logo
ENFRع
#

Latest news with #VolunteerManitoba

Difficult situations, moving experiences
Difficult situations, moving experiences

Winnipeg Free Press

time2 days ago

  • General
  • Winnipeg Free Press

Difficult situations, moving experiences

As a volunteer recruiter, Tyler Omichinski has found that Winnipeggers are eager to pitch in. Omichinski is the operations manager for the local chapter of Shelter Movers, a national charitable organization that provides moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. More than 70 Winnipeggers have signed up to volunteer with the chapter since it was established last summer. That response is impressive, Omichinski says. 'I've been kind of blown away (by) how much that delightful stereotype of us in Winnipeg being people who volunteer (and) people who give to charity holds true,' he says. 'We've had a relatively easy time finding folks to help out, which has been fantastic.' Shelley Madden is one of those people. The Charleswood resident has a long history of giving her time to organizations that serve marginalized people. She discovered Shelter Movers late last summer, shortly after giving a list of resources to a woman who was fleeing an abusive situation. ''This is stellar, this is absolutely amazing. This is the kind of resource that was missing when I gave those referrals to that woman,'' Madden recalls thinking after she learned about the organization on Volunteer Manitoba's website. The 56-year-old educational assistant was looking for somewhere to volunteer and so she applied immediately. Since then, she's served as an online orientation facilitator, training volunteers on the organization's protocols and how they can take a trauma-informed approach to their work. More recently, she's volunteered as a mover. Shelter Movers collaborates with local businesses and community services who refer clients — primarily women and their children — who have decided to leave an abuser and have a safer place to go. Movers and drivers are the backbone of the organization. Working in groups of two to seven people, and guided by a detailed itinerary, volunteers load the clients' belongings into a vehicle and transport them and their items to a predetermined location. 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. The Ecuadorian Association of Manitoba needs volunteers who speak Spanish or are passionate about the culture to help with events. The position is an opportunity to gain experience in event management. People are welcome to apply at any time, but to participate in events this summer and fall, they should apply at volunteer@ or in July and August. SuperWalk is Parkinson Canada's largest annual fundraiser, helping the organization provide support and advocacy, and funding research for people living with and impacted by the disease. Event-day volunteers are needed. Roles include event setup and takedown, registration, greeting, food services, entertainment support, checkpoint stations and cheering on walkers. Events are taking place across Canada — including in Winnipeg — on Sept. 6 and Sept. 7. The time commitment varies. Volunteers will be contacted before the event to confirm their shift time, role and event details. Apply online at by Sept. 5. Canada's largest volunteer-led event for breast cancer — the CIBC Run for the Cure, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society — returns Oct. 5. Volunteers are needed to help plan and lead events across the country. To explore available positions, go to The application deadline is the day of the event. Victoria Lifeline needs home service volunteers to travel to clients' homes and work directly with subscribers and caregivers to install, support and explain Lifeline. Volunteers should have demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. English is required; additional languages are an asset. A driver's licence and vehicle are required. Must be able to work independently. Shifts are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. A minimum of one four-hour shift weekly is required. Apply at by Dec. 30. Com-Span needs someone with experience in basic repairs and general handiwork to help with odd jobs around the building. The work includes minor repairs, installing shelves, repairing and replacing damaged items and minor paint touch-ups. Shifts will work around the person's availability. A criminal record check is required, with the costs reimbursed. Email admin@ by Dec. 31. The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba needs a public representative to fill a vacancy on the finance committee for a term starting in October. The committee is responsible for making recommendations on financial policies, financial conditions and the annual audit to the council. More information is available at Send a resumé and cover letter to appointments@ by Aug. 8. Mount Carmel Clinic needs volunteers for community programming support. Roles include setting up and cleaning programming spaces, organizing the refreshments area, greeting community members and providing event information. Volunteers help staff members with group activities and distribution of materials. Volunteers should be 16 or older and open to working from a place of non-judgment, open-mindedness and respect for people of all backgrounds and identities. The time commitment is two shifts monthly, and there is an orientation of approximately three hours. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Email volunteer@ by Aug. 31. The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@ by Dec. 31. Villa Cabrini needs someone with creative skills to make posters for various events. The necessary information for the projects will be provided each month. The role does not include printing responsibilities; completed files can be emailed. Volunteers must have computer and design skills and be 16 or older. The role involves flexible hours and can be done remotely. Apply at vcabrini@ by Jan. 1. Police or security personnel and language interpreters may also be present for the move to ensure the process is as safe and efficient as possible. 'You're helping someone get out of a very difficult situation,' Madden says, adding that it's rewarding work. 'The amount of gratitude and graciousness that comes from the women (is) just humbling.' Paul Diouf agrees. Diouf arrived in Winnipeg from Dakar, Senegal, last August to study business administration at Saint-Boniface University. He started volunteering as a mover last December so that he could get to know the city. He has since been trained as a driver. Diouf recalls one particular shift when a woman gathered her children after the move so that they could all thank the volunteers. 'It was kind of awesome — it gave me chills,' says Diouf, 27. 'To me it (indicated that I) did something really important… I'll never forget that.' While Omichinski is pleased with the number of people who volunteer with Shelter Movers, he says the organization could always use more help. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. The duration of each move varies, with an average length of about four hours. Volunteers receive training and can sign up for moves according to their availability. To get involved, apply online at or email volunteer@ 'We've (done) 35 moves already and we're really getting our feet under us locally (so) that number's going to keep growing drastically,' Omichinski says. Shelter Movers operates in 10 centres across Canada and relies on more than 1,000 volunteers, per its website. Since 2016, the organization has completed more than 8,500 moves. 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. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

