Logistics expert guides the way — for nearly 30 years

Volunteers
By: AV Kitching Posted: 6:00 AM CDT Monday, May. 25, 2026

Melissa Lopushniuk has been a member of Girl Guides Canada for nearly 30 years.

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Melissa Lopushniuk has been a member of Girl Guides Canada for nearly 30 years.

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Melissa Lopushniuk has been a member of Girl Guides Canada for nearly 30 years.

She started at age six and worked her way through all five branches of the program — from Sparks to Embers to Guides to Pathfinders to Rangers. She became a volunteer adult guider when she turned 18.

Her first role as an adult volunteer was with a Spark and Ember unit comprising elementary school-aged children.

JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS
Melissa Lopushniuk says every girl benefits from their experience in Girl Guides even if they only join up for one year.

It was there when Lopushniuk’s leadership skills came to the forefront: organizing activities for weekly meetings and planning events and excursions for the younger guides.

In her time with the organization, she has served as both the camping adviser and program adviser for Manitoba.

As the camping adviser, she worked with a team of volunteers to plan and execute an inter-provincial weeklong camp for 500 youth and adults across Canada.

These days, the 34-year-old Charleswood resident is the Prairie Sage District co-commissioner, helping to oversee more than 100 adult volunteer guide leaders and 25 youth guide units.

It’s a position requiring time and dedication — Lopushniuk spends between six to eight hours a week handling the logistics for the small army of volunteers.

“It is a multi-faceted role. We are in constant contact with our guiders to ensure they are supported and recognized for their hard work. We also put on large, age-specific district events, which the units couldn’t host on their own,” Lopushniuk said.

“One such example is the STEM sleepover where the Guides met women in guiding who work in (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. And in two weeks, we are hosting a Jedi-themed weekend camp for more than 100 youth.”

In addition to carrying out her co-commissioner duties, Lopushniuk is also a hands-on guide leader of the 379th Winnipeg Guides unit.

As one of four adult guide leaders of the unit, she plots out the schedule for the year, which typically runs from September to May, and supervises 27 youth between the ages of 9 to 11 during the weekly two-hour meetings.

She also organizes the unit’s annual camps as well as the extended sleepovers.

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.

Arthritis Society Canada is looking for nurse volunteers for Camp Limitless to help create a safe, supportive, and fun environment for children living with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Taking place July 20 at Camp Manitou in Headingley, this five-night on-site role includes being on-call during camp hours, administering medications, responding to minor illnesses and emergencies, and collaborating with camp staff and families. Licensed Manitoba nurses with CPR-C and standard first aid will bring peace of mind to campers while building meaningful connections and gaining hands-on pediatric experience. Meals and accommodation are covered, mileage reimbursed, and an honorarium is provided. Apply by email: volunteer@arthritis.ca. Deadline is May 31.

Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. seeks volunteers for Happy Days on Henderson on June 13, Elmwood’s biggest community event. Volunteer to enhance your skills in event logistics, hospitality, and customer service while making a positive impact in the community. Many roles are available from water or food station attendants, to face painting or bike valet, as well as setup and takedown. Apply online: wfp.to/ia6 or call 204-669-0750 for more information. Deadline is June 8.

Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Inc. is looking for a creative individual to post regularly on their Facebook and Instagram pages. Are you knowledgeable about social media algorithms and insights and can optimize reach and engagement? This is a flexible position. It does not require you to come on site but attending special events would be an asset. Apply online: pwildlife.ca/volunteer. Deadline is Aug. 31.

U-Turn Parkinson’s is looking volunteers for its exercise class. These volunteers ensure Parkinson’s-specific classes operate smoothly while bringing an encouraging and positive atmosphere to class, helping participants live their best with the disease. Volunteers assist instructors, demonstrate seated modifications, setup and clean equipment, engage with participants, and participate in events. Volunteers should be warm, friendly, and physically capable of joining the activities. Volunteers are sought Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 245 Kimberly Rd. (RISE Athletics). Apply by email: jordana@uturnpd.org or by phone: 204-510-4869. Deadline is Aug. 15.

Winnipeg Child and Family Services need volunteer drivers to transport children to family visits, therapy or other appointments and home. They seek safe adult drivers with a valid licence, vehicle insurance and reliable cars. Volunteers must be willing to drive in rural areas and be available for a six-month minimum commitment. Apply by email: monica.raabe@gov.mb.ca. Deadline is Oct. 21.

Variety, the Children’s Charity seeks bike camp volunteers for summer. Volunteer spotters are needed to walk/run/jog alongside the riders, encourage them, and help them not to fall. Volunteers are encouraged to commit to attend all five days of camp for the session(s) selected. Riders bond with their assigned volunteer(s) and rely on the same person to be there to support them each day of camp. They do understand this is not always a possibility and will welcome volunteers any day or time they can attend. No prior experience working with children living with disabilities is required. The sessions are supervised by trained professionals who will provide advice on how to best support the child. Ages 15-plus can apply at wfp.to/ia7. Deadline is June 26.

The Manitoba Writers’ Guild seeks enthusiastic volunteers to act as competition coordinators. The 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 an awards gala celebrating outstanding writers. Apply by email: mwgrdf1981@gmail.com. Deadline is June 15.

Thrive Community Support Circle seeks reliable and community-minded volunteer drivers for donation pickups and food security programs. This role is essential in helping Thrive get food, clothing, and essential items to the families and individuals they serve. Volunteers will use the Thrive van to pick up and deliver donations and food resources during daytime hours. Tasks include: pickups from Winnipeg Harvest and other food suppliers, collecting clothing and essential goods from donation partners, assisting with the safe loading and unloading of items and supporting the timely delivery of resources back to Thrive’s main site at 555 Spence St. or 475 Sargent Ave. Apply by email: jesssmith@thrivewpg.com. Deadline is Oct. 31.

The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada seeks Winnipeg Walk Day volunteers on June 27. Volunteers will play a key role in creating a smooth and inspiring event by helping with setup, registration, cheering on participants, and more. No experience is needed — just a passion for supporting a great cause. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Apply online: wfp.to/ia3. Deadline is June 15.

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.

“We usually do two to three camps a year in the fall and spring and then winter every other year. We start planning at least two to three months in advance to organize budgets, themes and activities and to inform the families.”

In an organization where many adults join to support their children, Lopushniuk is there because she truly believes in the group’s values.

“I don’t have children in guiding, although I would love to have that one day. I am doing this out of love and to give back to the organization that gave me so many opportunities for growth,” she says.

There are seemingly countless benefits to being a member of the Guides, she says. Not only will young guiders learn skills and gain knowledge, they will forge lifelong friendships.

She is grateful for the “amazing and inspiring women” she’s encountered during her time volunteering, including her best friend.

“The women I’ve met have helped me shape who I am. They’ve taught me to me confident, to use my voice, take chances and face my fears,” she says.

“I believe every single girl benefits from the Guides, even if they are only in it for a single year. We recently asked our youth to name one thing guiding has given to them. One of them said ‘it’s a place I can be myself’ and I was so happy to hear that. That’s why I do what I do. To hear them say they can be themselves, to see them grow into these confident, energetic leaders is really inspiring and is what keeps me going as a leader.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact AV.Kitching@freepress.mb.ca

AV Kitching
Reporter

AV Kitching is an arts and life writer at the Free Press. She has been a journalist for more than two decades and has worked across three continents writing about people, travel, food, and fashion. Read more about AV.

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AV Kitching
Reporter