Home team helps home build
Bombers fans can sign up to wield hammers alongside football stars
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Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans can trade in foam fingers and cowbells for a hammer to help build a home for a family in need this fall.
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will team up Oct. 1 and 2 to host the first Bombers House Build, where volunteers will help build a house for a low-income family alongside players from the football club.
“It’s another opportunity for people to help and engage in the community,” said Christa Mariash, spokesperson for Habitat. “You work on a football team to win the game and you work on a team to build a house. We just thought it was a perfect fit.”

SUPPLIED
Holly Jefferson (left) and members of the Bombers Women’s Club work on a Habitat for Humanity house in Transcona last week.
Each day, 50 people can sign up to help build one of 55 homes that will house 275 Manitobans, including 175 children, on the Pandora Avenue West property in Transcona.
Sign-ups can be made via the Habitat website until Sept. 12. Mariash said 25 per cent of the spots have been filled.
She said anyone is encouraged to join, including fervent Bomber fans, business operators and families. Prices start at $549 for individuals, $2,199 for four-person teams, and $5,499 for a team of 10. The organization’s goal is to raise $100,000.
Mariash said participants will be trained at the site and receive plenty of perks, including a co-branded limited edition Bombers and Habitat T-shirt, a framed team photo and an invitation to watch the family officially receive their home at the key ceremony.
“You kind of see the process full circle by seeing the fruits of your labour. It’s pretty exciting,” Mariash said.
Those who register will also receive a VIP invite to Hearts & Hammers, Habitat’s donor appreciation night at the Pinnacle Club in Princess Auto Stadium.
The Bombers House Build is one of many ways Winnipeg’s CFL team continues to support the community.
Along with the club’s focus on growing amateur football across Manitoba and ensuring children have the opportunity to play both tackle and flag football, the Bombers have also worked with the Dream Factory and Children’s Hospital to bring joy and laughter to those facing life-altering sicknesses.
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.
Siloam Mission is seeking kitchen volunteers at the Madison, at 210 Evanson St. Volunteers help prepare and serve meals in a smaller, less-crowded kitchen setting. A willingness to learn, the ability to stand for two hours and a friendly attitude are required, but no experience is necessary. Volunteers can gain valuable cooking skills with guidance from experienced staff members. The minimum age is 16, with breakfast, lunch and dinner shifts available. Supervision, training and orientation are provided, along with a letter of reference after 100 volunteer hours. Apply at wfp.to/iTV by July 30.
The College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba needs a public representative to fill a vacancy on the finance committee for terms starting in October. The committee is responsible for making recommendations on financial policies, financial conditions and the annual audit to the council. More information is available at wfp.to/iTC. Send a resumé and cover letter to appointments@crnm.mb.ca by Aug. 8.
Mount Carmel Clinic needs volunteers for community programming support. Roles include setting up and cleaning programming spaces, organizing the refreshments area, greeting community members and providing event information. Volunteers help staff members with group activities and distribution of materials. Volunteers should be 16 or older and open to working from a place of non-judgment, open-mindedness and respect for people of all backgrounds and identities. The time commitment is two shifts monthly, and there is an orientation of three to 3.5 hours. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Email volunteer@mountcarmel.ca by Aug. 31.
Osteoporosis Canada needs people with a health or fitness background to serve as presenters/facilitators for its educational programs. Candidates must be 18 or older and should have strong interpersonal skills, empathy and basic computer skills, including familiarity with virtual platforms such as Zoom. The role is ideal for retired health-care professionals, fitness leaders or anyone interested in healthy living. People who are bilingual or proficient in English at a B2 to C1 level are welcome to apply. The time commitment is four to six flexible hours per month. Apply at wfp.to/iTA or tapsit@osteoporosis.ca by Dec. 31.
Villa Cabrini needs someone with creative skills to make posters for various events. The necessary information for the projects will be provided each month. The role does not include printing responsibilities; completed files can be emailed. Volunteers must have computer and design skills and be 16 or older. The role involves flexible hours and can be done remotely. Apply at vcabrini@mymts.net by Jan. 1.
The YWG Goldwings program welcomes and helps travellers at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. Volunteers greet guests, offer assistance and provide directions. Representing the Winnipeg Airports Authority with professionalism and pride, volunteers actively engage with passengers and ensure clear communication. Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 100 hours annually and must show strong communication, customer service and teamwork skills. Open to people aged 16 and older. A criminal record check is required, and the ability to speak languages other than English is an asset. Apply at wfp.to/iT6 by Aug. 1.
The Leftovers Foundation, a food-rescue charity with a mission of reducing food waste and increasing access to food for people facing barriers, is gearing up for Home Harvest. The program facilitates the rescue of homegrown food. Community members can participate by signing up through the website or mobile app to become a donor (grower) or volunteer to complete routes. Growers with excess produce can submit a request any time, and volunteers can harvest and deliver the produce to local service agencies and keep a portion for themselves. Volunteers can sign up in groups or individually. Email alyssa@rescuefood.ca or go to wfp.to/imz for more information. Apply by Aug. 2.
MS Canada needs volunteers for the Gimli MS Bike on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24. Help is needed throughout the event to ensure it runs smoothly and that participants have an enjoyable time while biking to raise funds for people affected by MS. Shifts are available one or both days and range from two to eight hours. To view role descriptions and shifts, go to wfp.to/iTN and register by Aug. 20. For more details, email Karyn Heidrick at karyn.heidrick@mscanada.ca.
The Canadian Red Cross Society needs volunteers in Manitoba for programs such as Smart Start and Disaster Risk Reduction. These roles involve leading sessions on climate change and emergency preparedness, and require effective communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Volunteers might also join the emergency responder and personal disaster assistance teams to help during disasters. Training and background checks are mandatory. This opportunity offers experience in public speaking and crisis management. Send a resumé to SmartStart@RedCross.ca by Dec. 31.
Wade Miller, president and chief executive officer of the Bombers, said the partnership with Habitat is another opportunity for the athletes to show their leadership off the field.
“Our players give back in our community like no other professional sports organization or players in different leagues and are really committed to giving back,” Miller said. “That’s what makes CFL players and Blue Bomber players special.”
Last week, members of the Bombers Women’s Club — a free fan group that connects women through exclusive events and community engagement — along with Holly Jefferson, wife of star defensive lineman Willie Jefferson, joined Habitat on the Pandora build site to lend a hand.
For several hours, the women rolled up their sleeves, picked up hammers and got to work framing walls and nailing down lumber alongside Habitat’s construction crew.
Miller said the names of the players who will participate in the October build will be announced closer to the date.
“All of our players would love to be a part of that and set the example that they always have,” he said.
massimo.deluca-taronno@freepress.mb.ca