June (left) and Clive Hickson with their dogs Daisy, Zephyr and Brie. The couple have volunteered for the past 18 years with House of Hesed, a home for people living with HIV/AIDS.
An organization that supports people living with HIV/AIDS is celebrating a milestone this week, and volunteers are a part of its longevity.
House of Hesed will hold a belated 20th anniversary celebration Saturday. Founded in December 1998 by Moe Feakes, the organization provides housing for people with HIV/AIDS in a supportive setting.
“We’re on a shoestring all the time, month to month to month to month, so the fact that we survived financially is a miracle,” Feakes says, adding she’s grateful for being able to provide a home for people who might not otherwise have adequate living arrangements.
“When I look at some of the people who have come through our doors and are living here now, I’m just so blessed that we can offer them a safe, loving, warm home,” she says.
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An organization that supports people living with HIV/AIDS is celebrating a milestone this week, and volunteers are a part of its longevity.
House of Hesed will hold a belated 20th anniversary celebration Saturday. Founded in December 1998 by Moe Feakes, the organization provides housing for people with HIV/AIDS in a supportive setting.
"We’re on a shoestring all the time, month to month to month to month, so the fact that we survived financially is a miracle," Feakes says, adding she’s grateful for being able to provide a home for people who might not otherwise have adequate living arrangements.
"When I look at some of the people who have come through our doors and are living here now, I’m just so blessed that we can offer them a safe, loving, warm home," she says.
Ten people call House of Hesed home. In addition to her staff, Feakes relies on 15 volunteers. Two of them, Clive and June Hickson, have volunteered their time almost since the beginning.
June got involved in 2000 after her friend Theresa told her about the organization. They contacted Feakes and agreed to help cook meals at House of Hesed.
Soon, Clive, who was working as a self-employed home-renovation contractor, began volunteering his time, too, helping with repairs around the house.
Over the years, the Hicksons’ roles have changed. Today, the retired couple volunteer every second Thursday, picking up food from Winnipeg Harvest and delivering it to the house.
June once had a friend who suffered from AIDS, so for her, volunteering at House of Hesed is a way to contribute to an organization that is improving the quality of life for people like her friend.
"We like the people," June, 78, says. "The staff are fantastic — very caring and giving — and the residents are something else."
Daisy - left, Zephyr - centre and Brie - right cream
RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Volunteer Column - Clive and June Hickson for the Jan. 21 edition of my Volunteers column.
Clive, 80, and June, 78, have volunteered for the past 18 years with House of Hesed, a home for people living with HIV/AIDS. Every two weeks, Clive and June pick up food for House of Hesed from Winnipeg Harvest.
Portrait of Clive and June with their dogs , who do volunteer at House of Hesed which is celebrating and also do volunteer work at dog shelters.
Note, photo was taken in their home because that is where they felt most comfortable wanting to incorporate their dogs into the photo.
Aaron Epp,
Volunteers columnist, Winnipeg Free Press
Jan 16th, 2019
The Hicksons immigrated to Canada from England in 1966, and note that they have been very fortunate in life. Volunteering is a way for them to give back.
"(We have) a desire to help others," Clive, 80, says.
"You can either be totally selfish and think only of yourself, or you can be more compassionate and more giving and think of other people."
Feakes is grateful for the couple, describing them as "extremely committed."
"They have more energy and more passion than most people I know," she says. "It’s staggering."
Feakes is hoping to find a few more people to volunteer at House of Hesed.
She is looking for someone to go grocery shopping for the house every other week, as well as someone who can teach basic French to residents.
Feakes wants to find a volunteer to help with gardening and yard maintenance once spring arrives.
Anyone interested can email houseofhesedinfo@gmail.com.
The Hicksons are happy they made the decision to get involved.
"It is a really kind, warm place," Clive says.
"It’s a house of love," June adds.
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.
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 its programs and services, go to volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Learn about bike mechanics and enjoy a tightly knit community of volunteers at the Bike Dump. The Bike Dump is seeking mechanics, artists, tradespeople and the like. Email winnipegbikedump@gmail.com or call 204-963-6659 to apply.
The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is seeking volunteer co-ordinators and committee members for its Winnipeg Brain Tumour Walk. Co-ordinators will work alongside the foundation to plan, organize and implement the event. You will be responsible for the development and management of many walk aspects and work with committee members to achieve fundraising goals, from kickoff to wrap up. Committee members will help the co-ordinators in different areas, from event logistics to day-of volunteer recruitment. Contact Jen McIntosh at jmcintosh@braintumour.ca or 1-800-265-5106, ext. 231.
Volunteer Manitoba is seeking out nominations for its annual volunteer awards, which recognize people and groups who have made exceptional contributions to improving their communities. To nominate a volunteer, go online to volunteermanitoba.ca/awards by Feb. 8.
The Freeze Frame International Film Festival for Kids of All Ages is happening March 10 to 17. Positions to be filled include usher, door person, box office, youth jury, driver, translator, media zone and animation station. The festival includes eight days of films, workshops, a youth video contest and the chance to mingle with world-class filmmakers. Contact volunteer@freezeframeonline.org or 204-949-9355, or go to freezeframeonline.org.
Women Healing for Change, Manitoba is a registered charity seeking volunteers who have a computer and want to work from home helping with a fundraising campaign in January and February. Help build the Little Stars Playhouse, a multi-purpose building to be located at 681 Selkirk Ave. Contact Gerrie at gprymak@mts.net or 204-668-1515.
The Winnipeg School Division is seeking classroom volunteers for its English as an additional language (EAL) program. Volunteers can make a difference by helping students with learning activities, including conversation groups. Minimum of two hours, once per week, for two to three months. Email Bushra at balraimi@wsd1.org or call 204-953-1070, ext. 8.
D’Arcy’s ARC (Animal Rescue Centre) is in need of weekday volunteers to help with cat care. Shifts are 9 a.m. to noon, once per week, with a one-year commitment. Apply online or in person at 730-B Century St. For more information, call 204-888-2266.
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. For more information, go to redcross.ca/volunteer, call 204-982-7330 or email vrs@redcross.ca.
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