Its name may have changed, but an Osborne Village non-profit is still committed to helping people in need.
The Laurel Centre was rebranded as Heartwood Healing Centre in 2022 following a vision and strategic planning process. The organization helps individuals who have survived childhood sexual abuse.
The re-branding reflects Heartwood’s growth from an organization aimed at helping women to one that serves all Manitobans.
Katie Inverarity said she feels a sense of responsibility to volunteer. She likes building relationships with like-minded people who work together to make Winnipeg better.
It takes its name from the strong wood at the core of the tree that supports the tree’s outer layers.
The strategic planning and re-branding was meaningful for the 11 volunteer directors on Heartwood’s board, who were heavily involved in the process.
Katie Inverarity, who has a background in marketing and communications, said it was the most rewarding project she’s undertaken during her six years on the board.
“It’s just really wonderful I was there during that time period to participate in it,” Inverarity says. “You run the risk when you join an organization that it might not be a meaningful fit, but in this case it was a really meaningful fit.”
Inverarity was introduced to Heartwood through Board Connect, a Volunteer Manitoba program that links motivated volunteer leaders to non-profits that could use their expertise.
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.
Misericordia Health Centre needs volunteers to act as ophthalmology ambassadors. The role involves escorting patients to their treatment rooms, facilitating communication between staff and patients, and providing friendly assistance to ensure smooth patient flow. Volunteers should have a positive attitude, patience and the ability to work within a team. The opportunity offers valuable skills in patient care and can serve as a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a career in health care. Applicants must be adults and available during daytime hours. A child abuse registry check is required, with costs reimbursed. Apply online at http://wfp.to/Cm0 by July 31.
Shelter Movers — a national charity providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing abuse — needs onboarding co-ordinators to support its expansion into Winnipeg. As the first point of contact for new volunteer applicants, the co-ordinators will communicate with applicants, conduct screening interviews and support them during the onboarding process to ensure a positive experience. This is a remote position for adults, with an ongoing commitment of about four hours per week. Email volunteer.winnipeg@sheltermovers.com by Aug. 15.
Local Investment Toward Employment needs an event helper with a vehicle for the Austin Street Festival, hosted by North Point Douglas Women’s Centre. The volunteer must have a valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle. The role involves loading, transporting and setting up a table of merchandise, engaging with attendees, selling merchandise and helping with event tear down and cleanup. The ideal candidate can work in a fast-paced environment, have good interpersonal skills, and be capable of lifting and carrying items. The time commitment is from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with gas reimbursement provided. Email zoe@lite.mb.ca or call 204-942-8578, ext. 200, by Aug. 23.
Lord Roberts Community Centre needs event-day volunteers for its Neighbour by Neighbour Music Festival on Sept. 7. Roles include 50/50 ticket sellers, canteen assistants and runners, order-takers and kitchen helpers. Apply at http://wfp.to/CmS by Sept. 4.
The Leftovers Foundation, a food rescue charity with a mission of reducing food waste and increasing access to food for people facing barriers, is gearing up for Home Harvest. The program facilitates the rescue of homegrown food. Community members can participate by signing up through their website or mobile app to become a donor (grower) or volunteer to complete routes. Growers with excess produce can submit a request any time, and volunteers can harvest and deliver the produce to local service agencies and keep a portion for themselves. Volunteers can sign up in groups or as individuals. Email homeharvest@rescuefood.ca or go to rescuefood.ca for more information. Apply by Nov. 1.
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba is hosting a blitz build from Aug. 13 to Aug. 16. Fifty volunteers are needed per day for four consecutive days. Lunch and snacks are provided. Go to http://wfp.to/y0O for more information. Email Kelley Shuster at kshuster@habitat.mb.ca by July 29.
Inclusion Winnipeg needs volunteers to join its board of directors. The registered charity has been dedicated to making life better for children and adults living with intellectual disabilities for more than 60 years. Volunteers must be passionate about creating inclusive communities and willing to contribute their expertise and energy. Enthusiastic and dedicated people from diverse backgrounds and various skills are needed. Successful candidates should have a commitment to the organization’s mission and be able to participate in monthly meetings. Apply to executive director Janet Forbes at jforbes@inclusionwinnipeg.org by Aug. 16.
The Manitoba Robot Games, a volunteer-led organization, supports an annual competition involving student robot builders. The committee also supports a program of robot-building workshops for youth groups and classes of school students. Volunteers are needed to lead and help with workshops. People are needed to help lead the organization, solder controllers, make contacts with schools, and assemble robot parts and kits. Apply to Herb Reynolds at herb@mbrobotgames.ca or 204-668-3315 by Sept. 1.
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.
Inverarity, who said she feels a sense of responsibility to volunteer, likes building relationships with like-minded people who work together to make Winnipeg better.
“I have been so fortunate through my career,” she says. “I’ve always been gainfully employed… To not contribute in a small way, to not give back, feels really selfish and shortsighted.”
Jen Keith feels the same way. Keith joined Heartwood’s board in 2020, also via Board Connect. She was attracted to working with the organization because of the services it provides.
“(Childhood sexual abuse is) a very specific type of trauma that can leave a really lasting negative impact on victims,” Keith says. “I was really (inspired) that they were providing this service free of charge to victims who decided they wanted to pursue healing in this way.”
Guided by the belief that healing is a lifelong journey that looks different for everyone, Heartwood offers a variety of programs and services including counselling, peer support, webinars and individual and group therapy.
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Jen Keith joined Heartwood’s board in 2020, via Board Connect. She was attracted to working with the organization because of the services it provides support free of charge.
These programs address coping, moving forward, processing trauma and parenting after trauma.
The centre is also developing a cultural program that will include activities and supports that centre Indigenous knowledge.
“It’s a progressive organization that ensures a safe space for everyone who comes to their doors,” Keith says.
Heartwood is looking for passionate people to join its board of directors. It’s seeking diverse perspectives and encourages applications from youth (ages 16-24), older adults (65+), Indigenous people, LGBTTQ+ folks, newcomers and racialized people.
Experience or expertise in the following areas is an asset: fundraising; diversity, equity and inclusion; finance; and communications.
Interested candidates can email a resumé to recruitment@heartwoodcentre.ca. The term will begin in September.
“It’s really important work they are doing,” Inverarity says. “I would encourage anyone who is remotely interested to visit the website and consider joining the team in a volunteer capacity.”
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.
In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press’s editing team before being posted online or published in print. It’s part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
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