New executive director hopes to build on Volunteer Manitoba’s previous success
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/04/2023 (959 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Ashley Seymour has been named the new executive director of Volunteer Manitoba, the Winnipeg organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism across the province.
Seymour began her new role last month, taking over from Jackie Hunt, who held the position since late 2018.
Seymour was drawn to Volunteer Manitoba because it will give her a chance to connect with people across the province, beyond the Eastman region where most of her work has been.
JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Ashley Seymour was drawn to Volunteer Manitoba because it will give her a chance to connect with people across the province, beyond the Eastman region where most of her work has been.
“I’ve been a supporter of (Volunteer Manitoba) for a very long time,” says Seymour, who lives in Beausejour. “It was an incredible opportunity to grow and take the next step in my career.”
Seymour previously worked for 16 years at the Beausejour branch of the Association for Community Living, which supports people with disabilities. Most recently, she served as the organization’s director of operations.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Rainbow Resource Centre needs cabin leaders to supervise a group of eight to 15 campers alongside a co-cabin leader. Responsibilities include sleeping in the same cabin as campers, creating meaningful connections with them, ensuring their safety and participating in scheduled activities, workshops, programming, chores and mealtimes. Must be 21 or older, have prior work experience with youth and undergo criminal record and vulnerable sector searches. Email jonahw@rainbowresourcecentre.org by Sunday.
White Buffalo Spiritual Society needs a web designer/video editor to create an online memorial page honouring the legacy of beloved knowledge keeper and elder Calvin Pompana, who died recently. A video must be added to the website (via WordPress). The work must be completed by the end of May. Email wbsshealing@gmail.com by April 30.
Canadian Black Artists United needs a self-identified Black person for a board member position. They should have a strong interest in advocating for Black artists in Canada. The volunteer can be a non-artist. Must be willing to volunteer, learn about the art world, and be an excellent writer. Must be competent, confident, fluent in English and able to work independently or with minimal supervision. Email newscbau@gmail.com to apply by May 3.
Winnipeg RISE (Respect, Inclusion, Safety, Equity) is an Apathy is Boring program that aims to get people ages 18 to 30 more engaged with their communities. The next cohort of volunteer RISE ambassadors will work together to create a grassroots community project, Apply online at http://wfp.to/0cQ before May 8.
Misericordia Health Centre needs volunteers for recreational programs. Volunteers help with staff-planned activities for seniors, such as birthdays and music shows. Events are inside the building. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Go online to misericordia.mb.ca or email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca by May 10.
The Pan Am Clinic Foundation needs volunteers to work at Diamond in the Rough, a nine-hole golf event at Glendale Golf & Country Club on May 30. The shift is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch, snacks and water will be provided. Funds raised support research, education and community outreach to solve health limitations through clinical innovations. Contact Alma at acruz14@panamclinic.com or 431-293-1772 by May 16.
The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation needs volunteers for the Cruisin’ to Change Lives fundraising walk. Various roles are available, including route marshals, food service, welcome crew, parking assistants, setup and tear down. Email monique@crf.mb.ca or call 204-258-6703 by June 1.
The Block Parent Program of Winnipeg needs a treasurer to conduct all financial affairs, and to maintain and report on financial records as required by the board of directors. Email office manager Jan Swayze at bppw@mts.net by April 24.
Challenger Baseball Manitoba needs coaches for their upcoming season. Must have an understanding of all abilities, and must be a positive role model for players, community-minded, friendly and outgoing. Go to http://wfp.to/0OY or email vanessa.mcclelland@gmail.com by April 30.
The MS Society of Canada needs event-day volunteers for the MS Walk on May 28 at Kildonan Park. The walk is a community-driven event for people living with or affected by MS and those who want to support their vision of creating a world free of multiple sclerosis. For more information, go to http://wfp.to/0O4 by May 24. Email emma.mcgillis@mscanada.ca with any questions.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada needs a volunteer lead for the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History. Among other things, the lead is responsible for volunteer training for the walk, which is in Winnipeg on May 28. The goal is to ensure the walk has a sufficient number of volunteers. Must be available in the evening for meetings and training events. The time required will be roughly two hours per week leading up to the event. The volunteer lead must be at the venue for the full event (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on the day of the walk. Email MBinfo@cysticfibrosis.ca by May 25.
In addition to her background in management and finance, Seymour brings a wealth of experience as a volunteer.
She is the treasurer for the Brokenhead River Recreation Commission and coaches bowling with Special Olympics Manitoba.
In the past, she has volunteered with the Beausejour Brokenhead Age-Friendly Committee, which aimed to make it easier for older adults to stay active and healthy in the community.
She has also served as a volunteer judge at 4-H speaking competitions.
“Growing up in a small town, I saw that volunteering is what makes a community thrive and grow,” Seymour says. “I really enjoy connecting with different people, connecting with different organizations and having the opportunity to give back.”
Seymour hopes to build on Volunteer Manitoba’s previous success and continue to help the organization grow.
She brings a fresh perspective as the organization works on a number of big projects, including launching a new website, developing a strategic plan and organizing the 40th instalment of the Volunteer Awards, which will take place a year from now.
Seymour’s well-rounded background and experience living and working in a rural area make her a great fit for Volunteer Manitoba, says board president Phillip Dunphy.
“Ashley has jelled with the team quite well,” he says. “She’s very focused, very driven, (and) has a great ability to draw people in, get them engaged and get people excited.”
This is an important time for volunteerism in the province and for Volunteer Manitoba, Dunphy says, as organizations seek to recover from the impact of earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a key time for our organization to work towards rebuilding the volunteer sector, and I think Ashley has the skill set, the personality and the drive to help with that,” he says.
This week marks National Volunteer Week, an annual campaign that recognizes and celebrates the work of volunteers across Canada.
Seymour wants Manitobans to know that, now more than ever, there are many unique opportunities for people to get involved in their communities.
There are opportunities to volunteer in person and online, and organizations are working hard to meet people where they are to find a role that suits them.
She encourages people to visit volunteermanitoba.ca to see a list of volunteer opportunities.
“Volunteering helps people develop connections, learn new skills and there are proven mental-health benefits,” she says. “It builds sustainable and vibrant communities.”
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.
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.
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.
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