Caterina Sotiriadis wished she had recorded her parents’ history when they were alive.
The idea inspired a five-year volunteer project in which she and three friends interviewed more than 100 Manitobans of Italian descent.
“My mother and father died, and I never recorded their stories. It’s one of my regrets,” Sotiriadis, a longtime volunteer at Centro Caboto Centre on Wilkes Avenue, says.
Cristina Campomanes (from left), Eliana Handford and Caterina Sotiriadis took part in a project that involved interviewing 101 Italian Manitobans from 2018 to 2024.
“We have an active 55-plus program. We noticed these people were dying — and as they were dying, their stories were dying. I phoned these three friends and said, ‘Let’s do an archival project.’”
Sotiriadis partnered with Cristina Campomanes, Eliana Handford and Anna Dell’Acqua — all four are Italian immigrants themselves — to form the Manitoba Italian Canadian archival committee.
They interviewed 101 Italian Manitobans from 2018 to 2024. The interviews, which ranged from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, were recorded on video, and most took place in the centre’s library.
The committee donated the interviews to the Archives of Manitoba for preservation last spring. The donation included a 35-minute documentary produced by the committee that uses some of the interviews, as well as a dozen boxes of textual material that includes publications and meeting minutes from Italian Manitoban clubs and associations.
“It was a very high learning curve,” Sotiriadis says. “We didn’t realize the thousands of hours it would take.”
The committee sought to interview as many people as possible. The first interviewees, some of whom were older than 90, were selected based primarily on their age and fragility.
The committee aimed to record immigrants whose talents, vision and hard work contributed to Manitoba.
Many of the oldest interviewees shared stories about hardships and challenges they faced leaving Italy and their families and friends, and the frustration about arriving alone, with no knowledge of English.
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.
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.
Do you know an extraordinary volunteer, community group or organization making a difference? Nominations remain open for the 41st annual Volunteer Awards, presented by Volunteer Manitoba, after a deadline extension. The awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to create positive change in our communities. Submit your nomination at wfp.to/Aa7 by Jan. 30.
FortWhyte Alive needs school program leaders to guide nature field trips for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. With nearly 40 guided programs available, the role enhances students’ learning in science, social studies and physical education. No expertise is required, but enthusiasm and customer-service and time-management skills are essential. Comprehensive training and ongoing workshops are provided. The commitment is half a day per week. Apply at wfp.to/ADn by Jan. 30.
The Manitoba Fencing Association needs volunteers for armoury support and other roles at the National Fencing Competition. The event is happening at the Sport for Life Centre from Feb. 14 to Feb. 16. Tasks include testing and certifying equipment, maintaining a clean venue and managing inventory. Training will be provided. Volunteers of all ages, especially those fluent in Mandarin or Japanese, are encouraged to apply. The time commitment is the evening of Feb. 13 and during the event days. Apply at wfp.to/ADc or jstruch@gmail.com by Feb. 5.
Willow Place needs cultural support volunteers to lead informal activities at its violence-prevention shelter for adults and children, focusing on cultural engagement through crafts and games. People from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Candidates should have experience with groups, show patience and demonstrate cultural competency. The role offers valuable skills for fields such as social services and psychology, and insight into family violence and recovery. The hours are flexible, and training is provided. Email pamh@willowplace.ca by Feb. 7.
Siloam Mission needs volunteer hairstylists for its community hair salon. By providing haircuts and basic styling, volunteers help boost the self-esteem of people in need. The salon promotes kindness and respect, welcoming clients from various backgrounds. Flexible scheduling is available, allowing hairstylists to contribute their skills and gain valuable experience while making a positive impact. Apply at wfp.to/ADa by July 15.
Shelter Movers — a national charity providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing abuse — needs movers and drivers. Move co-ordinators, who work remotely, are also needed to plan and co-ordinate the details of a move and provide on-call support that day. Must be 18 or older. Email volunteer.winnipeg@sheltermovers.com by Jan. 30.
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults needs volunteers for its Connect program. The program offers social companionship to older adults through in-person visits. Volunteers must commit to at least one hour a week in the morning, afternoon or evening, be 55 or older and have a clear criminal record. Apply at wfp.to/AFt or 204-956-6440 by Jan. 31.
Festival du Voyageur needs volunteers for Western Canada’s largest winter celebration, which is happening from Feb. 14 to Feb. 23 at Whittier Park. Volunteers will help create memorable experiences, greet visitors, support artists and ensure smooth operations. No experience is necessary, and training will be provided, so anyone with enthusiasm can help. Volunteers will enjoy exclusive perks. Apply at wfp.to/AaH by Feb. 10.
Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer needs board members. The grassroots organization holds monthly meetings via Teams. Apply at wfp.to/Cbj or info@helpinghands4mbwbc.com by June 30.
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.
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Several of the women interviewed talked about trudging through snow in winter to work in dust-filled textile factories.
Sotiriadis says one woman recalled that in the 1950s, she would save the 10 cent bus fare — the same cost as a loaf of bread — and walk many kilometres to buy groceries and carry the bags home.
“They came from a warm country; they didn’t know 40 below,” Sotiriadis says. “Here she was, plodding through the ice and snow of Canada, because she knew 10 cents meant food for her family.”
Sotiriadis notes the numerous contributions Italians have made in Manitoba.
The Mariaggi Hotel in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, for example, was built in 1903 by Frank Mariaggi, one of the first Italians to arrive in Manitoba, in 1870 as part of the Red River Expedition.
The white horse monument in the Rural Municipality of St.François Xavier was created by George (Giorgio) Barone, who came to Winnipeg in 1951 after spending 10 years as a sculptor in Rome. The Speakers’ chair in the Manitoba Legislative Building was carved by Carlo Fusetti.
Four immigrants from Sicily built the Marlborough Hotel in 1913, and the Italian community built two seniors homes, Villa Cabrini and Villa Nova.
“One of the hardest parts was deciding where to stop,” Hanford says about the project. “We had to stop because we couldn’t go on forever.”
“We encourage young people to continue doing something like this,” Campomanes says.
Dell’Acqua says the best part about working on the project was hearing amazing stories of courage, hard work, optimism and gratitude.
“I really appreciated the fact that we could allow them to be told and recorded for posterity,” she says. “Their voices will always be heard now.”
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
Aaron Epp
Reporter
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. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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