COVID-19 showed Cogie Cogan the effect volunteering can have.
During the summer of 2020, Cogan ran a meal-delivery program for seniors at Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre. It was Cogan’s first substantial volunteer experience.
“You’d see the fruits of your labour and how people were impacted by the programs you were running,” says Cogan, whose pronouns are they/them.
Cogie Cogan is working toward a degree in animal ethics and sustainability leadership at Huron University College, which is affiliated with Western University in London, Ont.
“When you actually see the work that you’re doing — whether that’s delivering a meal or putting a smile on someone’s face or planting a tree in the ground — that’s really rewarding.”
Volunteering has become a way of life since then for the 22-year-old, who was raised in Tuxedo and graduated from Oak Park High School.
Cogan is working toward a degree in animal ethics and sustainability leadership at Huron University College, which is affiliated with Western University in London, Ont.
When Cogan’s not studying or competing on Western’s varsity Ultimate Frisbee team, they’re involved with student groups related to animal rights and environmental protection, and volunteer with the LGBTTQ+ community.
During first-year university, Cogan started a group called Western Environmental Business for students looking to become environmentally conscious business leaders.
After two years as the club’s president, Cogan stepped aside so that others could take the lead. The club is still going strong today, counting more than 70 members among its ranks every year and holding numerous workshops and panel discussions annually.
Cogan started another student group, Huron Protection of Animal Welfare Society, in May. The goal of the group is to inspire and empower students to care for animals.
Participating in Fridays for Future climate strikes at the Legislative Building in 2020 led Cogan to learn about the role factory farming plays in climate change. That resulted in their decision to adopt a vegan diet 21/2 years ago.
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.
The Home Hospice Association needs compassionate caregivers to help clients. The volunteers are responsible for replying to emails indicating interest, signing up for caregiving duties and fulfilling tasks while maintaining detailed care records. Caregivers also engage with the community by participating in outreach projects, educational events, fundraising activities and public awareness initiatives. Caregivers must complete online training, attend virtual interviews, follow the organization’s code of conduct, obtain police clearance and follow the policies of agency partners. Apply at http://wfp.to/COz or bhawana@homehospiceassociation.com by Saturday.
Villa Cabrini needs lunch program volunteers to help with customer service for seniors during meal times. Volunteers are responsible for taking orders, handling payments, serving food, tidying up tables and maintaining sales records. Ideal candidates have a positive attitude, basic math and customer service skills, and be fluent in English. Volunteers are needed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. A criminal record check is required, but the costs will not be reimbursed. Email vcabrini@mymts.net by Sept. 1.
Newcomers Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS Inc.) is seeking remote after-school mentors who are fluent in French. Volunteers will help newcomer and refugee children and youth in grades 1 through 12 as part of the remote after-school mentorship program. Mentors will offer tutoring in subjects such as English, math, science and social studies. The opportunity involves evening commitments during the school year and requires volunteers to commit to at least 2.5 hours weekly for a minimum of three months. Candidates must be responsible, reliable, patient and committed to being positive role models. Experience working with youth is beneficial. Apply at http://wfp.to/COF, volunteers@needsinc.ca or 204-940-1279 by Dec. 31.
Lord Roberts Community Centre needs canteen assistants and runners to help with baking and preparing pre-packed items for sale at the Neighbour by Neighbour Music Festival, which is happening Sept. 7. Responsibilities include making hotdogs and cotton candy, setting up tables and rooms for sales, running food from the kitchen to festival grounds and the green room, and ensuring a clean and safe working environment. Volunteers must have safe food-handling experience, the ability to take direction with minimal supervision and excellent time-management skills. People are welcome to apply as small groups of family or friends. Apply at http://wfp.to/CmS.
Shelter Movers — a national charity providing free moving and storage services to people and families fleeing abuse — needs 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 on-boarding 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 Sept. 15.
Ted’s Run for Literacy needs volunteers to help direct runners and traffic along the racecourse in and around Kildonan Park and call for medical assistance if needed. Marshals are also needed to ride the course on their bike. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and willing to commit to a daytime weekend event on Sept. 29. The time commitment is 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Volunteers can leave after the last participant has passed their post. Volunteers are encouraged to join the festivities at the finish line after the run. Detailed information about roles and responsibilities will be provided, requiring around 20 minutes of review at home. Small groups of family and friends, or larger groups such as corporate teams and schools, are also welcome. Email leah.tedsrunforliteracy@gmail.com by Sept. 15.
Immigrant Centre Manitoba needs a class facilitator to help permanent residents prepare for the citizenship test. The role involves leading six two-hour classes focused on the Discover Canada guide. The volunteer should be a fluent English speaker with experience in conducting classes or workshops via Zoom, proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, and knowledgeable in Canadian history and geography. The facilitator must have strong communication skills, the ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, and be comfortable working with adult learners at varying English proficiency levels. The classes are offered through Zoom and in person at the centre. Apply at http://wfp.to/6J6 by Sept. 30.
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, but people who can commit to volunteering until the end of the school year are preferred. Apply online at http://wfp.to/NNJ by Dec. 10.
Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape needs board members to join its governance-based board of directors. The board follows a consensus-based decision-making model to support governance and uphold the organization’s values and mission. Volunteers should have previous board experience, a working knowledge of non-profit organizations and be able to commit to monthly two-hour meetings in the evenings. While Indigenous community members are preferred, other adults with a passion for community involvement are encouraged to apply. Go online to http://wfp.to/oyatetipi or email volunteer@oyatetipi.com by Dec. 31.
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.
Cogan hopes the new group shows aspiring business leaders how they can make a difference when it comes to animal welfare.
“There’s a lot of interesting innovation that can happen in business in the service of animal protection,” Cogan says, citing the success of plant-based Beyond Meat as an example.
“(Business is) a route that you can take to protect animals and the planet because a lot of the change that can happen can happen from the top…. That’s what I’m interested in.”
Additionally, Cogan volunteers in London’s drag community. They have also volunteered with Threads That Thrive, a Calgary-based non-profit that offers workshops and resources to LGBTTQ+ communities.
Those commitments caught the attention of Export Development Canada which, earlier this month, awarded Cogan a Community Leadership Scholarship worth $5,000.
The group of seven scholarship recipients includes another Winnipegger, Solomiia Oleksandra Servetnyk, who studies at the University of Manitoba.
Cogan is thankful for the scholarship, which will help as they enter their final year of undergraduate study. Cogan credits their mother with inspiring them to volunteer.
“My entire life she’s been volunteering,” Cogan says. “She’s still volunteering all the time. I see that and it’s admirable.”
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to making a difference, Cogan has learned.
“We can all play a role in creating change.”
If you know a special volunteer, please contact 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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