While fellow retirees often seek part-time jobs at department stores and home improvement centres, Richard Turczak said he is more than happy to donate his time -- and expertise -- to Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg's ReStore.
He said he believes in what Habitat for Humanity does, giving struggling families the opportunity to own their homes, and that is why he chose to volunteer for the non-profit organization, which last year built new homes for eight deserving Winnipeg families.
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Richard Turczak sends his retirement time volunteering at ReStore, selling home-improvement products.
"I don't need the money," said Turczak, who retired from a 36-year career in CP Rail's accounting department. "I'm retired and it gives me something to do. I like to give back to the community and it's going for a good cause here. I believe that they're doing a good thing -- homes for families that need homes. They help that way."
Selling new and used building materials and home furnishings, the ReStore raises enough money annually to cover Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg's administrative costs, while reducing the amount of reusable material that winds up in landfills. Two mornings each week, Turczak, a 69-year-old St. Boniface grandfather, helps out at the store, sweeping warehouse floors, recycling boxes and metal and assisting customers in the paint department.
"I love selling paint," said Turczak with a laugh, adding he spent 15 years working part-time in Beaver Lumber's paint department in his younger years, making him nearly an expert on the subject.
But he's quick to add that's not all he loves about his volunteer position.
"I get exercise, I meet nice people here and I like all the customers -- it's what I enjoy," said Turczak, who has volunteered at the store for nearly three years now, missing only one week last year when he took a vacation. "It's a social event."
The ReStore concept originated in Winnipeg and there are now more than 58 ReStores in Canada and more than 350 worldwide. Last year alone, the Winnipeg ReStore diverted more than 800 metric tonnes of materials from landfills.
In 2008, Habitat for Humanity Winnipeg's goal is to construct 11 new homes for deserving families and then increase that number each year, building 25 new homes in 2012.
If you would like more information about Habitat for Humanity or its ReStore or would like to become a volunteer, please call 233-5160. You can also learn more by visiting www.habitat.mb.ca. Volunteers at the ReStore must be at least 15 years old.
In addition to working in the ReStore, Habitat for Humanity requires volunteers for a number of other opportunities, including working on committees, helping with special events and doing construction work. Those people willing to share special skills and expertise are encouraged to call.
If you know a special volunteer who strives to make their community a better place to live, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden@shaw.ca.
Volunteers needed
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities advertised in the Winnipeg area. For more information about these listings, please contact the person/organization directly; you may call Volunteer Manitoba at 477-5180, ext. 225, e-mail vmreferral@mts.net, or visit www.volunteermanitoba.ca.
Age & Opportunity requires volunteers who enjoy people and have a couple of hours to share twice a month. Some positions available in the friendly visiting program include:
* A senior in the downtown area who enjoys puzzles and crafts.
* A downtown senior who would like someone to read to her.
* A senior in Transcona who is interested in quilts and crochet.
* An East Kildonan senior who enjoys card games and would like to learn how to knit.
* A senior in North Kildonan who likes geography and world affairs.
* An Elmwood senior who is interested in conversation and coffee.
For information about these and other volunteer opportunities, call Dianne at 956-6440.
Kali Shiva Aids Services needs a computer instructor to teach a small group of women how to use basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet, e-mail, etc. on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m. Call Carrie at 783-8565.
Synchro Swim Manitoba is holding its synchronized swimming competition at the Pan Am Pool from April 3 to 6 and they need volunteers for a variety of duties including: runners (taking hand-written scores from judges and delivering them to the scorekeepers); scorekeepers; to deliver water, etc. Call Allison at 925-5693 or e-mail execdirector@synchromb.ca.
Independent Living Resource Centre is looking for volunteers to help organize their annual "Cabin Fever Social" event to take place on March 29. Call Heidi at 947-0194.
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is recruiting people to fill co-run director roles for the CIBC Run For the Cure planning committee in Winnipeg. The event takes place on Oct. 5. Call Donna-Lynn at 231-4885 ext. 3 by Jan. 25 or visit www.cbcf.org/prairiesnwt and click on Support Us/Volunteer.
Grace General Hospital in St. James needs volunteers for their muffin shop on Friday, Saturday or Sunday; they also need volunteers for their gift shop, various shifts are available. Call Leesa at 837-0368 or e-mail lcarter2@ggh.mb.ca or visit www.ggh.mb.ca.
Rehabilitation Centre for Children, on Wellington Cres., needs toy sanitation assistants to clean toys in their lending program. They also need volunteers for their Specialized Communication program that entails adaptation of children's storybooks by replacing words with communication symbols for children who are nonverbal. Call Collette at 453-9820.
Concordia Hospital in East Kildonan is looking for a number of committed daytime/evening volunteers for several positions, some of which include: front lobby and E. R. ambassadors; water jug delivery persons; vending operations assistant and volunteer services assistants. Call Angie at 661-7416 or visit www.concordiahospital.mb.ca to complete an application.
ALS Society of Manitoba needs volunteers to promote the society at specific fundraising events on Saturdays and Sundays in January, February, March and April at the Safeway store 1441 Henderson Hwy. Call Diana at 831-1510 or e-mail als@deerlodge.mb.ca.
Meals on Wheels of Winnipeg need volunteers to deliver hot noon meals. Just two hours of your time once a week or twice a month is all it takes. Meals are picked up at 13 hospitals and nursing homes throughout Winnipeg. Volunteers are needed in Transcona, Concordia Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, Misericordia Hospital, Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre and Holy Family Nursing Home areas. Training and screening are provided. Call Shirley or Christie at 956-7711.
Communications assistant needed to assist in the formatting, editing and proofreading of a four-page newsletter in MS Publisher 2003 on a bimonthly basis for The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. May work on site or from home. Must be literate in MS Publisher 2003. Benefits include friendly staff, networking and job potential. Apply to Francine Chisholm, The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, 276 Hugo St. N. Winnipeg, MB, R3M 2N6. 453-2361, ext. 201 by Jan. 25.
Kanee Centre of the Sharon Home at 146 Magnus Ave. needs volunteers on Wednesday evening and on Sunday afternoon to assist with the bingo program. Call Jennifer at 589-9008 or e-mail Jennifer.Sheppard@sharonhome.mb.ca.
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