Artistic director desperately needed to continue this sister act
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Wanted: A volunteer with musical talent who’s willing to dress like a nun and have some fun.
Sisters of the Holy Rock, the non-profit performance group that helps Manitoba organizations raise funds, is searching for a new artistic director.
“If we’re not able to find a replacement, the choir will not be able to continue,” says Lynn Ohlson, president of the organization.
Dressed in traditional nun habits, the choir’s members — which include both women and men — put on 75- to 90-minute variety shows. Since forming more than 30 years ago, the choir has given upwards of 550 performances and helped raise nearly $4 million for numerous organizations.
“I think the Sisters have been around long enough (that) we’re almost a Winnipeg institution and it would be very sad if we weren’t able to continue,” Ohlson says.
The choir’s history dates back to 1993, when Carole Stone put the group together to provide entertainment for a fundraising dinner at Grey Street United Church, where she was the choir director at the time.
Stone modelled the group’s performance after Sister Act, the 1992 comedy musical in which a lounge singer seeking shelter in a convent revitalizes its choir.
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.
Together Project is seeking Rohingya-speaking volunteers for the Welcome Group Program, which connects refugee newcomers and volunteers to build stronger, more integrated communities. Together Project matches newcomers with groups of about three to five volunteers for three to six months. Volunteers get training to provide social support to newly arrived refugees focused on their unique integration priorities, such as language learning, finding employment, accessing health care and building social connections. Apply at wfp.to/inS by Feb. 17. Contact Manitoba programs lead Alejandra Reverditto Galvez at alejandra@togetherproject.ca or 431-557-7852 with any questions.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority needs volunteers for school-based immunization clinics in the Inkster, River East, St. James and Seven Oaks areas for the spring campaign, starting in April. Volunteers will guide students, manage crowds and monitor post-immunization. This seasonal role occurs during school hours in fall and spring. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Volunteers must attend virtual training and volunteer for at least four or five shifts per campaign, with flexible scheduling. Apply at wfp.to/in0 by Feb. 27.
Prairie Strides needs volunteers for horse leading and side-walking roles this spring. They must be able to commit to a 12-week program, helping with classes on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings at West Wind Stables near Winnipeg. Leaders should have horse experience and arrive early to groom and lead horses. Side-walkers provide support and encouragement to riders. Both positions require the ability to walk and jog in sand for 60 minutes. Training and orientation are provided before the program starts. Apply at wfp.to/inN or 204-995-7932 by March 23.
The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada needs volunteers to serve as support group facilitators for monthly virtual support meetings. These facilitators guide discussions, resolve interpersonal issues, help group members in accessing community resources and arrange guest speakers. They also develop weekly topics and ensure meetings adhere to the members’ bill of rights. Facilitators work closely with a support services specialist and receive training and ongoing support. Experience in facilitation, health care or social services is beneficial but not mandatory. Volunteers must be at least 18 and undergo a vulnerable sector check. They also must have strong communication, interpersonal, problem-solving and leadership skills, and preferably are familiar with Zoom. The commitment involves five to six hours monthly, usually in the evenings, with a preference for a one-year commitment. Email moneill@braintumour.ca by March 30.
Immigrant Centre Manitoba is seeking people to help newcomers improve their English skills through informal conversations. Volunteers meet on weekday evenings or Saturdays, online or in person, offering support with grammar and pronunciation while sharing insights about life in Winnipeg and Canada. Ideal candidates have lived in Canada for at least three years, are fluent in English and are comfortable using Zoom. Meetings take place at the Immigrant Centre or public locations, with off-site volunteers required to complete a police record check. Apply online at wfp.to/in6 by March 31.
The Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association needs volunteers for its five-day Golden Boy Tournament, Feb. 12 to Feb. 16. Volunteers are needed to help with selling merchandise, signing in teams, collecting game sheets, and selling raffle and 50/50 tickets. The opportunity is open to all ages, with flexible time commitments available during daytime, evening and weekend hours. Apply at wfp.to/in9 by Feb. 6.
Special Olympics Manitoba needs volunteers for Winterfest 2026 on Feb. 21. Volunteer roles include athlete support, logistics and sport-specific help, all focused on creating a welcoming environment for athletes with an intellectual disability. No experience is necessary. Email Emma Wedlake at ewedlake@specialolympics.mb.ca by Feb. 13.
The Parent Partner Program at St. Boniface Hospital needs volunteers who are parents of former NICU babies and were discharged at least a year ago. Support is needed in various roles, including baby reader, peer support, library cart, event volunteer, one-on-one support and bedside/in-unit parent support. Apply at wfp.to/inp or 204-237-2267 by Feb. 20.
Urban Wagons needs volunteers to help with distributing clothing, food and snacks to needy people downtown. Volunteers meet behind the Tim Hortons at Graham Avenue and Fort Street at 6 p.m. Mondays to load wagons with essentials, then spend 1.5 to two hours walking around and distributing the items. Regular volunteers are especially welcome, but monthly or occasional help is also appreciated. Apply at llesliecole@gmail.com by July 20.
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.
It was supposed to be a one-off performance, but the Sisters of the Holy Rock have been rockin’ ever since. The group performs six months of the year: March to May and September to November. The choir practices every Tuesday evening during its season and usually performs each weekend (save for long weekends).
Today, the choir has 44 members and a 14-person support crew. Other than the sound engineers, everyone involved is a volunteer.
Stone served as the choir’s artistic director, played the Reverend Mother role and acted as the master of ceremonies at performances until her death in 2023. Her replacement left the choir at the end of November due to illness.
An interim director has stepped in to lead the choir through its spring season, but she is not able to commit to the role full time.
Ohlson says she and her colleagues have advertised for a new director throughout musical circles in Winnipeg, to no avail. They are now letting the wider public know about their situation.
The choir is looking for someone with experience in choral direction and musical production, who has strong leadership skills in working with volunteers. The director receives a modest annual honorarium of $1,000.
Sisters of the Holy Rock is a wonderful organization, says Rob Falkingham. The choir has become an important outlet for the retired mail carrier, who joined in 2013.
“The people are wonderful in the group,” Falkingham says. “They’re such caring people and it’s nice to be with them.”
Deanne Wasylyshen became a member a few years ago after retiring from her career as a scientist. Making new friends and entertaining audiences has been rewarding, she says.
“I haven’t been with it for long and I already see such an incredible benefit of being affiliated with them on a personal level,” Wasylyshen says. “It would be a hardship and a sad moment on so many levels if this group had to fold.”
“My hope and prayer is that there will be many more years to come,” she adds. “It truly is a magnificent group to be a part of.”
Anyone interested in the director position is encouraged to contact the group online at sistersoftheholyrock.com/contact or call 204-612-7850.
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.
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