Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - July 22, 2024, Winnipeg, Manitoba BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS 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. Osborne Village non-profit committed to helping people AARON EPP VOLUNTEERS 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 Heart-wood’s growth from an organization aimed at helping women to one that serves all Manitobans. 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 Heart-wood through Board Connect, a Volun-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.volunteer-manitoba.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 teer Manitoba program that links motivated volunteer leaders to non-profits that could use their expertise. 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. 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 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 by Aug. 15 to volunteer.winnipeg@sheltermovers.com. • 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 204-9428578, 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 Jen 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. 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@heartwoodcen-tre.ca. The term will begin in September. 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 “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. 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@inclusionwinni-peg.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@mbrobot-games.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. Trudeau and family trave to B.C. for vacation OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was headed to British Columbia on Sunday, where he will be on vacation with his family until Aug. 1. A government official says the Prime Minister’s Office is not disclosing the specific location for security reasons. Spokesman Mohammad Hussain says in an email that Trudeau travels on government aircraft as required, and will reimburse the equivalent of a commercial airline ticket for himself and his family. Hussain says Trudeau will also pay for his family’s stay. The PMO has consulted with the Ethics Commissioner’s office about the trip. Trudeau and his family vacationed in B.C. last summer and in Costa Rica in the summer of 2022. Trudeau was found to have violated conflict-of-interest rules in 2016 when he took a vacation to the Aga Khan’s private island in the Bahamas, and his office has said he consults the ethics commissioner ahead of personal travel plans to ensure they comply with guidelines. The Conflict of Interest Act allows politicians to accept gifts and other advantages only from relatives or family friends with whom they have a well-documented close bond. Trudeau’s family holiday in Jamaica last Christmas also generated controversy after his office revised a statement that initially said he and his family would pay for his stay. They later issued a clarification saying the prime minister and his family had stayed at no cost. Trudeau said he stayed with friends over that holiday, like most Canadians often do, and that his office followed all the necessary rules. The federal ethics commissioner, Konrad von Finkenstein, said at the time he would not investigate the trip because his office was satisfied Trudeau was hosted by a close friend. The prime minister must fly on a Royal Canadian Air Force plane for security reasons, even if it’s for personal travel. — The Canadian PressBRIEFSMAN CHARGED AFTER BREAK-IN, ASSAULT WINNIPEG police have charged a 35-year-old man who allegedly broke into an Elmwood home and assaulted an officer Friday night. Police said the suspect ran off when officers arrived at the scene in the 300 block of Larsen Avenue at about 6:45 p.m. A canine unit tracked the suspect to a yard in the 300 block of Bowman Avenue, where he was arrested. Officers found a canister of bear spray and a cellphone that was stolen from the home on Larsen, said police. The residents — a 34-year-old woman, 26-year-old man and 16-year-old boy — were not injured during the break-in. While in custody, the suspect feigned a "medical event" in a police car and assaulted an officer who was trying to help him, said police. The officer was not injured. Police said the suspect was carrying identification that belonged to someone else, and he had to be identified through fingerprint analysis. A man from York Factory First Nation in northern Manitoba was charged with break and enter, assaulting a peace officer, possession of a weapon, identity fraud and two warrant offences.SLEEPING MAN WITH WEAPONS ARRESTED A 33-year-old man was armed with a sawed-off shotgun and hunting knife when officers found him asleep in a van in the Osborne Village area Friday, police allege. City police said the man broke into the 2011 Chevrolet Express van and fell asleep behind the wheel after damaging the steering column. Someone called police at about 7 a.m., after finding a man snoozing in a back lane in the 300 block of Stradbrook Avenue. Officers arrested a suspect after waking him up inside the vehicle. Police allege he was carrying a sheathed hunting knife, and that officers found a sawed-off shotgun, 12-gauge ammunition and tools used for break-ins in a duffle bag. A Winnipeg man was charged with gun offences, vehicle theft and probation order breaches. He had two arrest warrants in his name, said police. ;