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Burn survivor shares wisdom through support group

By: Aaron Epp
Posted: 04/2/2018 4:00 AM | Comments:

</p><p>Portraits of Stephen Haglund for the April 2 edition of my Volunteers column:</p><p>Stephen, 44, volunteers his time on the planning committee for the Go for the Burn Run, an initiative of the Mamingwey Burn Survivor Society.</p></p><p>See Aaron Epp, Volunteers columnist, Winnipeg Free Press</p><p>March 29, 2018</p>

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Portraits of Stephen Haglund for the April 2 edition of my Volunteers column:

Stephen, 44, volunteers his time on the planning committee for the Go for the Burn Run, an initiative of the Mamingwey Burn Survivor Society.

See Aaron Epp, Volunteers columnist, Winnipeg Free Press

March 29, 2018

Stephen Haglund knows what it means to persevere.

In 1995, the Transcona resident was involved in a campfire accident that left him with third-degree burns over 70 per cent of his body. He was 21 at the time.

“The mental toll that takes hold of you, that’s the big struggle,” Haglund says. “You have to pull yourself up every day, every moment… You have to be active in your recovery.”

Today, Haglund shares his experiences through his volunteer work with the Mamingwey Burn Survivor Society. The Winnipeg organization supports burn survivors as well as their friends and family by organizing events where they can share their stories, and support and learn from one another.

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Stephen Haglund knows what it means to persevere.

In 1995, the Transcona resident was involved in a campfire accident that left him with third-degree burns over 70 per cent of his body. He was 21 at the time.

"The mental toll that takes hold of you, that’s the big struggle," Haglund says. "You have to pull yourself up every day, every moment… You have to be active in your recovery."

Today, Haglund shares his experiences through his volunteer work with the Mamingwey Burn Survivor Society. The Winnipeg organization supports burn survivors as well as their friends and family by organizing events where they can share their stories, and support and learn from one another.

One of Haglund’s volunteer commitments is serving on the organizing committee for its Go for the Burn Run.

This year’s race takes place April 28 in Assiniboine Park. It will feature a 10K timed run, a 5K timed run/walk, a 3K youth run and a 3K walk. The money raised will support the society’s work.

The run promotes health and wellness within the burn survivor community, and gets families together as they deal with their recovery.

"It’s a great way for people to keep active," says Haglund, who is responsible for setting up and tearing down the course along with representatives from the Manitoba Runners’ Association.

Stephen Haglund with his dog Lily

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

Stephen Haglund with his dog Lily

"The best part is seeing people finish. I’m sure at every race there are people going through their own struggles, and once they cross that finish line, it’s a great sense of accomplishment."

A lifelong athlete who enjoys playing hockey, Haglund has participated in the run twice and plans to do so again this year.

Haglund’s dedication to the event is inspiring, says society chairwoman Barbara-Anne Hodge, who has known Haglund since his accident.

"Steve is just an all-around great guy," Hodge says. "If we ask him to do something, we know as a committee he’s going to get it done. I think he’s also a role model for some of the people who were burned more recently, who are not quite as far along in their recovery."

"He’s always been a very brave man," Hodge adds.

Go for the Burn Run organizers are looking for volunteers to help direct traffic as well as hand out food and beverages.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call Hodge at 204-955-4942 or email barb@hodgefamily.ca. Donations can be made at mamingwey.ca.

Haglund says he’s looking forward to the race later this month. He recently became a father for the first time, so while he’s busy running the 10K, his wife and four-month-old son will be participating in the 3K walk.

Adjusting to life as a dad has been great, Haglund says.

"It’s true what they say: you really miss sleep, but it’s well worth everything you go through," he says. "I love my little guy so much. We’ve been blessed. We’re very lucky."

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.

Volunteers needed

 

THE following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas.

For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly.

Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations, but can assist you in finding an opportunity.

To learn more about Volunteer Manitoba’s programs and services, go to volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.

Seven Oaks House Museum, a provincial heritage site, needs a volunteer tour guide to welcome visitors and explain the history of the museum and homestead. Background education and training is provided. Flexible time commitment. The West Kildonan museum is open daily from Victoria Day through Labour Day, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some evening events. Email curator/manager Eric Napier Strong at sohmuseum@gmail.com.

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba is seeking public members for its board of directors and committees. Expenses and honorariums are paid. Find out more at clpnm.ca/get-involved. Please submit a cover letter and resumé to info@clpnm.ca on or before April 5.

Manitoba Mutts is looking for two lead volunteers. The garage sale co-ordinator oversees volunteers before, during and after sales, organizes dropping off and picking up items, and organizes marketing, for four hours a week closer to the event. The finance minister leads a team of 10 people on the finance team. Duties include: provide supervision and support; ensure day-to-day financials are current (using QuickBooks); organize two to three meetings per year; complete monthly team progress reports; and help with year-end work, GST and audit preparations. Five to six hours per week.

The Canadian Red Cross is looking for people to join its team of dedicated volunteers who are prepared to help people impacted by disasters such as forest fires and floods. Go to redcross.ca/HeroesWanted, call 204-982-7330 or email vrs@redcross.ca for more information.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba is looking for committed evening and weekend volunteers at Ronald McDonald House, 566 Bannatyne Ave. House helpers support families in their home away from home by assisting with laundry and light cleaning, meal programs and various operational needs. Apply at rmhcmanitoba.org, or contact Kasia at 204-787-4626 or kasia@rmhmanitoba.org to learn more.

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority wants volunteers to join the home-care advisory council. The council meets four to six times a year from September and May, from 5:15 to

8 p.m. Call Elizabeth Premecz at 204-940-2579 or email epremecz@wrha.mb.ca by May 25.

The CPA Manitoba Foundation fund development committee is seeking a committee member to help in the development and oversight of an integrated fund development strategy. The ideal candidate will have current fund development experience and skills, extensive community connections, experience in fundraising and providing guidance to donor stewardship activities and a working knowledge of the charitable sector. For information or to apply, contact Donovan Henzel at 204-987-4569 or dhenzel@cpamb.ca .

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