Committed to co-operation to improve lives
Turning Leaf Support Services founder knows people with mental illnesses benefit when helping organizations are on the same page
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/05/2025 (289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Barkley Engel believes organizations that help people living with mental illness need to work together. That’s why he’s involved for both his work and volunteer commitments.
Engel is the founder and CEO of Turning Leaf Support Services, a non-profit that provides crisis and treatment services to people living with mental illness and intellectual challenges. He also volunteers at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, a self-help organization dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for those with mental illnesses.
“It’s apparent to me that the work that needs to be done can only be done in partnership with all these other organizations that are working so hard,” says Engel, who joined the association’s board of directors last year.
RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba director Barkley Engel and executive director Rita Chahal are looking forward to the association’s Minds in Bloom fundraising event on Thursday.
In addition to his desire to connect and share ideas with colleagues in the field, Engel attributes his interest in joining the board to his “own long experience with mental illness.”
“I know what it’s like to live with a mood disorder, I know what it’s like to live with a mental illness,” he says. “The work is just too important for people to not step up if they have the empathy, the lived experience and the skills.”
Founded in 1983, the association operates throughout the keystone province. It assists those affected by mood disorders, their friends, families and caregivers through support groups, educational events and social activities.
Engel says that at board meetings, he is continually impressed by how invested directors are in the organization.
“They all come to the table, they suspend their personal interests and they are there to give the organization what it needs,” he says. “To be in a group of people who are willing to give and sacrifice their time for people they’ve never met (is) a beautiful experience.”
The association will host a new fundraising event on Thursday at the Fort Garry Hotel called Minds in Bloom. The luncheon will feature four guest speakers, including Marion Cooper, CEO at the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Additionally, the event will include a silent auction, an art auction and an artistic design competition featuring 30 mixed-media works by participants at Artbeat Studio, a non-profit that promotes mental health and well-being through the arts.
Funds raised will support the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba’s programs for youth, including its music, art, dance and drama camp.
It’s the association’s first major fundraiser since its annual In the Mood Gala was cancelled in 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event are still available, according to Rita Chahal, MDAM executive director. Anyone interested can visit moodmb.ca, or contact her by phoning 204-560-1462 or emailing ritac@moodmb.ca.
“All these folks who are part of the event — those who will participate, those who have given generously, those who will speak — serve without any ulterior motive, and those are the people I call true champions,” Chahal says.
“We would just love to see Manitobans come out and support us. We want to make sure the youth of our community are served in ways that are necessary to help them take care of their mental wellness journeys.”
Engel will be there. His personal experience with mental illness means his involvement with the association is closer to his heart than previous volunteer commitments, he says.
“(Hurting people) need to know that they’re going to be OK and that no matter what they’ve experienced, there’s still a community for them,” he says. “It’s a very personal commitment for me. I’m excited about it.”
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
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. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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 www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Inclusion Winnipeg needs people to join its Fall for Fashion committee, which organizes the annual fundraising gala featuring a local fashion show. Committee chair is among the roles available. The chair leads and represents the committee, while committee members help secure sponsorships, prizes and promote the event. All members contribute to planning and logistics, gaining experience in event planning, networking and fundraising. Volunteers are asked to attend up to eight meetings and commit extra hours for sponsorship and post-event tasks. Email info@inclusionwinnipeg.org by May 23.
Buhler Gallery, located inside St. Boniface Hospital, needs ambassadors to help people access and enhance their experience. People with a passion for art and who enjoy connecting with people should apply at sbghvolunteer@sbgh.mb.ca or 204-237-2442 by May 30.
The St. Malo Triathlon, which takes place on June 21 and 22, needs volunteers. With more than 115 roles available, volunteers can help with athlete registration, distribute race kits, paddle with swimmers, direct traffic, hand out water and award medals. Volunteers for the Saturday race receive a free T-shirt, refreshments, prize draw entries and a catered lunch. Open to all ages; shifts are under six hours. Apply at wfp.to/WoW by June 15.
Valley Gardens Community Centre needs help with upcoming fundraising events. Roles include setup, admissions/greeters and raffle sales. Volunteers will be asked to take a two-hour shift during the event and setup times. No skills are required, but a friendly disposition is an asset. Email vgcc@shaw.ca by June 18 to ask about upcoming dates.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope volunteer driver program needs people who enjoy driving and chatting. The volunteers help people with cancer get to and return from life-saving cancer treatments and other appointments. Mileage reimbursement or a tax receipt is provided. For more information, email volunteer@cancer.ca. Apply at wfp.to/WoA by Aug. 31.
South Winnipeg Family Information Centre needs dedicated, community-minded people to serve on its board. The centre offers a variety of programs and services to enhance the quality of life for Winnipeg families and is the home of Dress for Success Winnipeg. Board members attend monthly meetings from September to June, help establish policies and strategic direction, assist with fundraising activities and participate in a working board committee with virtual meetings. Ideal candidates will have experience in fields such as accounting, finance, law, fundraising, marketing, social work, health or education, or information technology. Email your resumé to nomination committee chair Marnie Jackson at chair@swfic.org by May 30.
Direct Support Profession Manitoba is accepting applications to serve on its board, including for the position of secretary. Email alliance@adspm.ca by May 31.
The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival needs more than 750 volunteers who are able to volunteer for at least four shifts of about four to six hours each over 12 days, from July 16 to July 27. Duties range from selling tickets and ushering to helping at the Kids Fringe area. Must be 12 or older. Apply at wfp.to/W9G or volunteers@winnipegfringe.com by July 11.
Friends of the Ralph Connor House, which owns and is responsible for the preservation of the national historic site, needs people to serve on its board of directors. People with skills in the areas of treasurer, communications and grant applications are particularly encouraged to apply. Call Penni at 204-757-2274 by Sept. 1.
Help build homes with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba at 900 Pandora Ave. W. until Oct. 31. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, with opportunities available Tuesday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Kelley Shuster at kshuster@habitat.mb.ca for more information.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
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. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
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