They have the tools, and they have the talent.
Winnipeg Ghostbusters raised nearly $38,000 for Manitoba charities in 2024. It’s a record for the group, whose members solicit donations while dressed like characters from the popular movie franchise.
Earlier this month, Winnipeg Ghostbusters presented the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba with a cheque for $30,300. The group raised an additional $7,100 for CancerCare Manitoba in June.
Winnipeg Ghostbusters, whose members solicit donations while dressed like characters from the movie franchise, raised nearly $38,000 for Manitoba charities in 2024.
“We thought we had a huge year last year with (raising) $18,000, so to double it this year took us by storm,” says Kris Rutherford, who co-founded the group with Adam Giardino in 2018. “People came out to step up and answer the call and it was amazing.”
The 15 people who make up Winnipeg Ghostbusters raised the money at six events, including their annual appearance at Winnipeg Comiccon and an event at SilverCity St. Vital Cinemas that coincided with the release of the latest sequel, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
The group is one of more than 200 Ghostbusters chapters around the world. Each chapter includes people who are passionate about the franchise and who have a desire to make a difference.
This year was a big one for Ghostbusters fans worldwide. Frozen Empire hit theatres in March and on June 8, the original 1984 film — which follows four men in New York as they try to rid the city of ghosts — celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Rutherford and a few other Winnipeg Ghostbusters headed to New York for the occasion. It was a bucket list trip for Rutherford, who turned 40 this year himself.
The group visited various filming locations, including Hook & Ladder Company 8, the New York City Fire Department fire station that serves as the Ghostbusters’ headquarters.
Three years ago, the group met Ernie Hudson, who portrays Ghostbuster Winston Zeddemore in the movies, when he was in Winnipeg filming the 2023 sports comedy Champions.
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 are open for the 41st annual Volunteer Awards, presented by Volunteer Manitoba. 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. 17.
Girl Guides of Canada needs volunteers to provide girls aged five to 17 with the fun and challenge of guiding. The volunteers are their cheerleaders and mentors, helping the girls develop lifelong skills and confidence. There are weekly meetings and occasional weekend events. Must be 18 or older. Apply at wfp.to/AIA by April 20.
L’Arche Winnipeg needs help for the 21st annual Walk with L’Arche at Oxford Heights Community Club on May 4. The event will feature live music, a free barbecue lunch and prizes. More than 300 people are expected to attend the event, which will support people with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers can help with setup, kitchen, registration, parking, walk marshalling and cleaning up. All ages of volunteers are welcome, and accommodations can be made for everyone to participate. Apply at volunteer@larchewinnipeg.org or wfp.to/AIW by April 25.
The Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM) needs volunteers for Homework and Education for Youth (HEY), part of its after-school programs. HEY runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Tutors help with homework and enforce program guidelines. Skills needed include patience, tutoring ability and sensitivity to cultural differences. A high school diploma is required, and volunteers must complete required training and background checks. They must commit to at least three months. Apply online at wfp.to/NNJ by June 30.
Winnipeg Child and Family Services needs drivers to transport children to family visits, therapy sessions and appointments. Volunteers will confirm directions and pickup times with caregivers, ensure safety and drive children. They must report significant events, record mileage and parking costs, and follow policies. Candidates should have a valid driver’s licence, vehicle insurance, a reliable vehicle and the ability to connect with children. A commitment of at least six months is required. Must be 18 or older, with flexible scheduling during the day, evenings and weekends. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Apply at monica.raabe@gov.mb.ca or 204-232-9746 by July 11.
The Manitoba Choral Association needs volunteers for the annual MB Sings. Roles for the event, which is happening Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, include setting up registration, managing merchandise, and supporting conductors and choristers. Responsibilities involve supervising the lunchroom, serving meals, helping with ticket sales and ushering. Volunteers should be friendly, have music or sales experience and be organized. They must also be able to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances, as some positions require volunteers to be seated for lengthy periods. Lunch and supper will be provided to full-day volunteers. Apply at wfp.to/AIS by Jan. 22.
Apathy is Boring needs people ages 18 to 30 to volunteer for the Winnipeg RISE program. The opportunity provides training, resources and funding to support youth in designing and leading a community project, with no experience required. People wanting to get more civically engaged and make a positive impact in their community can apply at wfp.to/AI0 by Jan. 23.
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.
The Marlene Street Resource Centre needs volunteers to help create hampers to give out to the community! The centre focuses on outreach and community services for residents of Manitoba Housing’s Marlene Street development in St. Vital. People are welcome to apply individually or in small groups. Volunteers must be 16 or older, team-oriented and able to lift more than 20 pounds. The hours are Tuesdays, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Apply at lcirujales@yahoo.com, wfp.to/AIN or 431-996-8643 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.
The group reached out to Hudson to see if he would meet with them for a few minutes and he responded by inviting them to the Fort Garry Hotel, where they chatted for more than an hour, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
“He was just so nice,” Rutherford says. “They always say don’t meet your heroes, but that does not apply to Mr. Ernie Hudson.”
Rutherford has loved the Ghostbusters films and the 1980s cartoon spinoff ever since he was a child. He watches the original film about 20 times a year.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the substory,” he says. “It’s just four average guys going out there and making a difference in their community and helping people any way they can.”
Groups like Winnipeg Ghostbusters thrive around the world because of the movies’ multigenerational appeal, says Jason Fitzsimmons, who runs GhostbustersNews.com, a website dedicated to the franchise. The “no ghost” logo and “Who you gonna call?” catchphrase make it instantly recognizable.
“I think that’s the beauty of Ghostbusters: when you see the fan franchises not just in the U.S. but around the world, they’re made up of so many different orientations, sexes, ages (and) body types,” says Fitzsimmons, who lives in Owen Sound, Ont.
That sense of inclusion lends itself toward giving back, he adds. Fitzsimmons has used his website to highlight charitable initiatives by numerous chapters and is impressed by what groups like Winnipeg Ghostbusters are able to accomplish.
“It’s always amazing to see these end-of-year numbers,” he says.
To find out more about joining Rutherford and his friends, visit winnipegghostbusters.com.
“We’re always looking for new people,” Rutherford says. “Anyone can be a Ghostbuster.”
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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