‘There’s no shortage of good stories to tell’
Volunteering at aviation museum sparks love of learning, sharing knowledge for former Air Force pilot
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Gary Hook was a fighter pilot, commanding officer and senior flight instructor during his 43-year career in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Hook, 72, piloted more than 15 types of aircraft across Canada and Europe.
These days, the aviation buff volunteers as a tour guide and gallery interpreter at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, at 2088 Wellington Ave.
“There’s no shortage of good stories to tell about the aircraft, the people and the eras of aviation they flew in,” Hook says.
Hook guides visitors around the 68,000-square-foot building, imparting facts and sharing stories about the different aircraft on display, including three planes he used to fly — the Musketeer, the Tutor and the CF-104 Starfighter.
He’s on duty every weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hook joined the military after graduating from high school, enrolling in a four-year degree program at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ont.
Every summer Hook and fellow student pilots would participate in a two-month pilot training program before returning to their books the following autumn.
“After four years, I graduated with a bachelor of science applied degree. Because I was a pilot, I had to earn my wings, so I joined the year-long training program at the Canadian Forces Base in Moose Jaw,” he says.
Posted across the country throughout his career, Hook moved to Winnipeg in 1998 to manage the Air Force flight safety program before retiring in 2013.
“I turned 60 and they kicked me out the door, changed the locks and told me to go away,” he jokes. “The policy at that time was you could no longer be in the military aged 60 and up.”
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 wfp.to/volunteers 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 wfp.to/volunteers or call 204-477-5180.
Winnipeg Fine Art Fair seeks volunteers for its Art Show April 10-12 at Red River Exhibition Place. Team leaders, raffle tickets, rovers and wrappers are required. Support Manitoba artists at this exciting event! Please email winnipegfineartfair@gmail.com. Deadline is March 28.
KidSport Manitoba is seeking to create a pool of volunteers to support community outreach and fundraising efforts throughout the year. Volunteers represent KidSport at local events, assist with event logistics, and help raise awareness and funds to support access to sport for Manitoba children. There are opportunities for all ages with a wide variety of times and locations available. Apply online: wfp.to/ic9. Deadline is April 15.
A & O Senior Immigrant Settlement Services requires culturally sensitive volunteers to assist with its Language Buddy for Seniors Program. The volunteer will help older adult newcomers feel less isolated and lonely by calling once or twice a week using their native languages. Must be able to communicate in languages other than English and abide by the agency’s code of confidentiality. To apply email: vzolotykh@aosupportservices.ca or phone 204-956-6440. Deadline Dec. 31.
Marlene Street Community Resource Centre is looking for a kind, handy volunteer who knows their way around sewing machines and enjoys helping others. If you have experience cleaning, tuning, and repairing sewing machines, they’d love to have you join them! Your skills will help support the community by keeping their sewing machines in good working use for classes, projects, and neighbours who rely on them. Apply by email: mscrc123@outlook.com or by phone: 204-253-8994. Deadline is March 31.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg needs mentors for its in-school mentoring program, which provides youth with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up within school grounds. Mentors meet with mentees for one hour weekly, engaging in activities like games or crafts at school. Participants are referred by staff. Mentors must be at least 18, co-operative with staff, pass criminal and vulnerable persons record checks, and adhere to the confidentiality agreement. Commitment is one hour weekly during the school year, September to June, for at least one year. Apply online: wfp.to/ic3/. Deadline is Dec. 31.
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba is in need of a volunteer Mixed Bipolar Support Group facilitator. As a self-help organization, the MDAM provides peer support and other services to individuals and families affected by mood disorders throughout Manitoba. The facilitator for this group will plan, guide, and manage in-person peer support sessions. The ideal candidate should have lived or working experience with mental health, organizational and leadership skills, excellent interpersonal and listening skills, and English language proficiency. The role offers an opportunity to gain skills in peer support, mental health support, leadership, and problem-solving and requires a commitment on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Email: volunteer@moodmb.ca to apply. Deadline is Aug. 31.
