Fanning the flames of hope

St. Norbert craft and trade show series allows organizer to donate proceeds to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support group

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Solange Lagassé has always tried to help people.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 22/04/2024 (838 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Solange Lagassé has always tried to help people.

“I grew up in a small town and it’s what people did,” says Lagassé, who was raised in St. Adolphe. “It was part of life — it wasn’t something you thought about. People needed help, so you helped.”

The 60-year-old has coached powerlifting with the Special Olympics and is involved at her church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Charleswood.

All of the money Solange Lagassé makes from renting tables to the participating artisans, bakers, crafters and vendors will be donated to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)
All of the money Solange Lagassé makes from renting tables to the participating artisans, bakers, crafters and vendors will be donated to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group. (Ruth Bonneville / Free Press)

Her latest volunteer effort comes via Dashin Expos, an annual series of craft and trade shows she organizes at St. Norbert Arena (3450 Pembina Hwy.). This year’s expos take place Sunday and on May 26 and June 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All of the money Lagassé makes from renting tables to the participating artisans, bakers, crafters and vendors will be donated to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group.

Last year’s events raised nearly $9,000 for the local charity, which supports Manitoba families affected by childhood cancer.

Lagassé got to know about the organization a few years ago after winning a prize at its annual fundraising auction.

A Candlelighters volunteer delivered the prize to Lagassé’s house and shared how the group supported her family after her two-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

“Most people know someone with cancer, but it’s a whole different ball game when you’re talking about kids with cancer. I’ve always had a great love for children, so I wanted to be involved,” Lagassé says.

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.

Participants are needed for Winnipeg Steps for Life, a five-kilometre fundraising walk happening Sunday, the National Day of Mourning. The nationally recognized day is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or experienced a work-related tragedy. Registration opens at 9:15 a.m. at Kildonan Park. There is no cost to sign up online. Fundraising goals can be set to support participating walkers. Register online at http://wfp.to/yZv.

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba needs public representatives to join its board of directors and/or committees. Ideal candidates should have a strong ethical framework, excellent interpersonal communication skills, critical thinking abilities and a commitment to the college’s public interest mandate. Experience in law, regulation or board governance is an asset but not a requirement. People of Indigenous ancestry are encouraged to apply to better reflect the community the college serves. Email vbering@clpnm.ca by May 1.

Oakview Place Extendicare needs a courtyard ambassador. Volunteers help keep residents safe and comfortable by monitoring their well-being, assisting with sunscreen and keeping them hydrated. Shifts are available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. from May 15 to Oct. 15. This is open to individuals and groups of people 12 and older, including those seeking school credit. Communication skills, attention to detail and a calm demeanour are assets. Multilingual volunteers are particularly welcome. A criminal record check is required. Apply at volunteeroakview@gmail.com or 204-888-3005 (ext. 220) by May 1.

Bishop Grandin Greenway Inc. needs a volunteer to be part of a team dedicated to preserving and enhancing natural and public pathways. Various roles, such as outdoor maintenance, event support and board membership are available. The hours are flexible. Must be 16 or older. Apply at bishopgrandingreenway@gmail.com or http://wfp.to/j1b by Sept. 1.

Melanoma Canada needs compassionate people to join its team as peer support volunteers. Volunteers must have lived experience of the journey of a melanoma or skin cancer diagnosis as a patient or caregiver. By sharing their experience, volunteers can offer hope and understanding to others facing similar challenges. Extensive training and ongoing support is provided, ensuring volunteers are well-equipped to engage in meaningful conversations and offer guidance on navigating health care. There is a flexible, remote volunteering schedule. Apply at mzawadzki@melanomacanada.ca or http://wfp.to/y5e by Sept. 2.

The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, Manitoba’s oldest non-profit personal care home, needs a volunteer or volunteers to serve on its board. People with experience in long-term care in Manitoba or advocacy for older adults, and who want to make a difference by helping reimagine seniors’ care, can send a letter of interest and resume to sheppner@tchw by today.

Camp Quality needs volunteer camp counsellors, nurses and lifeguards. The camp offers free volunteer-led, overnight summer camps for youth affected by cancer and blood disorders. To learn more about volunteering, go to http://wfp.to/ywS or email volunteer co-ordinators Taylor and Cobi at volunteer.mb@campquality.org. The deadline to apply is May 10.

Volunteer Manitoba, which supports and promotes volunteerism and works to build capacity in the non-profit sector to meet community needs, is seeking two to three people to serve on its board of directors. Volunteers should have previous board experience in a governance role or a connection to community non-profits. Preference would be given to people with experience in fundraising, donor recruitment or marketing, as well as people who identify as Indigenous or are connected to the Indigenous community. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, which are a combination of virtual and in-person meetings held in the evening. Go to http://wfp.to/yYP for more information or email executive director Ashley Seymour at ashley.seymour@volunteermanitoba.ca. The deadline to apply is May 17.

Valley Gardens Community Centre needs event volunteers for its annual Family Fun Day on June 8. Volunteers who are enthusiastic and have a friendly disposition will supervise activity stations, help with cleanup and act as ambassadors for the club. No specific skills are required, but volunteers must be 18 or older. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any contribution of time is appreciated. Email vgcc@shaw.ca by June 5.

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.

Lagassé, who works as a financial planner, started Dashin Expos in 2018. It’s named after Dash, the adopted Dachshund-Pug cross she owned at the time.

Vendors will be selling a variety of homemade items, including jewelery, lawn ornaments, toys, quilts and skincare items. There will also be homemade jams and baking for sale.

This year’s vendors include Cody White, a nine-year-old leukemia survivor.

White will be selling homemade pet treats and donating some of the proceeds to Candlelighters, which supported his family during his journey with cancer.

Admission and parking at the expos are free, and there will be a 50/50 draw at each event in support of Candlelighters.

“There are some very unique items for sale,” Lagassé says. “There’s definitely something for everyone.”

The financial support that Lagassé provides is meaningful, says Ed Upton, a Candlelighters board member.

“It’s very kind, what she’s doing for us,” Upton says. “This is someone who’s doing this on her own time and putting effort into making this fundraising event successful. It means a lot, honestly. It allows us to provide the support we already do and find other ways to support people through one of the toughest journeys of their lives.”

Lagassé is looking forward to this year’s Dashin Expos.

“I just love organizing things and seeing things come together. When you walk in and you see all the tables laid out so nicely, it’s a feeling of satisfaction and of hope for what’s to come with people coming through and enjoying themselves,” she says.

Lagassé is looking for a volunteer to help promote Dashin Expos on social media. For more information, email dashinexpos2024@gmail.com.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.

Aaron Epp

Aaron Epp
Reporter

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, April 22, 2024 8:30 AM CDT: Adds web headline

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