Students aim to brighten season for struggling young Winnipeggers

Gift-wrapping fundraiser part of 5 Days campaign to boost support for homeless youth

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A group of students from the University of Manitoba wants to help underprivileged Winnipeggers this month — and assist holiday shoppers along the way.

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A group of students from the University of Manitoba wants to help underprivileged Winnipeggers this month — and assist holiday shoppers along the way.

The 5 Days committee is raising money for Resource Assistance for Youth, an organization on Sherbrook Street that supports homeless young people up to the age of 29 through a variety of programs.

The committee is holding a gift wrapping fundraiser at CF Polo Park every Saturday until Christmas. Shoppers can bring their gifts to the second floor of the mall, close to where Hudson’s Bay used to be located, where volunteers will wrap them in exchange for a donation.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
University of Manitoba students volunteer with the 5 Days committee (which is made up primarily of Commerce Students’ Association members) Cynthia Tran (left), Henrick Papelleras, Lexie D’Antonio, Shelly Yosef and Cassidy Turcan on Thursday. The committee’s goal is to raise funds and awareness for Resource Assistance for Youth.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS

University of Manitoba students volunteer with the 5 Days committee (which is made up primarily of Commerce Students’ Association members) Cynthia Tran (left), Henrick Papelleras, Lexie D’Antonio, Shelly Yosef and Cassidy Turcan on Thursday. The committee’s goal is to raise funds and awareness for Resource Assistance for Youth.

Volunteers are also running a coat check service at the booth.

It’s one of a number of fundraisers the committee is operating throughout the school year in hopes of raising more than $25,000 for RaY.

Led by the Canadian Association of Business Students, 5 Days is a national campaign that aims to raise awareness and collect donations for people facing homelessness.

The 5 Days committee at the U of M is made up primarily of members of the Commerce Students’ Association. The committee invites all students from the university to volunteer with the campaign.

RaY does amazing work, says Shelly Yosef, the committee’s director of public relations.

“Their team works directly with Winnipeg’s youth to provide housing support, mental health support, employment programs, basic needs and skills needed for long-term stability,” she says. “Our committee is passionate about helping amplify their work…”

For Cassidy Turcan, volunteering with 5 Days aligns with her belief that it’s important to give back to the community.

The 20-year-old is in her first year at the U of M’s Asper School of Business after spending two years studying sciences. When she was researching what the Commerce Students’ Association had to offer, she immediately clicked with 5 Days.

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, click here or call 204-477-5180. A blog post contains more information on how to spread kindness this holiday season.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada needs people to wrap gifts in exchange for donations. Detailed instructions will be provided. The main responsibilities include accepting donations from shoppers, recording key information to help track each gift and ensuring wrapped gifts are returned to the correct donor. Volunteers must be able to stand for the entire shift. Apply at wfp.to/cfcwrapping by Dec. 24.

The Salvation Army Southlands Community Church needs volunteers for its annual Christmas kettles campaign. They help greet the public, thank donors and share the holiday spirit while raising funds for community programs. Apply at southlands.kettles@salvationarmy.ca or 204-399-6259 before Dec. 24.

U-Turn Parkinson’s needs exercise class volunteers. These volunteers make sure Parkinson’s-specific classes operate smoothly while bringing an encouraging and positive attitude, helping participants live their best with the disease. Volunteers help instructors, demonstrate seated modifications, set up and clean equipment, engage with participants, and participate in events. Volunteers must be physically capable of joining the activities. Apply at info@uturnpd.org or 204-510-4869 by Dec. 31.

Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network needs child-care volunteers to work with kids ages six months to 5. The duties might include reading to children, assisting in cleaning up, helping at snack times, playing with the children and helping to clean up or set up during your shift. People who are interested in a career in child care, education or working with newcomers are encouraged to apply. An English-speaking level of CLB 4 or higher is required, as are criminal record and child-abuse registry checks. The cost for the latter will be reimbursed. Apply at wfp.to/mosaic by May 1.

St. Boniface Hospital needs former patients, or loved ones of ex-patients, to volunteer with the patient and family advisory council. Advisers will have the chance to provide feedback to hospital leadership and staff members, and pursue their own initiatives, for the benefit of patients and their families. Apply at sbghvolunteer@sbgh.mb.ca or 204-237-2442 by Dec. 15.

Zoo Lights runs until Jan. 1. The Assiniboine Park Conservancy relies on volunteers to help guests enjoy a magical experience. Volunteers keep guests informed, safe and comfortable. They will enjoy a number of benefits, including free zoo tickets, Zoo Lights branded gear, snacks and hot chocolate. The more people volunteer, the greater the rewards. There are a variety of positions available. Must be 18 or older, and comfortable spending four to five hours outdoors (with breaks). Apply at wfp.to/iO4 by Dec. 20.

Survivor’s Hope Crisis Centre needs people to serve on its board of directors, as vice-chair, treasurer, secretary or a member at large. Members come from many backgrounds, including mental health, youth and school support, community work, and Indigenous knowledge. No board experience is required. Reliability, attention to detail and strong organizational skills are an asset. The board meets virtually once monthly, from September through June. Email executivedirector@survivors-hope.ca by Dec. 31.

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.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba needs volunteers to help support the Minds in Motion program, which brings people living with dementia and their care partners together to enjoy gentle chair fitness, followed by activities and conversation. Email Tiana Alphonso at talphonso@alzheimer.mb.ca by Jan. 1.

Operation Red Nose has driving and headquarters roles to fill. Drive team volunteers work in teams of three to provide safe rides, while headquarters volunteers handle registration, team formation and dispatch. Apply at wfp.to/rednose by Jan. 1.

Together Project is seeking Pashto and/or Dari-speaking volunteers for the Welcome Group Program, which connects refugee newcomers and volunteers. Anyone with questions can contact Manitoba programs lead Alejandra Reverditto Galvez at alejandra@togetherproject.ca or 431-557-7852. Apply at wfp.to/iOa by Jan. 1.

“I think it’s really important to support something local where we can see the direct benefits of our contributions,” says Turcan, the committee’s general coordinator.

Yosef, a first-year commerce student, echoes those thoughts.

“I think this is one of the most important causes you can be a part of,” the 18-year-old says. “Homelessness in youth is an issue a lot more students should be made aware of.”

Yosef says her family taught her the importance of community involvement, something that was underscored for her by the teachers at Gray Academy, the high school she attended.

For Turcan, volunteering is a more recent interest.

“If I can do something to give back to my community, I want to do that,” she says.

Members of the 5 Days committee toured RaY last month, which gave them a better understanding of the organization’s work and solidified their commitment to the cause.

“The tour of RaY was definitely something that made me wake up to how grateful I should be,” Yosef says.

“(It) was pretty eye-opening and made us want to work even harder,” Turcan adds.

To make a donation, visit the 5 Days booth at CF Polo Park on Dec. 13 or Dec. 20, or visit linktr.ee/5daysumanitoba.

If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.

Aaron Epp

Aaron Epp
Reporter

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. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.

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