Have compassion, will travel

Manitoba couple has answered calls to help when disasters have befallen communities both near and far over the past 21 years

Volunteers
By: AV Kitching Posted: 6:00 AM CDT Monday, Jun. 8, 2026

Landmark residents Denis and Wilma Keating have been volunteering together at non-profit organization Mennonite Disaster Service for 21 of the 57 years they’ve known each other.

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Landmark residents Denis and Wilma Keating have been volunteering together at non-profit organization Mennonite Disaster Service for 21 of the 57 years they’ve known each other.

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Landmark residents Denis and Wilma Keating have been volunteering together at non-profit organization Mennonite Disaster Service for 21 of the 57 years they’ve known each other.

The couple, who celebrate their golden wedding anniversary next month, recently returned from Denare Beach, Sask., after a week-long stint rebuilding homes destroyed by the wildfire that tore through the community last June.

An arm of the Mennonite church, MDS deploys volunteers from its vast network of helpers in cleaning up, making repairs and rebuilding homes of the most vulnerable disaster survivors in Canada and the U.S.

SUPPLIED
Denis and Wilma Keating have volunteered together at non profit organization Mennonite Disaster Service for more than two decades. — SUPPLIED

Denis and Wilma Keating have volunteered together at non profit organization Mennonite Disaster Service for more than two decades.

The charity works with local community representatives to identify families lacking resources such as insurance, skills and funds.

“When you volunteer with MDS you are placed in various positions. I’ve done electrical, I’ve done plumbing and heating, I’ve done carpentry, I’ve done roofing…. I’ve done it all,” Denis says.

“Depending on who shows up to the different projects, we are asked to do whatever is needed.”

The Keatings have built more than 30 homes across Canada and the U.S., often staying in one place for up to a month at a time.

They first volunteered together in 2005, rebuilding homes destroyed when Hurricane Rita devastated Newton, Texas. They travelled to Louisiana three years in a row to help after Hurricane Katrina.

At one point, Wilma was painting the exteriors of new homes while wearing 3 1/2-metre-tall stilts.

“You think. ‘Oh, I could never do that,’ but when you’re willing, you can,” she says with a laugh.

“All the things I never thought I could do, you do. I’ve mudded (drywall), I’ve sanded, I’ve put in flooring… oh, gosh, I’ve done just about anything to stay out of the kitchen.”

They’ve also helped out closer to home, in Libau and Marquette.

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.

Oakview Place Extendicare seeks reliable and strong volunteers to tend to their plants Monday and Wednesday mornings. Strength and endurance is needed to tend to the substantial-sized garden, as it will likely take 90 minutes to two hours to finish. This role is excellent for social engagement, as volunteers have the opportunity to speak with residents, family, staff and other garden enthusiasts. Ages 16-plus. Apply by email: jbabineau@extendicare.com. Deadline is June 15.

Be a part of the Manitoba Marathon by volunteering as a course marshal, a critical role ensuring participant safety and keeping the race running smoothly by directing and guiding runners along the course route, managing pedestrian and vehicle traffic at intersections and acting as a visible, friendly and supportive presence. Training, maps, and instructions are provided in advance. Shifts are typically two to four hours, depending on location. Ages 16-plus. Apply online: wfp.to/iM4. Deadline is June 21.

Jewish Child & Family Service seeks volunteers interested in becoming English tutors to newcomers. This is an informal role where the client and volunteer meet in a public place to practise conversational English. Many clients and volunteers meet at the Asper campus. Tutors do not require any training but must be able to speak English confidently. The opportunity requires a criminal record check with costs reimbursed. Apply online: wfp.to/iMY. Deadline is Sept. 1.

Friends of the Ralph Connor House Inc. owns and is responsible for the preservation of the national historic site located at 54 West Gate, in Winnipeg. They seek volunteers to join its board of directors, particularly people experienced in finance and/or skills in the areas of communications and grant Applications. Please call Penni at 204-757-2274. Deadline is Sept. 1.

Are you passionate about photography, music and community arts? The West End Cultural Centre seeks a volunteer photographer/videographer to help capture live shows, events and behind-the-scenes moments. What you’ll do: photograph/video live performances and events, capture candid shots of artists, volunteers and audiences and provide edited photos for promotional use. Choose shows and events that fit your availability. Requires an in-person orientation. Apply online: wfp.to/iMu. Deadline is Dec. 31.

Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop requires volunteers to help process clothing. Volunteers will sort and hang women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing onto racks and prepare and price clothing. An eye and appreciation for fashion as well as an ability to stand for long periods of time are needed. Shifts are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Apply online at: wfp.to/iMP. Deadline is July 31.

Villa Cabrini seeks supper program volunteers to assist with meal service under the supervision of the meal program coordinator. Volunteers will serve food and beverages to guests as well as selling meal tickets, setting up tables, clearing tables and delivering meals. Flexible hours available: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. Two- or three-hour shifts available. Apply by email: vcabrini@mymts.net. Deadline is Sept. 2.

U-Turn Parkinson’s is looking volunteers for its exercise class. These volunteers ensure Parkinson’s-specific classes operate smoothly while bringing an encouraging and positive atmosphere to class, helping participants live their best with the disease. Volunteers assist instructors, demonstrate seated modifications, setup and clean equipment, engage with participants, and participate in events. Volunteers should be warm, friendly, and physically capable of joining the activities. Volunteers are sought Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 245 Kimberly Rd. (RISE Athletics). Apply by email: jordana@uturnpd.org or by phone: 204-510-4869. Deadline is Aug. 15.

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 get asked to go and we go if we can. To us it’s very much about people,” Denis says.

“Some people just need a better break than others. Stuff happens and it’s just life; life is tough for some people.”

While she’s usually part of Denis’s crew, in Denare Beach, Wilma was in the kitchen, helping two other cooks prepare three main meals and two snacks for a large group of volunteers, including 23 newly arrived university-aged students from Ontario.

“It was so incredibly cold outside — snowing and freezing — so I was very happy to be in the kitchen that time,” she says.

She may have escaped the bitter cold but that didn’t mean she had it easy.

The remote location in northern Saskatchewan, coupled with the weather and lack of outside facilities meant the crew took all their meals in the community centre’s gym, which had been converted into a kitchen and dining area.

The kitchen team was up early to prepare a hearty breakfast. As soon as that was over, it was time to prepare sandwiches, cut fruit and vegetables and bake cookies for lunch, as well as prep snacks for two coffee breaks. There was hardly a moment to rest before it was time to start dinner.

“Denare Beach was different; the kitchen never had a break. They worked from 6 in the morning to 8 in the evening and then did it all over again the next day,” Denis says.

The non-profit welcomes anyone who is ready and willing to volunteer. You don’t have to be part of the Mennonite faith, you don’t need to be Christian or even know how to hold a hammer.

“You don’t have to be someone who can build,” Denis says, “We all have skills of some sort. Maybe that skill is talking to people who have lost everything or sitting there and crying with them, being compassionate. Helping people using the skills God has given you.”

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