spot training from some of their seasoned regular volunteers. PLAN FOR CHAMPION FOOD PANTRY: Please arrive by 2:45pm. Our volunteer time will be from 3:00 to 6:00pm. LOCATION & PARKING: The Champion Food Pantry is located at 1460 S. Champion Ave in Columbus. Parking is located in the lot on Frebis across from the pantry. Please enter through the door marked "Volunteers enter here” on Frebis Ave. A map has been uploaded to the photos. IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the majority of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. No shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will mak you ineligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. LINKS & INFO: Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: • Champion Food Pantry Civil Rights Training: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Parking and Entrance: Attached file. • Champion Food Pantry Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0wI-AwOYLY • Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/foodpantrieschampion THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others in our community! But the benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering can provide a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Thanks for your help and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Join the [Columbus Vegan Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/columbusveganmeetup/) on **Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM** at **1043 W 3rd Avenue in Grandview**! Come hang out and enjoy delicious pastries from this **all-vegan, family-owned** local favorite. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious, it’s the perfect time to build your social circle and support a community business. See you there!

Join Columbus Vegan Meetup for a NOON Year’s Eve at Vida's!! We will count down to noon on 12/31. This is a great opportunity for families or for people that do not want to stay up past midnight for New Year’s celebrations. We will be eating food from Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 🤤 Here is the link to their website: 🔗 https://www.vidasbutcher.com/ You can order ahead of time if you want, just let them know that it is for the Meetup happening from 11:30am-1pm. If you do, order on their website and not by call. They open at 11. Vida’s also has a preorder for that classic cheese ball so place those orders if you want that during the meetup!🧀 👀 The hosts will be providing the sparkling juice and glasses for a celebration drink when the "ball" drops 🥂✨ Please do not bring your own drinks. So yeah! Come join us and celebrate with fellow vegans and animal lovers while supporting a local family owned vegan business 🤩