Home team helps home build
Home team helps home build

Winnipeg Free Press

time21-07-2025

  • Business
  • Winnipeg Free Press

Home team helps home build

Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans can trade in foam fingers and cowbells for a hammer to help build a home for a family in need this fall. Habitat for Humanity Manitoba and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will team up Oct. 1 and 2 to host the first Bombers House Build, where volunteers will help build a house for a low-income family alongside players from the football club. 'It's another opportunity for people to help and engage in the community,' said Christa Mariash, spokesperson for Habitat. 'You work on a football team to win the game and you work on a team to build a house. We just thought it was a perfect fit.' SUPPLIED Holly Jefferson (left) and members of the Bombers Women's Club work on a Habitat for Humanity house in Transcona last week. Each day, 50 people can sign up to help build one of 55 homes that will house 275 Manitobans, including 175 children, on the Pandora Avenue West property in Transcona. Sign-ups can be made via the Habitat website until Sept. 12. Mariash said 25 per cent of the spots have been filled. She said anyone is encouraged to join, including fervent Bomber fans, business operators and families. Prices start at $549 for individuals, $2,199 for four-person teams, and $5,499 for a team of 10. The organization's goal is to raise $100,000. Mariash said participants will be trained at the site and receive plenty of perks, including a co-branded limited edition Bombers and Habitat T-shirt, a framed team photo and an invitation to watch the family officially receive their home at the key ceremony. 'You kind of see the process full circle by seeing the fruits of your labour. It's pretty exciting,' Mariash said. Those who register will also receive a VIP invite to Hearts & Hammers, Habitat's donor appreciation night at the Pinnacle Club in Princess Auto Stadium. The Bombers House Build is one of many ways Winnipeg's CFL team continues to support the community. Along with the club's focus on growing amateur football across Manitoba and ensuring children have the opportunity to play both tackle and flag football, the Bombers have also worked with the Dream Factory and Children's Hospital to bring joy and laughter to those facing life-altering sicknesses. 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. Siloam Mission is seeking kitchen volunteers at the Madison, at 210 Evanson St. Volunteers help prepare and serve meals in a smaller, less-crowded kitchen setting. A willingness to learn, the ability to stand for two hours and a friendly attitude are required, but no experience is necessary. Volunteers can gain valuable cooking skills with guidance from experienced staff members. The minimum age is 16, with breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts available. Supervision, training and orientation are provided, along with a letter of reference after 100 volunteer hours. Apply at by July 30. The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba needs a public representative to fill a vacancy on the finance committee for terms starting in October. The committee is responsible for making recommendations on financial policies, financial conditions and the annual audit to the council. More information is available at Send a resumé and cover letter to appointments@ by Aug. 8. Mount Carmel Clinic needs volunteers for community programming support. Roles include setting up and cleaning programming spaces, organizing the refreshments area, greeting community members and providing event information. Volunteers help staff members with group activities and distribution of materials. Volunteers should be 16 or older and open to working from a place of non-judgment, open-mindedness and respect for people of all backgrounds and identities. The time commitment is two shifts monthly, and there is an orientation of three to 3.5 hours. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Email volunteer@ by Aug. 31. Osteoporosis Canada needs people with a health or fitness background to serve as presenters/facilitators for its educational programs. Candidates must be 18 or older and should have strong interpersonal skills, empathy and basic computer skills, including familiarity with virtual platforms such as Zoom. The role is ideal for retired health-care professionals, fitness leaders or anyone interested in healthy living. People who are bilingual or proficient in English at a B2 to C1 level are welcome to apply. The time commitment is four to six flexible hours per month. Apply at or tapsit@ by Dec. 31. Villa Cabrini needs someone with creative skills to make posters for various events. The necessary information for the projects will be provided each month. The role does not include printing responsibilities; completed files can be emailed. Volunteers must have computer and design skills and be 16 or older. The role involves flexible hours and can be done remotely. Apply at vcabrini@ by Jan. 1. The YWG Goldwings program welcomes and helps travellers at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. Volunteers greet guests, offer assistance and provide directions. Representing the Winnipeg Airports Authority with professionalism and pride, volunteers actively engage with passengers and ensure clear communication. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 100 hours annually and must show strong communication, customer service and teamwork skills. Open to people aged 16 and older. A criminal record check is required, and the ability to speak languages other than English is an asset. Apply at by Aug. 1. The Leftovers Foundation, a food-rescue charity with a mission of reducing food waste and increasing access to food for people facing barriers, is gearing up for Home Harvest. The program facilitates the rescue of homegrown food. Community members can participate by signing up through the website or mobile app to become a donor (grower) or volunteer to complete routes. Growers with excess produce can submit a request any time, and volunteers can harvest and deliver the produce to local service agencies and keep a portion for themselves. Volunteers can sign up in groups or individually. Email alyssa@ or go to for more information. Apply by Aug. 2. MS Canada needs volunteers for the Gimli MS Bike on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24. Help is needed throughout the event to ensure it runs smoothly and that participants have an enjoyable time while biking to raise funds for people affected by MS. Shifts are available one or both days and range from two to eight hours. To view role descriptions and shifts, go to and register by Aug. 20. For more details, email Karyn Heidrick at The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@ by Dec. 31. Wade Miller, president and chief executive officer of the Bombers, said the partnership with Habitat is another opportunity for the athletes to show their leadership off the field. 'Our players give back in our community like no other professional sports organization or players in different leagues and are really committed to giving back,' Miller said. 'That's what makes CFL players and Blue Bomber players special.' Last week, members of the Bombers Women's Club — a free fan group that connects women through exclusive events and community engagement — along with Holly Jefferson, wife of star defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, joined Habitat on the Pandora build site to lend a hand. For several hours, the women rolled up their sleeves, picked up hammers and got to work framing walls and nailing down lumber alongside Habitat's construction crew. Miller said the names of the players who will participate in the October build will be announced closer to the date. 'All of our players would love to be a part of that and set the example that they always have,' he said. Wednesdays Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences.

