Ignite Volunteerism by getting involved in passion project

Balmoral Hall teen spends time helping others

Volunteers
By: AV Kitching Posted: 6:00 AM CDT Monday, Apr. 13, 2026

National Volunteer Week kicks off next week, and the theme — Ignite Volunteerism — is a call to action encouraging Manitobans to “find your thing” and discover ways to contribute to the community.

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The campaign comes during a decline in volunteerism rates across the country.

In 2018, 41 per cent of Canadians participated in volunteer activities for charitable and non-profit organizations, Statistics Canada data show. That decreased to 32 per cent in 2023.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Emily Jochelson, a Grade 11 student at Balmoral Hall School, will be receiving a Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.

The reduction can be attributed to a few factors, including challenges wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation and the rising cost of living.

“Certainly that rate is dropping, which is pretty on par with what we’re seeing here in Manitoba. We recognize people’s free time is really limited, that the economy is really tough, we see and hear that when we talk to people but we are still seeing people signing up to support the great work of non-profits here in Manitoba,” says Ashley Seymour, executive director of Volunteer Manitoba.

She hopes the initiative will highlight different volunteering opportunities available for those who want to contribute.

Activities done outside a group or organization — such as coaching a sports team, maintaining public spaces or playing a role in a school’s parent advisory council — all count as getting involved.

“Everybody has something they are passionate about and we’re encouraging people to find volunteer roles through their interests. Find a way to volunteer in something that aligns with your hobbies and make a contribution in that way,” she said.

There is sometimes an assumption volunteering requires dedicating large chunks of time to a cause — a stereotype the organization is trying to break, Seymour said. She noted many positions require little time and energy.

For those unsure of where to start, she advises to think outside the box.

“If you have very limited time, consider an event-based role. Start small, take a look at what exists in your community and see if there’s a way to get involved. Or you could be a virtual volunteer for groups looking for support with their social media, something you could do from the comfort of your home when you have a bit of spare time,” she says.

The organization is hosting its 42nd annual awards to celebrate all helpers on April 30 at Club Regent Event Centre.

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.

Extra Life Winnipeg, fundraising for the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, is seeking a volunteer social media manager to help engage and grow our community. This role is ideal for someone who is familiar with gaming and understands social media trends. Contact extralifeguildwinnipeg@gmail.com no later than April 30.

Prairie Dog Central Railway is inviting volunteers to choo-choo choose a one-of-a-kind volunteer experience bringing Manitoba’s railway history to life while helping create exciting new themed events and community programs. They are looking for enthusiastic, community-minded individuals to help support guest experiences, special events and heritage preservation. Volunteers will gain hands-on experience, meet great people, and play a key role in shaping the future of this historic railway. Apply by email: volunteer@pdcrailway.com. Deadline is April 30.

Chalmers Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is looking for volunteers to help with their third annual Chalmers Pride. This event will be held May 29. There are many different duties including: setup, maintenance, floater/vendor help, stagehands, first aid and more. Volunteer hours are from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., there is a choice between two three-hour shifts and one six-hour shift. Please contact Amy at 204-699-0750 or email how@chalmersrenewal.org for more information. Apply online: wfp.to/ian. Deadline is May 19.

First Tee – Prairies, a youth development program offered by Golf Canada, is seeking an assistant first tee coach to work with their lead coach. They will work to ensure that locations, participants, and participant parents/guardians have all the tools they need to grow and flourish. Throughout the golf season from May to September, sessions are available during evenings and weekends, with specific dates to be determined. A typical shift involves delivering two consecutive one-hour sessions tailored to different age groups. There are opportunities to participate in special events like the Aces for First Tee tournament, try-golf days, and community celebration events. Apply online: wfp.to/iac. Deadline is May 15.

A & O: Support Services for Older Adults Connect Program is looking for a volunteer to provide social companionship to an older adult living in the Winnipeg community through weekly phone calls. A & O requires volunteers who enjoy conversation and have strong conversational and interpersonal skills. If you can commit a minimum of one hour a week in the morning, afternoon, or evening, you can make a difference. For more information, contact: volunteer@aosupportservices.ca, call 204-956-6440 or apply online: wfp.to/iaa. Deadline is April 30.

The Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, Manitoba’s oldest non-profit personal care home, seeks new volunteers to serve on its board. People with experience in long-term care in Manitoba, older adults advocacy, and those who want to actively participate in helping reimagine seniors care are invited to email a letter of interest/CV to: sheppner@tchw.com by April 30.

Winnipeg Jewish Theatre is looking for front of house ushers. As part of a team of seven, volunteers hand out programs and help people with seating in the theatre. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age, friendly, able to listen to concerns and able to occasionally move walkers. Volunteers will be asked to come an hour and a half prior to the beginning of the show start time. When finished assisting, volunteers may take a complimentary drink/snack into the theatre to watch the production, as a thank you for your generous time. Apply online: wjt.ca. Deadline is May 3.

Together Project is seeks Arabic-speaking volunteers for the Welcome Group Program. The program connects refugee newcomers and volunteers to build stronger, more integrated communities in Winnipeg. Newcomers are matched with “welcome groups” of three to five volunteers for three to six months. Volunteers receive training to provide social support to newly arrived refugees focused on their unique integration priorities, such as language learning, finding employment, navigating city services, and building social connections. Apply today or learn more at togetherproject.ca/volunteer. Questions? Contact Alejandra Reverditto Galvez, Manitoba programs lead, at alejandra@togetherproject.ca or 431-557-7852. Deadline is Aug. 1.

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.

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.

“We’re really excited to be recognizing 20 different award recipients this year across eight different categories. And that’s just such a small sampling of some of the incredible nominations that we received, “ Seymour says.

Emily Jochelson, 17, will be receiving one of six Premier’s Volunteer Service Award at the event.

The Grade 11 Balmoral Hall School student started her volunteer career three years ago during her summer and winter breaks as a camp counsellor at the Winnipeg Humane Society.

During the school year, she helps mentor students in Balmoral Hall’s debate program, judges junior debate tournaments and helps with the sound booth during school musicals. Last year, Jochelson volunteered as a ticket seller and usher at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival and as a show runner at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

“The main reason I volunteer is because it’s a great way to give back to the people who already give so much. There are so many people, like my teachers or old camp counsellors, who have done and continue to do so much for myself and others. So, when there’s any way that I can help them ease their burden, even in a small way, I’m more than happy to help,” she says.

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

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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AV Kitching
Reporter