Crafting energy, community involvement
‘Mostly, I do it as an expression of my faith,’ says thrift shop volunteer
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 $1.44 a week*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. 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 18/12/2023 (892 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Marlene Penner takes her craft seriously.
The 59-year-old North Kildonan resident volunteers at the Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop, where she sorts, prices and stocks crafting supplies.
Penner was reading the newspaper in early 2021 when she saw the store was looking for volunteers.
The Chalmers Avenue establishment is part of a network of not-for-profit shops that offer customers quality gently-used items while supporting the relief, development and peace work of Mennonite Central Committee.
“Mostly I do it as an expression of my faith,” Penner says of her volunteer work.
She notes a key phrase throughout MCC’s history has been, “In the name of Christ.”
“That resonates with me,” she says. “As a Christian, I want to respond… by being involved in my community and giving back in whatever way I can.”
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 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.
West Broadway Youth Outreach needs virtual volunteers to support after-school programs for children ages 4-12. Volunteers will help with homework, encourage kids to reach their full potential, and participate in fun and educational programs. Basic computer skills, patience and the ability to help elementary children with homework are required. Criminal record and child abuse registry checks are mandatory. Remote volunteering is via Zoom on weekday evenings. Email wbyokidz@gmail.com, apply online at http://wfp.to/6k1 or call 204-774-0451 by Jan. 2.
Youth Employment Services Manitoba (YES Manitoba) needs a board member. The registered charity helps young people find and maintain employment through skills assessment, employment opportunities, workshops and educational programs. The board of directors sets the organization’s direction and goals. Members should have an interest in the mission, knowledge of the organization’s service demographics and understand the barriers young people face. Must attend bimonthly board meetings, along with other special events. A satisfactory security check is required. Email volunteer@yesmb.ca by Jan. 19.
U-Turn Parkinson’s needs help for Dancing with Parkinson’s. The program offers participants a supportive environment to enhance their physical and emotional well-being while fostering a sense of community. The organization needs compassionate volunteers to join its U-Crew and support the dance class. Volunteers will help the experienced instructor and ensure participants have a positive experience. Email info@uturnpd.org by Jan. 31.
Seven Oaks General Hospital needs urgent care ambassadors. Volunteers are responsible for welcoming visitors to urgent care and helping with tasks such as answering non-medical questions, portering patients in a wheelchair, and ensuring the waiting area is comfortable for patients and their families. The ideal candidates will have excellent communication skills, be able to solve problems in a calm and respectful manner, and have good command of the English language. The ability to work independently and anticipate the potential needs of the public is strongly desired. Candidates must consent to a criminal record check. (The cost will be reimbursed.) Apply online at http://wfp.to/6ko by March 1.
Deer Lodge Centre needs entrance greeters. Volunteers must be friendly, outgoing and possess good problem-solving and customer service skills. Greeters might escort residents and visitors to their destinations, so volunteers must be physically able to push a wheelchair. The time commitment is 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Must be 18 years or older. Apply online at http://wfp.to/6kS by June 30.
1JustCity’s West End drop-in centre needs volunteers to help with community lunch and dinner programs, as well as other initiatives. Tasks include serving coffee, sandwiches and other snacks, as well as cleaning up, doing dishes and other duties. The main responsibility is to ensure everyone feels welcome, comfortable and included in the community. Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of people. No prior experience is needed. People of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply. Must be 18 or older. Daytime and evening shifts are available. Apply in person or online at http://wfp.to/0Fl by Friday.
Misericordia Health Centre needs spiritual health volunteers to help transitional care clients attend onsite mass services. Orientation and training is provided. Shifts are Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Email volunteer@misericordia.mb.ca or call 204-788-8134 for more information. Apply online at http://wfp.to/6Nc by Dec. 31.
Manitoba Angel Dresses needs a public awareness liaison to help increase public awareness about the organization. The volunteer will assist with the development of the awareness campaign and must have experience with public relations or special events development. Email info@manitobaangeldresses.com by Jan. 1.
The Manitoba Writers’ Guild is seeking to expand its nine-member board of directors with an additional member. It is a “working board,” and each director oversees an aspect of the guild. The volunteer must have experience in writing grants and a willingness to write one to three major grant applications a year, in collaboration with others. To apply, or for more information, email MWGpresident2023@gmail.com before Jan. 15.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
Volunteering has always been important to Penner, who retired nine years ago from her career as an X-ray technologist.
Her parents were involved in various church ministries when she was growing up, which made an impression on her.
Penner previously volunteered with a school program for students learning English as an additional language. The program was put on hold when the COVID-19 pandemic started, which left her looking for something to do.
Her sister-in-law volunteers at the MCC thrift shop in Carman and had encouraged her from time to time to get involved with her local shop.
After reading the Kildonan location was looking for volunteers, Penner decided to check it out.
“When I first started, I was just so impressed by the organization and the energy in the store,” she says. “It’s inspiring to be a part of that.”
Penner volunteers every Tuesday and Thursday morning. She starts each shift by checking out the craft supplies display, tidying it up and seeing what needs to be restocked.
The most meaningful part of volunteering is the interactions Penner has with people along the way.
She recalls meeting a young mother from Ukraine last summer, who shared about her experience as a newcomer.
“Her gentle demeanour was so lovely and I was thankful for that interaction,” Penner says. “Everyone comes into the store, whether they’re staff, volunteers or shoppers, with life’s joys and challenges. If we can somehow be a light and brighten someone’s day, how wonderful is that?”
Penner is a warm and friendly person, says Lindsay Dyck, volunteer co-ordinator.
“She’s very pleasant to be around and very inviting,” she says. “Very giving, too.”
Volunteers play a key role in creating the community atmosphere and sense of service the shop strives to provide. “We could not do what we do without our volunteers,” Dyck adds.
During its last fiscal year, the shop made $1 million — an accomplishment it will celebrate during a MCC event at the store Wednesday.
“As a volunteer, it’s affirming to know you might be a small part of that,” Penner says. “It is remarkable.”
The shop always welcomes new volunteers. For details, email vc@kmthrift.ca, call 204-668-0967, ext. 5, or visit the store in person at 455 Chalmers Ave.
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.