Keeping bellies full for decades
Food bank volunteer has made helping others her life’s work
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/03/2024 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Rhineland Food Bank has been serving Altona and the surrounding community for more than 25 years, and Angelika Stoesz has been there from the start.
Stoesz has served as chair of the food bank’s board of directors for most of the time it’s been open. The 71-year-old retiree has also done every job there is to do, whether it’s stocking shelves or assisting clients.
“It’s just something I enjoy doing,” Stoesz said. “I’m a very active person. I don’t like to sit much.”

Located about 100 km southwest of Winnipeg, Altona is home to around 4,000 people.
In 1996, Stoesz and a few other members of Altona United Church sensed there was a need to help residents, so they got to work. Stoesz still remembers the day the food bank opened in May 1997 and a pregnant woman walked through the doors with her children in tow.
“You could tell she didn’t want to be there, but she needed to be there. It was an eye-opening experience and it was meaningful to be able to give her what she needed at that time.”
The woman was one of three clients that visited the food bank that day. Today, about 70 people stop by each week.
One of the things Stoesz most enjoys about volunteering at the food bank is meeting new people.
“There’s just something different happening all the time,” she said.
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.
St. Boniface Hospital’s patient and family advisory council needs new members and is seeking former patients or family of former patients. Email sbghvolunteer@sbgh.mb.ca or call 204-237-2442 by April 8, although applications are always welcome.
Henteleff Park Foundation needs a chair for its communications committee. The chair leads the committee in presenting the public face of the foundation through social, community and mainstream media; a website; a twice-yearly newsletter; and at public events such as the annual community tree-planting. If you enjoy the south St. Vital park and want to help preserve it, you can help guide Henteleff’s future. Email john.borody@henteleffpark.org by May 15.
MS Canada needs volunteers for the MS Walk Winnipeg at Kildonan Park at 11 a.m. on May 26. The community-driven event aims to bring together people living with or affected by MS, along with supporters who share the vision of a world free of MS. Various roles and shifts are available. Apply at http://wfp.to/j1s by May 24 or email karyn.heidrick@mscanada.ca for more information.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy is seeking 500 volunteers to fill a variety of roles in preparation for the busy summer season. Flexible scheduling and comprehensive training is offered. Volunteers will be trained at the park, the zoo or the Leaf and can take shifts at their preferred location. Must be 14 or older. Opportunities for adult volunteers include ambassadors, engagement ambassadors, visitor services concierge, special events assistants, and facilities and grounds support. Youth ages 14 to 18 are encouraged to apply for the zoo camp crew or zoo teen ambassador roles. Volunteers are asked to make a long-term commitment. A minimum commitment of 60 hours for adults and 40 hours for teens is required per year. Apply at http://wfp.to/jQC by June 17.
The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) needs after-school program assistants. The programs run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, except Wednesdays and occasional exceptions. Assistants are responsible for creating a positive and engaging environment for children, fostering relationships and supporting program activities while adhering to program guidelines. Ideal candidates are friendly, culturally sensitive and open to learning, with opportunities to gain valuable skills, build connections, and make a difference in the lives of newcomer children. Apply online at http://wfp.to/NNJ by June 30.
The Manitoba Cycling Association needs volunteers for various roles, including coaches, officials, timekeepers and event support. Sign up at http://wfp.to/j1K by July 1.
Bishop Grandin Greenway Inc. needs volunteers passionate about outdoor spaces, events and more. Volunteers inspire the community to embrace outdoor activities. Skills in engagement, maintenance and teamwork are valued. Must be 16 or older. The time commitment is flexible, with various events available. Monthly board meetings offer in-person or virtual attendance options. Apply at http://wfp.to/j1b or bishopgrandingreenway@gmail.com by Sept. 1.
Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre needs Meals on Wheels volunteers to deliver warm, nutritious meals and a friendly smile along designated routes. Requirements: a valid Manitoba driver’s licence, a reliable vehicle, politeness, independence, knowledge of Winnipeg’s streets or GPS, and a genuine desire to help others. Pair volunteering is encouraged. The time commitment is flexible (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., one-hour shifts, two to three times per week, Tuesdays and Fridays). Most volunteers commit to one week per month. Apply at dan@gwensecter.com or 204-339-1701 by Sept. 30.
CancerCare Manitoba needs volunteers to join a team working to improve cancer care for all Manitobans. Volunteer opportunities include positions such as refreshment servers and CCMB ambassadors. Volunteers help support those affected by cancer, gain valuable experience in a health-care setting, use their skills to help others and meet new people. Go to http://wfp.to/jd1 for more information. Email ccmbvolservices@cancercare.mb.ca or call 204-787-2121 to apply by May 31.
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.
Stoesz is semi-retired after a 37-year career as a custodian at W.C. Miller Collegiate, the local high school. The grandmother of two works part-time as a fitness instructor and keeps busy with a few other volunteer commitments.
In addition to her work at the food bank, Stoesz organized the Altona Christmas Dinner for more than 30 years. The event, which wound down after 2022, saw volunteers serve ham, baked potatoes, vegetables and dessert to anyone looking for a meal on Dec. 25.
Stoesz’s volunteer efforts have been recognized over the years. The Altona & District Chamber of Commerce named her volunteer of the year in 2007 and she received Volunteer Manitoba’s Community Leadership Award in 2017.
The following year, then-governor general Julie Payette presented Stoesz with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. Stoesz traveled to Ottawa to receive the award, along with other recipients from across the country.
“It was quite amazing to see how many ordinary people do extraordinary things,” she said. “There’s an awful lot of people in our world doing great stuff.”
Many people hold Stoesz in high regard for her commitment to serving the people of Altona with her work ethic, leadership skills and dedication to addressing food insecurity.
Like many leaders, Stoesz is quick to praise those she works with.
“I chair a lot of these committees and I certainly enjoy doing it, but we have to thank all the volunteers,” she says. “Without all those volunteers doing a lot of work, we wouldn’t be going anywhere. It’s easy to steer a ship when you have all sorts of people helping.”
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.
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History
Updated on Monday, March 11, 2024 6:39 AM CDT: Corrects web headline