Insightful student takes mom’s advice, becomes nationally recognized leader
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/01/2024 (981 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
“If you’re going to do something, do it well.”
That’s what Ridhwanlai Badmos’s mother often tells him, and it’s advice he’s taken to heart.
The 18-year-old is an avid volunteer who is dedicated to helping those around him.
Two years ago, when he was a Grade 11 student at Windsor Park Collegiate, Badmos founded Wake Up Mental Health. The non-profit organization offers workshops in support of mental well-being.
Badmos has spoken to more than 400 students at 12 schools. His own journey with mental wellness inspired him to start the organization.
Prior to the pandemic, he experienced what he describes as a downward spiral in his mental health.
He researched solutions and started using some of the tactics he learned — eating healthy food, staying active and getting adequate sleep. Badmos noticed an improvement.
During the early part of the pandemic, when people were confined to their homes, Badmos did his best to stay positive by reading, writing, exercising, making art and volunteering online with Special Olympics Manitoba.
Volunteer opportunities
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 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, 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 www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Equal Opportunities West needs board members interested in making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Previous experience as a board member is an asset. Must attend monthly meetings and do occasional ad-hoc work. Email board@equalopportunitieswest.com by Feb. 2.
The Manitoba Lung Association needs a board member for a renewable one-year term. People with backgrounds in marketing, communications, fundraising or human resources are encouraged to apply. Applications from young adults, and people with patient or caregiver perspectives, are also welcome. The position is an opportunity to gain skills in policy governance, governance of a non-profit charity organization, community-building, networking, donor stewardship and fundraising. The time commitment is an average of two hours per month, with occasional ad-hoc work between meetings. Email info@mb.lung.ca by June 1.
Actionmarguerite St-Boniface needs recreation assistants. The volunteers will help staff members with programs and activities, including assisting residents get to and from program areas, handing out refreshments and snacks, and socializing with residents. The opportunity is open to candidates of all ages and backgrounds, and scheduling is flexible. Email compassioncrew@reseaucompassionnetwork.ca, apply online at http://wfp.to/jJq or call 204-803-6949 by June 29.
Peer Connections Manitoba needs volunteers with mental health and Zoom experience to support virtual workshops. Volunteers will be responsible for attendance, Zoom management, technical support and participant outreach. The commitment is six months, with three to five workshops per month, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekdays. Email facilitator@mherc.mb.ca by July 24.
U-Turn Parkinson’s needs online class support in Steinbach. Volunteers will help set up chairs, equipment and the necessary technology for the live-streamed classes. Volunteers will take attendance and supervise the class. Volunteers will also monitor the live stream’s audio and video quality and communicate any issues to a staff member. Apply online at http://wfp.to/jJr (resumé optional) or email info@uturnpd.org by Dec. 31. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Recreation Manitoba needs volunteers for its upcoming conference and trade show, which is returning as an in-person event for the first time since 2020. Volunteers are being sought to help with a variety of duties, including registration, session monitoring and social media. This is an opportunity to gain skills and explore career opportunities in recreation management, kinesiology, business and other fields. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and flexible hours are available. Email h.reimer@brandon.ca or apply online at http://wfp.to/jVF by Feb. 21.
Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS) is seeking Ukraine Relief volunteers to help support newcomers in Manitoba. Volunteers will help in areas such as translation, interpretation and youth programs as part of a network of service-providing organizations. Volunteers will be referred to other organizations based on their areas of interest and the needs of the organizations. Email ukrainesupport@needsinc.ca, go online to http://wfp.to/jVz or call 204-940-1323 by Dec. 31.
The Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. is seeking volunteers for Elmwood Winter Fun Day. The event is at Clara Hughes Park, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 10. Those interested are invited to attend an orientation meeting at 180 Poplar Ave. at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 to learn more about the duties. Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions, including setup, take down, sustainability, food handling, activities, first aid, games and hockey/ice skating. Must be 16 or older and eligible to volunteer for at least two hours, with the option to volunteer for up to eight hours. Email rec@chalmersrenewal.org or call 204-669-0750 by Feb. 1.
Urban Stable needs horse handlers to help students groom, lead and ride their horses in its hands-on learning program in Stonewall. Weekday daytime availability is required. Horse experience is preferred. Volunteer orientation is on Feb. 1; email info@urbanstable.ca before then.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
When he returned to school, he realized that not everyone had fared as well as he had while at home. That’s when Wake Up Mental Health was born.
“We’re offering these suggestions and talking about forming (coping strategies) that everyone can relate to,” he says. “It’s been gratifying to see this is working.”
Badmos recalls one workshop with a class of Grade 5 students. It was supposed to end with him taking them to a nearby park so they could play and get some exercise.
Badmos found the park on Google Maps and thought it had a jungle gym, but when he and the students arrived, there was nothing except an empty field.
That didn’t deter the students.
“I expected them to be disappointed and told them I was sorry, but they said no worries and started playing tag,” Badmos recalls. “Partly what we had talked about in our sessions was to make the best of every situation and find ways to enjoy what you’re doing. So, seeing them adapt to the situation was awesome.”
In addition to Wake Up Mental Health, Badmos sat on Windsor Park Collegiate’s student council, started the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion council, volunteered as a peer tutor and sat on the Louis Riel School Division’s student advisory board.
His academic achievements and community service caught the attention of the Loran Scholars Foundation.
Last March, the foundation chose him — along with one other Manitoban and 34 other recipients across the country — to be a Loran Scholar, a $100,000 award given annually to young people who embody the foundation’s core values of character, service and leadership.
The other Manitoban is Cadena Brazeau from Keeseekoowenin First Nation.
The scholarship includes a tuition waiver, an annual living stipend, mentorship and opportunities to gather with other Loran Scholars.
Badmos found out on his birthday that he had been selected.
“It was a really, really good day,” he says.
Today, Badmos is studying computer science at the University of British Columbia.
He is involved with numerous extracurricular activities that see him working to enhance the experience of first-year students while also exploring his interests in technology, community development and mental health.
Badmos credits his family with getting him to where he is today.
He was born and raised in Abeokuta, Nigeria. When he was four, his parents moved the family to Canada so that he and his three sisters could have better opportunities.
“My family’s big and everyone’s always helping each other out. Maybe this is my way of being tied back to my home — just giving back.”
If you know a special volunteer, email 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. Read more about Aaron.
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History
Updated on Monday, January 22, 2024 7:05 PM CST: Corrects factual error.