Latest news with #VolunteerAwards
Edinburgh Reporter
5 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
Recognition for local volunteers in West Lothian
The hard work of people who go above and beyond to support others in their communities have been recognised by the Bathgate based Voluntary Sector Gateway at their first ever Volunteer Awards The event last week shone the spotlight on individual and team achievements with nominees representing a wide range of organisations and causes across the county. Volunteer of the year title went to Jim Watson of West Lothian Council Advice Shop and Macmillan with runner up, Loretta Black of The Boghall Drop-In Centre. Nancy Baker of Carers of West Lothian won this year's Dedication and Commitment Award, with Elaine McCallum of the No Limits Sports Club as runner up. Members of The Barn community cafe in Livingston won the team award, with the Team Jak Foundation as runners up. Ray Fallan, Volunteering & Governance Development Officer at Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, said: 'It was a brilliant day with a great buzz in the room. We're so proud to recognise the volunteers who give so much of their time to make West Lothian a better place. 'Their dedication is inspiring, and this event is our way of saying thank you.' By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Winnipeg Free Press
28-04-2025
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Awards celebrate the selfless
It's National Volunteer Week, and one of the ways Volunteer Manitoba is marking the occasion is with its annual awards. The organization will honour 20 individuals and groups at Club Regent Event Centre on Thursday evening. 'At Volunteer Manitoba, we understand how important recognition is,' executive director Ashley Seymour says. 'There are so many people who give their time, their energy (and) their talents to supporting their communities, the organizations and non-profits that drive change and have such an impact in Manitoba.' The Volunteer Awards winners include Samuel Ogunsola, who will receive one of six Premier's Volunteer Service Awards. When he isn't working on his PhD in physiology at the University of Manitoba, the 28-year-old is the driving force behind three organizations. Two are registered charities in Nigeria, where Ogunsola was born and raised. Food and Genes Initiative aims to improve the well-being and lifestyle of Africans, and Shaping African Women in STEM offers programs that support those pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The other organization, Impact Leaders Connect, hosts events where young leaders from a variety of fields can connect and learn. Ogunsola is active in his church, Jesus House Inner-City Outreach, which has led him to volunteer at Siloam Mission and Union Gospel Mission. In 2023, he co-founded the Community Closet project, which provided clothing for immigrant students at Victor Mager School. Ogunsola says his Christian faith motivates him. 'I believe the skills and abilities I've acquired over the years have been given to me so I can help other people,' he says, adding he is excited to receive the award from Volunteer Manitoba. 'It's a boost to do more in the future and to make more of an impact.' The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to or call 204-477-5180. The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can help people find opportunities. To learn more about its programs and services, go to or call 204-477-5180. Misericordia Health Centre needs volunteers for recreational programming, such as music and adapted physical exercises, for transitional care clients. The schedule is 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Apply at volunteer@ or 204-788-8132 by May 12. Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre needs education volunteers to deliver presentations to students and community groups, and at public events. The goal is to raise awareness about local wildlife and promote peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. Volunteers might also get to work with animals that can't be returned to the wild because of injury or other factors, helping to educate the public through direct interaction. This opportunity is ideal for people interested in wildlife education, public speaking and community engagement. Apply at by June 1. The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival needs more than 750 volunteers who are able to volunteer for at least four shifts of about four to six hours each over 12 days, from July 16 to July 27. Duties range from selling tickets and ushering to helping at the Kids Fringe area. Must be 12 or older. Apply at or volunteers@ by July 11. Siloam Mission needs an on-call American Sign Language interpreter. The role is essential in ensuring people who are deaf or hard of hearing can fully participate in programs and services. The volunteer will bridge communication gaps by translating spoken language into ASL and vice versa. Skills required: proficiency in ASL; an understanding of deaf culture; an understanding of people who have faced homelessness, trauma and addictions; and the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism. The volunteer would be called on to go to Siloam, or possibly communicate by video chat, when needed. The organization will do its best to call to schedule in advance. Apply at by July 15. Special Olympics Manitoba needs volunteers with a passion for coaching and connecting with athletes. They will work with athletes in 18 sports to improve basic motor skills, teach sport-specific skills and prepare athletes for competition. Some sport-specific knowledge is needed. The time commitment is one to two weekly sessions for one to 2 1/2 hours. Some competitions are on weekends. Email Emma Wedlake at ewedlake@ by May 15. Assiniboine Park Conservancy needs energetic people who have a passion for engaging with guests and sharing knowledge with visitors from around the world. Flexible scheduling and comprehensive training is offered. Volunteers will be trained at the park, the zoo or the Leaf and can schedule shifts at their preferred location. Must be 14 or older. Opportunities for adult volunteers include engagement ambassadors, visitor services concierge, special events assistants, and facilities and grounds support. Youth ages 14 to 18 are encouraged to apply for camp crew or zoo teen ambassador roles. Volunteers are asked to make a long-term commitment. A minimum commitment of 60 hours for adults or 40 hours for teens is required per year. Apply at by June 15. Creative Retirement Manitoba — a non-profit registered charity with a mission to provide affordable lifelong learning to older adults — has board member opportunities, particularly in program planning. This is a working board, with members taking on roles to support operations. The board meets eight times annually, on the second Friday morning of each month. Email hello@ by June 30. Habitat Manitoba is hosting a Blitz Build at 900 Pandora Ave. W. from Aug. 11 to Aug. 15. Seventy-five volunteers a day are needed for five consecutive days to help build safe, decent, affordable houses for low-income families. No experience is necessary. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Apply at by Aug. 1. The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to email volunteer@ or call 1-844-818-2155. Anju Bajaj feels the same way. Bajaj, 44, is receiving the CTV Champion of Mental Health Award in recognition of her volunteer commitment to promoting mental health and well-being. She is on the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba's education committee and the Province of Manitoba's committee regarding the Vulnerable Persons Living with a Mental Disability Act. Bajaj has helped form policies, legislation and educational resources to help support the rightful treatment of people with mental disabilities and challenges. She chairs the board of directors at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. As a STEM educator and adviser for Manitoba Catholic Schools, Bajaj said she believes STEM education can promote wellness in students. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. 'Mental health isn't a 'cause,' it's a human right,' she says. 'And it's not someone else's responsibility — it's all of ours. Whether you're a teacher, a student, a parent or a neighbour, you have the power to make someone feel valued, heard and supported. That power matters.' Bajaj says her work is far from over but the recognition from Volunteer Manitoba is a meaningful marker and a reminder that advocacy, when grounded in love and service, can make an impact. 'We must normalize asking for help, normalize checking in, normalize rest and compassion,' she says. 'That's how we build resilient communities. That's how we save lives — not always through grand gestures, but through everyday kindness.' For the full list of this year's winners, go to To learn more about National Volunteer Week, go to If you know a special volunteer, email Aaron EppReporter Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron. 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