Volunteers on a mission
Siloam Mission’s helpers make difference in kitchen, health centre
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Mark McAvoy can’t imagine Siloam Mission without volunteers.
“I don’t know how I could quantify what they do for us,” says McAvoy, volunteer services co-ordinator. “They are why we are able to exist.”
Volunteers assist with just about every service offered by the downtown organization, which helps Winnipeggers who are affected by poverty and homelessness. The non-profit has approximately 1,400 people on its list of active volunteers.
That list includes April Macaraig. The 37-year-old education student first set foot in Siloam in 2015, when her cousin organized a group for a one-day volunteering event.
Macaraig returned a few times over the years before committing to a regular role in late 2022. At the time, she says she felt lost and was searching for a purpose.
“I love contributing to the community,” she says. “Going there and talking to people was kind of my way of healing.”
Today, Macaraig volunteers in Siloam’s kitchen as often as her schedule allows. She assists with preparing and dishing out the approximately 500 plates the organization serves per meal every day.
“The people there are great,” says Macaraig, adding that one of the people she most looks forward to seeing is a 74-year-old volunteer who shares her passion for the Winnipeg Jets. “I call her my bestie… We clicked and we talk all the time.”
Last Christmas, Macaraig recruited Grade 1 to 6 students at the school she was working at to make greeting cards for holiday packages that were distributed to the people Siloam serves.
“I enjoy helping others so this was my way of getting to share that feeling with these students,” she says. “It actually made my heart really full to see these students so excited and making cards for a complete stranger.”
Sophie Rebizant has served with a variety of community organizations in the past and wanted to get involved at Siloam two years ago when she was looking to do volunteer work related to her career as a nurse.
Rebizant helps in Siloam’s Saul Sair Health Centre, a walk-in clinic where community members can access a variety of services.
The 28-year-old, who is a master of nursing student at the University of Manitoba, provides wound care, hands out over-the-counter pain medication, checks people’s blood sugar and assesses whether they need to see a primary care physician or go to the emergency room.
The health centre offers dentistry, optometry, podiatry and foot care, chiropractic care, massage therapy and physiotherapy and Rebizant appreciates having all those services under one roof.
She also appreciates that the centre removes many of the barriers that Siloam visitors typically encounter when they’re seeking medical attention.
“It’s nice to be in a space they’re comfortable in and know they’re going to be welcomed,” Rebizant says. “One of the things I provide is a quiet space where they can just talk and have somebody listen to them, whether they need a Band-Aid, a Tylenol or just want someone to hear them out.”
Volunteering at Siloam has strengthened Rebizant’s resolve to become a nurse practitioner.
“Every time I finish a shift at Siloam I’m inspired or motivated to keep furthering my education and basically working to improve access to health care for people experiencing homelessness,” she says.
Siloam Mission is currently looking for kitchen volunteers as well as volunteer hairstylists and massage therapists. Doctors and nurse practitioners are also wanted.
For more information and to apply, visit wfp.to/siloam.
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
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.
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 Winnipeg International Jazz Festival still needs volunteers to join a few of its key crews. Jazz Winnipeg asks volunteers to contribute 12 to 16 hours over the course of the festival, which runs from June 17 to June 22. They will receive training, a festival T-shirt, access to a volunteer party, discounts to select shows and the chance to meet some great fellow jazz lovers. Register at wfp.to/Wy8 before May 28.
Triple Threat Triathlon Club is hosting its annual race at Birds Hill Provincial Park in June. The kids’ race is June 7, and the adult race is June 8. Volunteer roles include flagging runners to stay on course, helping at intersections on the bike route, assisting at water stations, distributing post-race snacks and meals, and helping with cleanup. Volunteers need to be prepared to stand outside for three to four hours, rain or shine, and must have their own transportation to and from the park. Email tttcvolunteercoord@gmail.com by May 30.
Breakthrough T1D Walk, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walk to Cure Diabetes, is happening at St. Vital Park on June 14. A variety of roles are available for youth and adult volunteers that day and the day before. For more information, email volunteers@breakthroughT1D.ca. Apply at wfp.to/Wjs by June 8.
The Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. needs help for Happy Days on Henderson, Elmwood’s biggest community event, on June 14. Volunteers can enhance skills in event logistics, hospitality and customer service. Apply at how@chalmersrenewal.org or 204-669-0750 by June 9.
Folklorama needs pavilion volunteers for roles such as admissions, guest services, beverage services and food preparation. They also help backstage, support cultural displays, manage souvenirs and help with setup. Folklorama oversees volunteer applications, while pavilions handle selection and training. Participants gain skills in communication, problem-solving and leadership. This year’s festival runs from Aug. 3 to Aug. 16, with flexible hours for volunteers aged 13 and over. Apply at wfp.to/WMK by July 31.
Special Olympics Manitoba needs volunteers for the Provincial Summer Games, which are happening in Winnipeg on June 20 from June 22. Volunteers will help with various duties, including athlete support, logistics and sport-specific roles, helping create a welcoming and inclusive experience for athletes with intellectual disabilities. No experience is required, only a positive attitude and willingness to help. Email Emma Wedlake at ewedlake@specialolympics.mb.ca before May 28.
South Winnipeg Family Information Centre needs dedicated, community-minded people to serve on its board. The centre offers a variety of programs and services to enhance the quality of life for Winnipeg families and is the home of Dress for Success Winnipeg. Board members attend monthly meetings from September to June, help establish policies and strategic direction, assist with fundraising activities and participate in a working board committee with virtual meetings. Ideal candidates will have experience in fields such as accounting, finance, law, fundraising, marketing, social work, health or education, or information technology. Email your resumé to nomination committee chair Marnie Jackson at chair@swfic.org by May 30.
Buhler Gallery, located inside St. Boniface Hospital, needs ambassadors to help people access and enhance their experience. People with a passion for art and who enjoy connecting with people should apply at sbghvolunteer@sbgh.mb.ca or 204-237-2442 by May 30.
Shelter Movers — a national charity providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing abuse — needs movers and drivers. Movers must be 18 or older, and drivers must be 21 or older. Email volunteer.winnipeg@sheltermovers.com by June 30.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope volunteer driver program needs people who enjoy driving and chatting. The volunteers help people with cancer get to and return from life-saving cancer treatments and other appointments. Mileage reimbursement or a tax receipt is provided. For more information, email volunteer@cancer.ca. Apply at wfp.to/WoA by Aug. 31.
Help build homes with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba at 900 Pandora Ave. W. until Oct. 31. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, with opportunities available Tuesday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Kelley Shuster at kshuster@habitat.mb.ca for more information.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
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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