Pat on the back for years of service
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/04/2025 (343 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Two volunteers were among the 18 people celebrated for their contribution to the tourism industry when Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg handed out their annual awards this month.
Nick Sikich of FortWhyte Alive was named Winnipeg’s volunteer of the year. Carolyn Weiss from the Friends of Lower Fort Garry received the provincial honour during a ceremony at Fort Garry Place on April 10.
“It didn’t hit me until the next morning when I was volunteering,” says Sikich, 78. “The kudos offered by the employees was quite overwhelming. (The award) was appreciated and it seemed to please them as much as it pleased me, so it was nice to find that out.”
Weiss, 39, says it was humbling and exciting to receive the recognition.
“It always feels great to be recognized for the hard work you do,” she says. “My hope is it really brings awareness to who we are as an organization and really allows more people to know about what we love and enjoy, and the sweat and tears we put into making it that way.”
Sikich, a retired Canada Post employee, has volunteered more than 4,000 hours at FortWhyte Alive since 2010.
The Charleswood resident has served in a range of roles at the 267-hectare urban green space, from greeting visitors at the interpretive centre to caring for farm animals, leading school programs and guiding canoe tours.
“It’s a great place to volunteer in the sense that, if you do training in advance, you’re able to work at whatever position you want to work,” Sikich says.
Known for being enthusiastic and kind, Sikich has contributed to numerous special events. His mentorship in the youth farm program has helped to guide countless young participants, teaching them cooking, gardening and woodworking skills.
A member at FortWhyte since the 1980s, Sikich has even volunteered his time feeding the farm animals on Christmas Day.
“It’s a way to get out and meet people,” he says. “It’s nice to see people enjoying the same thing I do… I think more people should get out and enjoy FortWhyte.”
That’s how Weiss feels about Lower Fort Garry, the restored national historic site north of Winnipeg.
The St. Andrews resident worked at the fort as a costumed interpreter throughout university. In 2013, the Friends of Lower Fort Garry — a non-profit created in 1985 to directly support the historic site — faced dissolution, and Weiss stepped in to revive the volunteer association.
Her leadership has transformed it into a thriving force. They’ve expanded programs, increased visitor engagement and strengthened financial stability.
The chiropractor has contributed untold hours to the organization and introduced signature events such as Harvest Fest, the winter holiday market and an expanded ghost tour series.
Under her guidance, the gift shop was rebranded as Stone Fort Trading Co., and features the work of Manitoba artisans. Sales have quadrupled.
“I really enjoy being able to support the site,” Weiss says, adding the historic site gives visitors an appreciation of Canada’s history and a chance to enjoy the beautiful setting on the west bank of the Red River.
“I love being on the site and feeling that connection and calmness.”
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@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.
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