The play's the thing for longtime Fringe helper
The play's the thing for longtime Fringe helper

Winnipeg Free Press

time14-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Winnipeg Free Press

The play's the thing for longtime Fringe helper

From the farm to the fringe festival, Wendy Molnar likes to help. The 67-year-old Winnipegger's interest in volunteerism stems from her upbringing on a farm near Yorkton, Sask. Whenever there was a community event, Molnar's parents helped and recruited her to get involved. '(That) was instrumental in how I look at volunteer work now,' Molnar says. 'Certainly it's a way to give back to the community but really it's a little selfish as well — it makes me feel good that I'm able to contribute.' One of Molnar's longstanding volunteer commitments is with the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, which the semi-retired museum consultant got involved with shortly after she and her husband moved to Winnipeg in 1990. Molnar had spent the previous two summers volunteering at Edmonton's fringe festival and figured getting involved with the Winnipeg iteration would be a good way to meet people. 'Winnipeg was very welcoming to me and it was just a fun time, so I kind of got hooked on it,' Molnar says. 'Here I am, 35 years later, still volunteering and still enjoying every minute of it.' This year's fringe festival runs from July 16-27 and will feature more than 145 performing companies in 26 venues in and around downtown. Molnar has filled a variety of roles over the years, including taking tickets, ushering people to their seats and assisting with the children's programming. 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. Become the face of Volunteer Manitoba as a Community Engagement Ambassador at community events, career fairs and volunteer fairs from September-November, after which you can decide to continue volunteering with us. Your responsibilities will include setting up and working at an information booth interacting with event attendees. This position allows you to talk with hundreds of participants about the benefits and joys of volunteering! Volunteer shifts are Wednesdays (between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.), some weekends and evenings. Apply online: Deadline is Aug. 15. MS Canada is seeking individuals to join their team to support the Gimli MS Bike, which will take place on Aug. 23-24. Volunteer assistance is needed throughout the event to ensure it runs smoothly and that participants have an enjoyable experience while biking to raise crucial funds for those affected by MS. Volunteers are required on Aug. 23 and/or Aug. 24, with shifts ranging from two to eight hours depending on the shift and level of commitment. This opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in the community by contributing talent and time. For more information and to view role descriptions and shifts, visit the Volunteer Website and sign up by Aug. 20: For additional details, contact Karyn Heidrick at Join the YWG Goldwings Volunteer Program to welcome and assist travelers at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. As a volunteer, you'll greet guests, offer assistance, and provide directions to enhance the travel experience. Representing the Winnipeg Airports Authority with professionalism and pride, you'll actively engage with passengers and ensure clear communication. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 100 hours annually and must demonstrate strong communication, customer service, and teamwork skills. Open to individuals aged 16 and over, a criminal record check is required, and the ability to speak languages other than English is an asset. Apply online: Deadline is Aug. 1. Freeze Frame Media Arts Centre for Young People is seeking a volunteer social media coordinator. Freeze Frame is a non-profit charitable organization that manages the Freeze Frame International Film Festival for Kids of All Ages in March and provides workshops related to animation and film throughout the year. The volunteer social media co-ordinator will work in collaboration with Freeze Frame staff in creating content to post to Freeze Frame accounts for the