Last year was a time of celebration for the Council of Women of Winnipeg, as the volunteer-run group celebrated its 130th anniversary.
On March 27, 1894, 10 Winnipeg women’s groups came together to organize the council. It is a non-profit, non-sectarian, non-partisan network of organizations who work with politicians and businesses to address civic issues.
The group holds educational forums and workshops, and writes and presents briefs to city council. Past members include suffragist Nellie McClung and Annie Bond, the nurse and philanthropist who established the Children’s Hospital.
MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
Council of Women of Winnipeg members Arlene Macklem (from left), Arlene Draffin Jones and Brenda Buleziuk. The council includes around 80 members who labour to improve the quality of life for women and their families in Winnipeg.
Today the council includes around 80 members who labour to improve the quality of life for women and their families in Winnipeg. Their slogan is: “Women working together.”
“It feels great that this organization has stood the test of time — that today, women still get together and talk about the important women’s issues in the city,” says Brenda Buleziuk, president. “So many organizations during COVID folded but we persevered … We continue pushing forth.”
Last April, the group was feted by Mayor Scott Gillingham and city councillors during a reception at city hall.
Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville hosted an event at Government House honouring the council in May, and the celebrations continued in September when the group held a fundraising luncheon. The event included a fashion show and a keynote address by residential school survivor Geraldine (Gramma) Shingoose.
“We did a lot of celebrating,” Buleziuk says.
In June, the council presented Gillingham with a brief highlighting some of the topics its members are concerned about, including women and safe, affordable housing; women and safe, accessible transportation; and women and security.
Other ongoing concerns include the climate crisis, public washrooms and railway yard relocation.
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.
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.
Villa Cabrini needs lunch program volunteers to provide caring customer service to seniors. Responsibilities include taking orders, processing payments, serving food, cleaning tables and tracking sales. Volunteers must be fluent in English, and have basic math skills, a positive attitude and a commitment to customer service. Volunteers must be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays. A criminal record check, at the volunteer’s expense, is required. Must be 18 or older. Email vcabrini@mymts.net by March 2.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority needs a healthy start food prep assistant for the Healthy Start Community Support program in Seven Oaks. This program focuses on educating families about nutrition and wellness. Ideal volunteers should be friendly, respectful of diversity and able to communicate effectively in English. Physical tasks might include lifting large items. A three-month commitment is preferred, with shifts on Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Background checks are required, with costs reimbursed. Apply at wfp.to/AF5 by March 31.
Deer Lodge Centre needs entrance greeters. Responsibilities include welcoming visitors, providing information and helping with wheelchairs. Applicants should be friendly, have good communication skills and be able to push wheelchairs. Daytime shifts are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. A criminal record check is required. Apply at wfp.to/AFZ by June 30.
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.
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 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.
For Arlene Macklem, being a council member is a way to continue the advocacy work she’s been involved with for most of her life. During her career at Manitoba Hydro, she was heavily involved with the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
“When I retired I was sad to give up that work,” she says. “I was looking for a place to get involved.”
Arlene Draffin Jones has a long history of civic involvement. The former nurse and educator ran as an independent candidate in the Mynarski ward in Winnipeg’s 2006 election, finishing second to Harry Lazarenko.
She joined the Council of Women of Winnipeg in 2001. “I feel it’s keeping me in touch with what’s happening in the world,” she says.
Macklem appreciates the camaraderie and Buleziuk likes being part of a group with an educational component.
“I enjoy when I see people’s eyes light up when they learn something, especially when we have a (guest) speaker,” she says. “You find out there’s a lot more meat and potatoes to (things) than you ever thought.”
The council welcomes new members. The group meets monthly, except during summer, at Manitoba Possible (825 Sherbrook St.) and an annual membership fee of $40 helps cover costs.
Visit councilofwomen-winnipeg.ca for details.
“We’re always looking for women to join,” Buleziuk says.
“I’ve learned lots by being with all these women over the years,” adds Draffin Jones.
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.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.