Salvation Army volunteer hours climb in face of national decline

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The Salvation Army says its volunteers stick with it through thick and thin and it wants to give a shout-out to them during National Volunteer Week.

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The Salvation Army says its volunteers stick with it through thick and thin and it wants to give a shout-out to them during National Volunteer Week.

Figures released by Statistics Canada last year show the rate of volunteer participation declined in Canada in 2023 to 73 per cent from 79 per cent in 2018, but that’s not the case at the Christian-based charity.

At the Salvation Army, volunteer hours have “increased significantly” over recent years; in 2025, more than 819,000 volunteer hours were logged across the country, up from 508,000 hours in 2021.

Volunteer applications have also doubled.

“I like to see people happy. I like to see people progress,” says 79-year-old Maureen Capuska.

She’s been volunteering at the Salvation Army’s Living Hope Community Church since approximately 2012 and symbolizes the dedication many volunteers have to the Salvation Army.

Growing up with very little in her pockets, she was raised to believe all people have to get along and work together, and she continues to live by that message in her work.

Capuska never had the chance to attend high school, but went back to school for bookkeeping and accounting and now she wants other people to thrive.

“I like to see people achieve what they need in their life,” she says.

On Sunday, the team of volunteers at Living Hope helped Capuska mark her 80th birthday.

Capuska says she has no intention to stop volunteering.

“I’m going to go as long as I can,” she 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 wfp.to/volunteers 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 wfp.to/volunteers or call 204-477-5180.

Volunteer Manitoba is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join its board of directors. Board members help guide the strategic direction, support the mission, and make a meaningful impact on the non-profit sector in Manitoba. Volunteer Manitoba is looking for individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. Preference shall be given to applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, or who have experience working with Indigenous community members or organizations, possess experience in marketing, public relations, philanthropy or legal expertise, or who have previous board experience. Successful candidates are required to prepare for, and participate in monthly board meetings and support additional committee work as required. For more information, and to apply, contact Ashley Seymour, executive director at ashley.seymour@volunteermanitoba.ca. Deadline is May 1.

The Children’s Hospital Book Market is looking for volunteers to help set up and take down tables at its spring sale. Setup of 300-plus eight-foot tables will begin April 22 at 8 a.m. at St. Vital Centre. Takedown of the tables and packing books away will be April 26 at 5 p.m. To help, contact Martin at 204-222-1574 or mjinumber1@gmail.com. Deadline is April 22.

The Manitoba Writers’ Guild seeks volunteers to act as competition coordinators. This role includes promoting writing competitions, managing entries and judges, and assisting with the editing and publication of the guild’s anthology, Beyond Boundaries. The volunteers will also help organize a hybrid awards gala celebrating outstanding writers. Contact mwgrdf1981@gmail.com. Deadline is June 15.

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is recruiting for its board of directors, and is looking for individuals with experience in accounting, sponsorships, social media, and fundraising. They are seeking volunteers with diverse backgrounds who are passionate about the arts, willing to learn and share ideas, strong communicators, and eager to participate. If interested, please send a brief letter describing your background and/or a résume by emailing manager@winnipegjazzorchestra.com. Deadline is May 11.

Forum Art Centre seeks assistants for its youth art classes during the spring session. Volunteers help with classroom setup, assist students with art projects, and maintain a safe and tidy environment. Key responsibilities include setting up tables and chairs, managing art supplies, aiding students with tasks like hand sewing, and ensuring the classroom is cleaned after sessions. Experience working with children or in visual arts is helpful. Available shifts are on Saturday mornings or afternoons and Sunday mornings. Apply online at: wfp.to/iax. Deadline is April 30.

Help the Rotary Club of Winnipeg Assiniboine launch a new community flag project in the Ness/Moray/Ferry/Portage area. Volunteers will assist with installing Canadian flags on June 20 and taking them down on July 9. Volunteers will work in small teams to deliver, install, and later collect flags at homes throughout the area. They are especially looking for volunteers with trucks, vans, or larger vehicles, volunteers willing to partner with drivers (no vehicle required) and anyone who enjoys being active and part of a team. You do not need to be a Rotary member to participate and it’s a great way to get to know the club. Apply by email: club@rcwacf.ca. Deadline is June 15.

Prairie Dog Central Railway is inviting volunteers to choo-choo choose a one-of-a-kind volunteer experience bringing Manitoba’s railway history to life while helping create exciting new themed events and community programs. They are looking for enthusiastic, community-minded individuals to help support guest experiences, special events and heritage preservation. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience, meet great people, and play a key role in shaping the future of this historic railway. Apply by email: volunteer@pdcrailway.com. Deadline is April 30.

Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. is looking for volunteers to help with their third annual Chalmers Pride. This event will be held May 29. There are many different duties including: setup, maintenance, floater/vendor help, stagehands, first aid and more. Volunteer hours are from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., there is a choice between two three-hour shifts and one six-hour shift. Please contact Amy at 204-699-0750 or email how@chalmersrenewal.org for more information. Apply online: wfp.to/ian. Deadline is May 19.

Together Project seeks Arabic-speaking volunteers for the Welcome Group Program. The program connects refugee newcomers and volunteers to build stronger, more integrated communities in Winnipeg. Newcomers are matched with “welcome groups” of three to five volunteers for three to six months. Volunteers receive training to provide social support to newly arrived refugees focused on their unique integration priorities, such as language learning, finding employment, navigating city services, and building social connections. Apply today or learn more at togetherproject.ca/volunteer. Questions? Contact Alejandra Reverditto Galvez, Manitoba programs lead, at alejandra@togetherproject.ca or 431-557-7852. Deadline is Aug. 1.

The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Apply at wfp.to/0pE, volunteer@redcross.ca or 1-844-818-2155.

While the Salvation Army didn’t have specific volunteer hours for Winnipeg, some organizing the unpaid troops say there’s a solid stream of people looking to help.

“We’re not only volunteering, we want to make connections with people,” says Hurmat Habib, volunteer co-ordinator at Living Hope.

At any given time at the church, which has a food bank, English café and drop-in programs for youth, 30 to 50 volunteers help out.

“One of my volunteers told me: ‘Helping and volunteering, it’s in our blood, because we are Canadian,’” she says.

She says every month, the church gets at least 10 volunteer applications, but it’s always looking for more, as people come and go.

Coming to Canada as an immigrant 20 years ago, she was directed to the Salvation Army after her arrival, and has been dedicated ever since.

“It’s all about faith and respect. They treat people differently,” she says. “It’s all about passion.”

She says the number of Winnipeggers dedicated to the Salvation Army makes her love her job. Noting even in the frigid winter, they show up ready to help.

“We help from our heart,” she says.

The Salvation Army noted even though volunteer hours are climbing, people who are looking to help are still welcome to apply.

And for longtime volunteers like Capuska, she says sometimes, volunteering requires more than just time.

“You have to have it in your heart to do it,” she says.

National Volunteer Week started Sunday and runs till Saturday. Members of Living Hope will gather Tuesday to distribute food for those in the community in need.

morgan.modjeski@freepress.mb.ca

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