promotion of its festival and other activities throughout the year. Responsibilities for the volunteer social media co-ordinator include posting content for Freeze Frame's social media accounts, including the writing of captions and creation of graphics. An ability to write in French is an asset. High school students looking for experience and credited volunteer hours are welcome to apply. Apply by email: director@ Deadline is Sept. 30. Do you want to make a difference? The Canadian Red Cross Society is looking for volunteers in Manitoba for programs like Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers may also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers skills in public speaking and crisis management, making a significant impact on communities. Interested individuals should email their resume and any questions to SmartStart@ Deadline is Dec. 31. Manitoba Possible is seeking community outreach volunteers. Volunteers will contact community centres, clinics and senior living facilities to introduce their platform, maintaining records of who was contacted, when materials were delivered and any notes from conversations. Your goal is to help foster positive connection with new and returning community partners and share insights on which locations were receptive, any challenges faced, or suggestions for improving outreach. Volunteers are needed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, daytime hours. Apply by July 25 at: Event day volunteers are needed for the Disc Golf Manitoba Provincials 2025. Volunteer roles include: course setup and take down of signage etc., player check-in and starter (checking in players to the park and getting them ready for their starting tee times), and spotter who will be on the course helping with play, interacting with other park users. Volunteers — ages 13-plus — must be able to be outdoors for the day, available for a minimum of two hours, and must be fluent in English. The event will be held July 19 at La Barriere Park, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and July 20 at Stony Mountain Quarry Park, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apply by email: Deadline is July 17. She's helped with administrative work before the start of the festival, trained new volunteers and assisted with daily accounting duties during the event. These days, Molnar volunteers as a team leader, overseeing a group of helpers at one of the venues. Other than the two-year hiatus the festival took from live performances owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Molnar hasn't missed a festival in three-and-a-half decades — though her volunteering was cut short in the middle of the 1993 festival when she gave birth to the second of her three children. 'I did work my shift the night before he was born,' Molnar recalls, noting her son arrived two weeks early. The shift ended at 7 p.m. and she gave birth fewer than 12 hours later. 'I missed all my shifts after that.' In addition to her work as a team leader, Molnar and her husband billet fringe performers in their St. James home every year. Molnar enjoys the behind-the-scenes look that volunteering gives her. 'You feel like you're part of something bigger and something very creative. I've never been part of a play and it always amazes me the amount of effort and talent that goes into that.'– Wendy Molnar Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'You feel like you're part of something bigger and something very creative,' she says. 'I've never been part of a play and it always amazes me the amount of effort and talent that goes into that. You connect with performers and get to know how much work goes into each of those performances, day in and day out.' Molnar also enjoys connecting with festivalgoers. 'People might be tired after seeing four or five shows in a day, but they're excited,' she says. 'They're excited to tell people about great shows and to tell the performers about how great they were.' The festival is accepting volunteer applications until Tuesday. For details, visit or email volunteers@ 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. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store