Putting action into inclusion becomes personal
Fort Garry resident volunteers at DASCH
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/05/2023 (1057 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Before retirement, Karen Menkis worked for 20 years with people with intellectual disabilities. Now, she volunteers with them.
The 70-year-old Fort Garry resident volunteers at DASCH, the Winnipeg non-profit that supports people with intellectual disabilities through residential, vocational and leisure programs.
For Menkis, whose son has an intellectual disability, the work is personal.
MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Karen Menkis volunteers at DASCH, the Winnipeg non-profit that supports people with intellectual disabilities through residential, vocational and leisure programs.
“I’m intimately familiar with the ups and downs of having a child with an intellectual disability,” she says. “I felt volunteering in that area would be a really positive thing.”
Menkis’s son enjoys a good life, including employment in an area where he is valued and feels happy. It’s something she wishes for everyone.
“I think most of us forget that a life of the ordinary and mundane is a peaceful life, and that is what we seek to achieve for these individuals who don’t have equal access to that.”
Menkis has volunteered in a variety of areas since getting involved with DASCH around eight years ago. That includes providing direct support to DASCH clients.
She especially enjoys supporting clients during social activities, such as canoeing, kayaking and trips to the beach.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. 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, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
LiteracyWorks needs energetic, community-minded people to serve on its board of directors. The non-profit adult literacy program is located downtown. Board members help the organization maintain its mission, goals and objectives. Email info@litworks.ca by May 18.
JA Manitoba needs professionals from the business world to meet young people in their schools and participate in training until the end of the school year. The training programs are offered free of charge to schools and help young people develop their full potential in terms of financial literacy, job readiness and entrepreneurship. Programs are three to four hours. Go online to http://wfp.to/0Es, or email jlorette@jamanitoba.org, by May 19.
The West Central Women’s Resource Centre needs to fill two or three board positions. This spring, the centre will open a facility that includes 16 affordable housing units to help women-identified, non-binary individuals — and their loved ones — traumatized by family violence make a fresh start. Email wcwrcboardinterest@gmail.com by May 30.
Grace Hospital seeks visitor volunteers. The Friendly Visitor program plays a key role in improving the hospital experience for patients. Volunteers are responsible for helping create a caring, compassionate, comfortable, friendly and welcoming environment by providing social interaction. This can be done by visiting, reading the newspaper, talking about magazines or doing an art project. Apply online at gracehospital.ca by June 1.
The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift Shop on Selkirk Avenue needs volunteers for sewing machine testing and repair. Volunteers test donated sewing machines, and do minor repairs as needed, to get them ready for sale. A good understanding of sewing machine operation and mechanics is required. Email mccselkirk@shaw.ca or call 204-586-2527 by Sept. 1.
Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS) is seeking Ukraine Relief volunteers to help newcomers through a network of organizations. Areas of volunteer support include translation, interpretation and youth programs. Volunteers will be referred to other Manitoba organizations based on the needs of those organizations and the volunteer’s areas of interest. Must be responsible, reliable, patient, tolerant and a positive role model (no criminal record or current gang activity). Other skills might be required depending on organizational needs and the volunteer roles available. Email ukrainesupport@needsinc.ca, go online to http://wfp.to/0EK or call 204-940-1323 by Dec. 31.
Misericordia Health Centre needs volunteers for recreational programs. Volunteers help with staff-planned activities for seniors, such as birthdays and music shows. Events are inside the building. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Go online to misericordia.mb.ca or email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca by May 10.
The Pan Am Clinic Foundation needs volunteers to work at Diamond in the Rough, a nine-hole golf event at Glendale Golf & Country Club on May 30. The shift is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch, snacks and water will be provided. Funds raised support research, education and community outreach to solve health limitations through clinical innovations. Contact Alma at acruz14@panamclinic.com or 431-293-1772 by May 16.
The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation needs volunteers for the Cruisin’ to Change Lives fundraising walk. Various roles are available, including route marshals, food service, welcome crew, parking assistants, setup and tear down. Email monique@crf.mb.ca or call 204-258-6703 by June 1.
Good Neighbours Active Living Centre needs volunteer drivers to take seniors to health-care appointments and on errands. Drivers co-ordinate trips through the seniors resource co-ordinator. Volunteers must be punctual and dependable, and keep the co-ordinator informed regarding their availability. Must maintain confidentiality, ensure the vehicle is safe to drive, provide annual updates on vehicle insurance and registration, and immediately report incidents or concerns. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s licence and a safe driving record, with a maximum of two demerits. To apply, email resrf@gnalc.ca or call 204-667-6812 by June 1.
Prairie Performance Triathlon needs more than 100 volunteers for the 26th St. Malo Triathlon at St. Malo Provincial Park on June 24-25. Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend, helping out with all aspects of the race. Volunteers are needed for about four to six hours in the morning each day. Apply online at http://wfp.to/0FT by June 19.
Equal Housing Initiative needs a cook. The not-for-profit charity has partnered with Harvest Manitoba, Costco, Second Harvest and Leftovers to design a nutrition program for the residents of the McLaren Hotel, a 150-room, single-occupancy site serving the city’s most vulnerable people. The nutrition program is part of a larger effort by the charity to convert the hotel into a supportive housing facility in partnership with the federal national housing strategy. Email apaquin@equalhousinginitiative.com by Nov. 9.
In February, DASCH organized a day of kicksledding on the river behind the Granite Curling Club, which was a highlight for Menkis.
Kicksleds are small vehicles made up of a chair mounted on two skis that can be pushed from behind with a kicking motion.
It was a fun and gratifying day because it brought together people with a range of abilities, Menkis says. Some people pushed the sleds while others sat in the chairs and were pushed.
To cap things off, everyone enjoyed doughnuts and hot chocolate, which they shared with people who were passing by.
“I’m a very big advocate for integration,” she says. “I really believe that we as a community need to not just talk about diversity and inclusion, we have to actually put action to it.”
In addition to the support work she does, Menkis was recently appointed chairwoman of the DASCH Foundation. The registered charity raises funds so DASCH’s work can continue.
“There’s enormous satisfaction in watching an organization grow and watching an organization innovate,” Menkis says. “It’s particularly enjoyable to watch the residents at DASCH enjoy a full life.”
The organization is currently looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of ways.
Social visit volunteers spend quality time interacting one-on-one with the people DASCH supports in a casual setting. This may include reading, playing games, baking, community events or other interactive activities.
Events assistance volunteers help with the production and assembly of events DASCH holds throughout the year, including assisting with set up and takedown of equipment and decor, selling tickets, helping with auctions, registration, record keeping, and packaging and mailing invitations.
Staff aim to match volunteers’ interests and skills to best align with the available tasks.
Additionally, the DASCH Foundation is recruiting board members who have expertise in finance, communication and public relations, and legal and regulatory compliance matters.
To get involved, email volunteer@dasch.mb.ca.
“I would hope that others find their way to volunteering, and volunteering specifically in this area,” Menkis says. “It’s very rewarding.”
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com
fpcity@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. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
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.
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.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
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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