Volunteer work helps to ease grief
Mennonite Disaster Service provided outlet for Winkler couple while helping communities in need
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Digital Subscription
One year of digital access for only $205*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/09/2023 (1064 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
For Abe and Norma Wiebe, grieving led to construction work.
Last September, the Winkler couple’s youngest son, Paul, died after a six-month battle with cancer. He was 37. Less than three months later, their eldest granddaughter, Breyann, died in a head-on highway collision. She was 26.
In the midst of their grief, the Wiebes resolved to volunteer with Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), a non-profit organization that rebuilds the homes of those affected by disasters in Canada and the United States.
“It was a tough year,” Norma says. “So come the new year, in January we were just thinking that we want to help people who need help — help them recover from losses.”
This past summer, the retirees travelled to Cape Breton, where they spent a month repairing homes damaged by Hurricane Fiona.
Norma helped with a variety of tasks, including installing vapour barriers, mudding drywall and painting. Abe did roofing, washed walls and cut grass.
“Where they needed us is where we went,” Norma says.
Getting to know the people whose homes they were repairing was one of the biggest highlights.
“The sense of joy and happiness that I felt it brought those we were able to help was just outstanding for me,” Abe says. “We all came out there with the same intent — basically, putting our belief into action — and that was certainly rewarded in so many ways.”
The Wiebes also formed meaningful friendships with their fellow volunteers, including three young adults who were there for a week.
The five spent a weekend sightseeing together, which coincided with Breyann’s birthday.
“It helped having the young people around to get through it,” Norma says. “They were our grandchildren (for the week).”
Those young adults were also present when the Wiebes dropped some of Paul’s ashes into the Atlantic.
“It was difficult because I guess we still miss him a lot, but it was good that we were able to share that with somebody other than just the two of us,” Abe says.
The Wiebes were two of the 69 Manitobans who served with MDS during its eight-month operation in Cape Breton, which concluded last month.
A total of 458 MDS volunteers helped in Cape Breton, contributing more than 32,000 hours of service.
During the eight years he’s volunteered with MDS, Denis Sabourin has witnessed the organization’s impact time and time again.
“It’s an organization that has changed many lives,” says the semi-retired cartographer, who lives in Winnipeg. “Not just the homeowners; it changes our volunteers and everyone who’s involved.”
Like the Wiebes, Sabourin was in Cape Breton for a month this summer. He spent two weeks roofing, installing drywall, laying flooring and painting and two weeks doing office management work.
Some of Sabourin’s most meaningful MDS experiences have happened during the dedication ceremonies MDS holds for each completed home.
It’s a time when volunteers can celebrate the work they have done, say a blessing for the home, give the client a handmade quilt and present them with the keys to their house.
“The home dedications are very special,” Sabourin says. “I just feel it gives the homeowner some closure and some hope.”
Anyone interested in volunteering with MDS can visit mds.mennonite.net/volunteer for details.
The job descriptions and time commitments vary. No previous skills or experience are needed.
“I would certainly recommend it,” Abe says. “There is some wonderful work to be done through MDS.”
If you know a special volunteer, contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.
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.
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.
Misericordia Health Centre needs a volunteer to transport or escort discharged patients from the post-anesthesia care unit to the appropriate entry point, disinfect equipment as necessary, help with changing linen on stretchers, provide juice/water and cookies to patients, and keep the snack area neat and sanitized. The ideal candidate should have a respectful attitude toward diverse cultures, be interested in health care, have a positive and confident attitude, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Must be an adult, have the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time, and possess a good command of the English language (with alternate languages welcome). Apply online at http://wfp.to/65G by Sept. 30.
Norwest Community Food Centre needs Bright Start assistants. Volunteer tasks include planning and preparing meals, childminding for children up to age 6, setting up for different programs, and cleaning up after programs. Ideal candidates should be willing to engage with families with young children, possess kitchen experience, be friendly and outgoing, compassionate, able to lift 25 pounds, punctual and able to commit to one or two shifts per week. The time commitment is during the daytime, with shifts available on Mondays through Thursdays. Email tengel2@norwestcoop.ca, call 204-391-1289 or go online to http://wfp.to/657 by Oct. 15.
Concordia Hospital needs volunteers to help on nursing units by dispensing drinking water to patients’ rooms (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.). Email mclarke3@concordiahospital.mb.ca or go to http://wfp.to/65H by Oct. 31.
The Elmwood Unity Walk, a safety patrol group run by the Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, needs volunteers to help create a safer and cleaner community. Duties include going on walks to remove potentially hazardous materials, and handing out food and water to those in need. Email cnrcnrg@chalmersrenewal.org or call 204-669-0750 by Nov. 30.
LiteracyWorks — a non-profit adult literacy program located downtown — is seeking energetic, community-minded people for its board of directors. Members help govern the organization in order to maintain its mission, goals and objectives. Send your questions or resumés to info@litworks.ca by Friday.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy needs volunteers for Boo at the Zoo, which is happening Oct. 6 to Oct. 29. This reimagined event takes place after-hours in the zoo. It is designed for families and people of all ages and will feature special performances, activities and displays. Must be 18 years or older. Apply at http://wfp.to/6rG by Oct. 22.
CancerCare Manitoba needs a volunteer services gift shop clerk. The volunteer will be responsible for providing help to patients and visitors, and selling confectionery and craft items in the lobby shop. Duties include responding to general inquiries, maintaining an accurate record of sales, reconciling the cash box and sales, and setting up and taking down craft items. Phone 204-787-2121 or email ccmbvolservices@cancercare.mb.ca by Oct. 31.
The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) needs volunteers to help with its children’s, homework and sports programs. IRCOM strives to empower newcomer families to integrate into the wider community. Volunteers must be age 15 or older. Must undergo criminal record and child abuse registry checks. Apply online at http://wfp.to/NNJ by Oct. 31.
Bergen Gardens is seeking volunteers to lead various clubs in their senior community. Leaders with skills in areas such as woodworking, card games, baking, gardening and exercise classes are needed. The ideal candidate should be great with people, trustworthy and willing to share their skills. The time commitment is flexible and includes daytime, evening and weekend availability. A criminal record check is required, but the cost will be reimbursed. Email jackied@bergengardens.ca or phone 431-482-2189 by Nov. 1.
1JustCity needs drop-in volunteers at its West End location. Volunteers serve coffee, sandwiches and other snacks, clean up after guests, do dishes and ensure the drop-in runs smoothly. Apply in person or online at http://wfp.to/0Fl by Dec. 22.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. When disaster strikes, you can help, and the Red Cross can show you how. Go to http://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. 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.
Advertisement Advertise With Us