An organization dedicated to assisting older adults is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and one volunteer was there at the start.
Geri Lowe got involved with the South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council in its conception stages in 1994 and then joined its board of directors. Apart from a five-year break, she’s been with the organization ever since.
Being involved with the council was a natural extension of Lowe’s career, which started in nursing and evolved into managing retirement residences.
“Volunteering with SWSRC has helped me to be aware of the various services and needs in the community,” says Lowe, 74. “It’s also provided me with an appreciation of the needs, issues and contributions of the various demographics in the areas that we serve.”
The council is a registered non-profit information and referral hub that connects people who are 55 and older with community resources to assist them in daily living.
Its programs include helping older adults tackle social isolation and develop digital literacy skills, as well as a food program that served nearly 4,500 affordable meals last year.
There are more than 38,000 older adults in the organization’s catchment, which includes Charleswood, Crescentwood, Fort Rouge, Lord Roberts, Osborne Village, River Heights, Riverview and Tuxedo.
“It’s a big responsibility and even after 30 years, we’re still trying to get the word out that we exist,” Lowe says, noting that the council is one of 11 similar organizations across the city that are funded by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.
Lowe has served on a variety of committees, including governance and human resources. From 2002 to 2005 she served as chairperson, and she currently puts in at least 40 hours every month in her role as treasurer.
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.
Sargent MCC Thrift Store needs volunteer receivers/sorters. The role involves welcoming donors, sorting through products and moving merchandise carts between departments. Volunteers are in charge of ensuring the receiving area remains organized and managing recyclable items. The position is open to individuals or small groups and offers physical activity and a chance to work as part of a team. Email mccsargent@shaw.ca or apply in person by April 30.
Orioles Bike Cage needs volunteers for its open shop nights, 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Volunteers greet guests, keep their space tidy and organize and distribute flyers. Help is also needed for special events and ongoing renovation projects. Open to anyone 13 or older. Being a bike enthusiast or having bike mechanic experience is not required, but people skills are an asset. Apply at oriolesbikecage@gmail.com, bikecage.ca or in person by May 1.
Volunteer Manitoba, which supports and promotes volunteerism and works to build capacity in the non-profit sector to meet community needs, is seeking two to three people to serve on its board of directors. Volunteers should have previous board experience in a governance role or a connection to community non-profits. Preference would be given to people with experience in fundraising, donor recruitment or marketing, as well as people who identify as Indigenous or are connected to the Indigenous community. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, which are a combination of virtual and in-person meetings held in the evening. Go to http://wfp.to/yYP for more information or email executive director Ashley Seymour at ashley.seymour@volunteermanitoba.ca. The deadline to apply is May 17.
Valley Gardens Community Centre needs event volunteers for its annual Family Fun Day on June 8. Volunteers who are enthusiastic and have a friendly disposition will supervise activity stations, help with cleanup and act as ambassadors for the club. No specific skills are required, but volunteers must be 18 or older. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Any contribution of time is appreciated. Email vgcc@shaw.ca by June 5.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy is seeking 500 volunteers to fill a variety of roles in preparation for the busy summer season. Flexible scheduling and comprehensive training is offered. Volunteers will be trained at the park, the zoo or the Leaf and can take shifts at their preferred location. Must be 14 or older. Opportunities for adult volunteers include ambassadors, engagement ambassadors, visitor services concierge, special-events assistants and facilities and grounds support. Youth ages 14 to 18 are encouraged to apply for the zoo camp crew or zoo teen ambassador roles. Volunteers are asked to make a long-term commitment. A minimum commitment of 60 hours for adults and 40 hours for teens is required per year. Apply at http://wfp.to/jQC by June 17.
Scleroderma Manitoba has openings on its board for president and vice-president. Skills in leadership, problem-solving, organizational structure and advocacy are assets. The roles allow for remote participation in board and committee meetings. Volunteers must be Manitoba residents, have excellent communication skills and have experience serving on volunteer boards and fundraising. The time commitment is a few hours monthly over a three-year term. Apply at sclerodermamb@gmail.com or 204-510-2855 by Sept. 30.
Circles of Support and Accountability needs compassionate and committed volunteers to join its restorative justice support circles. Staff members, volunteers and participants meet weekly for one to two hours to create a supportive and accountable environment. Volunteers help participants in addressing their needs and risks and fostering positive behaviours. They should be empathetic and committed to restorative justice, have strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities and be open to learning and development. The role involves confidentiality, clear boundaries and a proactive approach to support core members’ integration and well-being. Volunteers must commit to at least one year and be available for meetings at various times. Background checks are required, with costs covered. Apply at cosawpg@initiativesjc.org, http://wfp.to/yYY or 431-688-2642 by the end of the year.
Canadian Parents for French — Manitoba needs bilingual volunteers to participate in the 2024 provincial level of Concours d’art oratoire. The event is Canada’s largest annual French public-speaking competition. Thousands of students participate every year in communities big and small for an opportunity to win prizes and/or scholarships to post-secondary institutions. Email Kaylee Green at kgreen@cpfmb.com to register.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
In recent years, the organization has expanded its mandate to include managing the Golden Rule Seniors Resource Centre in the Fort Rouge Leisure Centre.
“This project certainly tapped into our skills on the board and has given us new challenges and rewards,” Lowe says. “None of this could have happened without the strong leadership from our resource co-ordinator, Martin Landy. His vision and skills have made this new aspect successful.”
Landy is just as quick to credit Lowe and her fellow board members with the council’s success.
“This organization’s run on volunteers and we don’t thank them enough,” he says. “Truly they are the heart and soul of not only us, but pretty much every non-profit.”
Landy has worked with the council for six years and appreciates Lowe’s leadership.
“She really believes in what she does, so when she has an opinion she brings it forward. She speaks from a lot of knowledge and she’s done such fantastic work,” he says.
The council is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a community expo on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event at Westworth United Church (1750 Grosvenor Ave.) will include exhibitors and speakers related to services for seniors. All are welcome to attend.
Additionally, the council is looking for board members. Email resources@swsrc.ca or call 204-478-6169 to get involved.
“We’ve done 30 years and we’re looking forward to the next 30,” Landy says.
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.