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Giving kids sport opportunities

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Brandon resident Scott Kirk’s volunteering journey with Sport Manitoba started in 2019 when he applied to serve as mission staff for the Western Canada Summer Games.

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Brandon resident Scott Kirk’s volunteering journey with Sport Manitoba started in 2019 when he applied to serve as mission staff for the Western Canada Summer Games.

Since then Kirk has volunteered in multiple provincial and national competitions in summer and winter, taking on various essential roles.

“Mission staff are the conduit between host society and the teams,” he explains. “We make sure the games run as smoothly as they can. Our goal is to make sure coaches, managers and athletes can focus on the sport while we deal with everything else that may pop up along the way.”

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Scott Kirk learned to donate his time to kids sport watching his father ‘who just showed up and gave his time.’
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Scott Kirk learned to donate his time to kids sport watching his father ‘who just showed up and gave his time.’

“Everything else” ranges from logistics to problem-solving. Last summer Kirk found himself co-ordinating meals when scheduling conflicts left athletes without their lunches.

Volunteering to be part of mission staff requires a substantial time commitment; Kirk can be at the Canada Games for two-and-a-half weeks at a time. He helps with set-up, making sure things are ready for when the athletes arrive, and tear down once the games end.

He helps athletes navigate transportation, points them toward different venues hosting various competitions, and even plans downtime activities between events.

“We’re there to support the athletes so nothing distracts from the competition. We help get everything, we meet them off the bus, we make sure they know where they’re going, where they’re staying and answer any questions they may have and deal with any issues or concerns. And then there’s usually a day or so after the games end when we help clean up and make sure everything’s put away and sent back to Sport Manitoba,” Kirk says.

At first glance Kirk seems like a man with little time to spare, balancing his full-time career as director of operations at the Brandon Regional Health Centre with family commitments, a lifestyle that includes running, cycling and regular gym sessions, and taking his “very active” dog out on daily walks after a day in the office.

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.

Mount Carmel Clinic requires volunteers for the clinic host support role. Responsibilities include cleaning and sanitizing the waiting area and greeting visitors while providing information about the clinic’s facilities. Volunteers assist staff during peak times with tasks like transferring supplies and restocking shelves. They are not involved in medical or security issues. Volunteers must commit to at least 100 hours over six to 12 months, with flexible weekly shifts. Orientation lasts 3 to 3.5 hours, and volunteers should be available for at least three shifts per month. Apply online at wfp.to/ici. Deadline is March 30.

MS Canada invites individuals to join in the fun as volunteers for the 2026 Winnipeg MS Walk, taking place May 3 at Kildonan Park. The MS Walk is a motivational community event that brings together people affected by multiple sclerosis and those passionate about finding a cure. Volunteers are essential to making this event a success. Whether it’s assisting with site setup, participant check-in, food and beverage areas, or cheering walkers at the start/finish line, there’s a role for everyone. To get involved, individuals can sign up at wfp.to/iaw or contact Karyn.Heidrick@mscanada.ca for more information. Deadline is May 22.

Canadian Goodwill Industries is seeking a volunteer to support marketing and advertising efforts. They will help promote the organization and raise awareness in the community. This role is great for someone who enjoys creative communication. For more information, please contact Charlotte at info@canadiangoodwill.ca. Deadline is April 30.

Looking for a fun, hands-on way to meet people, learn new skills, and give back to your community? Come be part of something special at Orioles Bike Cage — a volunteer-powered bike shop in the West End. You’ll get the chance to repair and maintain bikes, no experience needed. Volunteers are needed from spring through fall, Tuesday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and possibly Thursday evenings 6:30 to 9 p.m. Open to volunteers 13 to 55-plus. Those under 18 will require an adult guardian’s signature and contact info. Apply by email: oriolesbikecage@gmail.com. Deadline is April 8.

The Simkin Centre seeks volunteers for its annual fundraising event, the Simkin Stroll, on June 2. There are a variety of volunteer roles available, including assisting residents during the walk, food service help, working at booths and water stations, cheering on participants and helping with setup. Join the Simkin Centre volunteer team to help create memorable experiences for residents and guests, make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors in the community, and build meaningful connections and friendships with fellow volunteers and staff. Apply online: bttr.im/mmlgm. Deadline is May 15.

Equal Housing Initiative Inc. seeks a volunteer social media and digital communications specialist to strengthen its outreach, fundraising, and community engagement. This remote role involves building the organization’s online presence and digital storytelling. Responsibilities include creating content for Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, developing graphics and videos, writing captions and stories, monitoring engagement, supporting digital fundraising, assisting with website updates, and collaborating with leadership. Ideal candidates have social media marketing experience, strong writing skills, proficiency with content tools, and can work independently. The role requires five to eight hours per week. Apply by email: Volunteer@equalhousinginitiative.com. Deadline is April 10.

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy is seeking volunteers to fill a variety of roles in preparation for the busy summer season. Flexible scheduling and comprehensive training is offered. Volunteers will be trained at the park, the zoo or the Leaf and can take shifts at their preferred location. Must be 14 or older. Opportunities for adult volunteers include ambassadors, engagement ambassadors, visitor services concierge, special events assistants, and facilities and grounds support. Youth ages 14 to 18 are encouraged to apply for the zoo camp crew, zoo teen ambassador roles or special conservation roles. Volunteers are asked to make a long-term commitment. A minimum commitment of 60 hours for adults and 40 hours for teens is required per year. Visit wfp.to/icW to apply before May 31.

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.

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.

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.

But where there’s a will, there’s a way. He thinks nothing of using weeks of personal vacation days to make sure he is able to fulfil his volunteering commitments.

His most recent role was at the recent Manitoba Winter Games in Thompson, where he served as chef for Team West — a title that has nothing to do with cooking.

Borrowed from the Olympic term chef de mission, the position involves overseeing the delegation of nearly 200 athletes taking part in 14 sports at the week-long event. It’s a role that comes with huge responsibility but Kirk is unfazed.

“I had an assistant chef and the two of us made sure everything ran smoothly. Working at the Manitoba Games really gives you an idea of what happens behind the scenes and all the work that goes into co-ordinating the games. I find the Manitoba Games a great stepping stone for the Canada Games as it serves as an introduction into a multi-sport event,” he says.

“It’s about community, it’s about making sure kids have the same opportunities we had growing up.”

Long before Kirk stepped into volunteer roles himself, he was watching from the sidelines as his father, Raymond Kirk, a phys-ed teacher mentored and supported young athletes at any opportunity.

Whether at a hockey rink or a baseball diamond, Kirk senior was only too willing to give back to his community, his son says.

Those moments left a lasting impression and shaped his own belief that sport thrives because people are willing to pitch in and help out.

“My dad was always helping,” Kirk recalls. “It didn’t matter the sport; he just showed up and gave his time. It’s about community, it’s about making sure kids have the same opportunities we had growing up.”

Sports Manitoba is currently looking for mission staff for the 2027 Canada Winter Games. Click here for more details and to apply.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact AV.Kitching@freepress.mb.ca

AV Kitching

AV Kitching
Reporter

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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History

Updated on Monday, April 6, 2026 11:59 AM CDT: Adds information and link to 2027 Canada Winter Games

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