Challenger Baseball Manitoba seeks volunteer baseball buddies. They will provide on-field support to children, youth, and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. No baseball experience is needed — just patience and a willingness to have fun and be supportive. Hours are Saturdays at 10 a.m. from May to June. Email: challengerMBbuddies@gmail.com by May 2.
Join the Arthritis Society Canada’s camp medical team as a nurse volunteer at Camp Limitless and help create a safe, supportive, and fun environment for children living with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Taking place July 20 at Camp Manitou in Headingley, this five-night on-site role includes being on-call during camp hours, administering medications, responding to minor illnesses and emergencies, and collaborating with camp staff and families. Licensed Manitoba nurses with CPR-C and standard first aid are required. Meals and accommodation are covered, mileage reimbursed, and a daily honorarium is provided. Apply at: volunteer@arthritis.ca. Deadline is March 31.
Camp Quality Manitoba seeks volunteers to serve as camp companions for a week of overnight fun from July 4-10 at Camp Arnes. The camp is tailored for children ages seven-17 affected by cancer and rare blood diseases, providing a safe space where they are free to define themselves without the stigma of illness. Volunteers participate in activities and offer one Experience with children is preferred, and applicants must provide references, complete an online interview, and meet health and safety requirements. This role is great for those pursuing careers in education, health care, or recreation management. All volunteers receive training, transportation from Winnipeg, and food and lodging during the week. Apply online: campquality.org/programvolunteer by April 30.
FortWhyte Alive seeks volunteers to guide school groups on their nature field trips. You don’t have to be an expert — enthusiasm, customer service skills, time management and training are the secrets to success in this volunteer role. Training will be provided, which includes a two-hour, program-specific training session, printed program outline, sample activity schedule, and quick reference card. Commitment is one-half day per week for school programs at varied levels/ages (K-12). For more info, visit: fortwhyte.org/support/volunteer. Deadline is May 1.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Apply at wfp.to/0pE, volunteer@redcross.ca or 1-844-818-2155.
He went on to establish a training and consulting firm that focused on aviation safety and aircraft accident investigation, before retiring for a second time in 2022.
Hook started at the museum in January 2024 and early on in the job was surprised to spot a familiar face among the exhibits — a mannequin of Captain Leah Mosher.
In 1980, Mosher and her colleagues Deanna Brasseur and Nora Bottomley became the first women to join the military pilot training system as part of the government’s efforts to integrate women into “traditional male roles.” The women graduated from their course in February 1981 before going on to have careers in the Air Force.
“There’s a nice mannequin with Leah’s story on there and what’s special for me is Leah was my student. She went through her training with me when I was a young, runny-nosed pilot instructor. You don’t appreciate at the time that you are a part of history,” Hook says.
Hook’s volunteering has ignited a profound passion for aviation history. Spurred on by the work he does at the museum, he joined the local chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, where he pores over the archives to search for new ways to bring exhibits to life and for different stories to share.
He relishes the never-ending journey of discovery.
“To do a good job as a volunteer meant studying Canadian aviation history and out of that came a real love for the topic. I am at that stage of life where learning becomes a real joy. Working in the museum, it’s non-stop learning. Then being able to share that knowledge with people… well you put those two together and it makes for a very positive experience,” he says.
It’s meaningful work filled with special moments that makes volunteering at the museum so fulfilling.
“After spending time with someone and sharing some stories with them, you get the feeling you made a difference. That they came away with something that they didn’t expect and really enjoyed the experience. It could be something simple like folks asking to take a photo together by one of the museum aircraft or just the sense they have a great time. Those are the special moments,” Hook says.
If you know a special volunteer, please email av.kitching@freepress.mb.ca
AV Kitching is an arts and life writer at the Free Press. She has been a journalist for more than two decades and has worked across three continents writing about people, travel, food, and fashion. Read more about AV.
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