Winnipeg Free Press

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - January 6, 2025, Winnipeg, Manitoba MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2025 B2 ● WINNIPEGFREEPRESS.COM NEWS I PROVINCE TWO ARRESTED AFTER POLICE CHASE A 30-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman have been charged after allegedly driving dangerously in a stolen vehicle in north Winnipeg Saturday night. North District officers with the Winnipeg Police Service saw a vehicle speeding and travelling erratically in the area of King Street and Flora Avenue at about 10:45 p.m. Jan. 4. The WPS helicopter tracked the stolen vehicle to a casino parkade on McPhillips Street. Two people were taken into custody after a short foot chase. A 24-year-old woman whose name hasn’t been publicly released faces a charge of breaching curfew conditions. A 30-year-old man, Jonas Donat Sabiston, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and under $5,000, dangerous driving, and driving while prohibited. CREWS RESPOND TO FIRE ON BURNELL STREET AN electrical malfunction is being blamed for a fire in a two-storey residence in the 500 block of Burnell Street. The fire was reported at about 9:23 p.m. Jan. 4. As crews arrived, all occupants got out safely. No damage estimates were available. VICTIMS OF FATAL HOUSE FIRE IDENTIFIED TWO people who died in a house fire in Win- nipeg’s Fort Garry neighbourhood in Decem- ber have been identified as former Winnipeg media personalities Dawn and Ted Allan. A Free Press obituary said the couple died together in early hours of Dec. 14, 2024, fol- lowing a house fire at their home on Riverside Drive. On Dec. 16, 2024 the Winnipeg Fire Para- medic Service said crews were sent to the two-storey home in Fort Garry shortly before 11 p.m. Crews had to fight the fire from out- side the home until they could enter, where they found a man and woman. The two were taken to hospital in critical condition where they later died, a Winnipeg Police Service spokesperson said on Dec. 16, 2024. Ted Allan was a columnist for the Winnipeg Tribune in the 1960s and, later, a columnist for the Free Press in the 1970s, the obituary says. After leaving the Free Press he worked for Winnipeg Magazine, where his article about the seedy world of small-time fight promotion won a Governor General’s National Magazine Award for Journalism. Dawn Allan was an on-air CBC reporter and later had numerous essays published in Chatelaine. VACANT BUILDING TO BE DEMOLISHED A vacant, three-storey apartment building has been slated for emergency demolition after it once again caught fire Friday night. Crews were called to the building on the 300 block of Mountain Avenue around 7:47 p.m. and launched a defensive attack using aerial ladder trucks. Since the building sustained significant smoke, fire and water damage, and has structural concerns, it will be demolished. Road closures will remain until the work is complete, says a media release from the city. The building was damaged by previous fires in January 2024 and August 2023. POLICE LOOKING FOR THREE SUSPECTS WINNIPEG police say they are searching for three male suspects after an attempted rob- bery of an armoured truck Thursday night. Two security guards were at a bank on the 1500 block of Kenaston Boulevard, when one left their truck to go inside, says a Saturday media release. When the guard returned, police say a man wearing a face covering grabbed him from behind and two other men who were also wearing face coverings appeared and demanded the driver open the truck door. The guard did not open the door, and the suspects fled in a dark coloured vehicle. A black Volkswagen Jetta was found aban- doned in the 1900 block of McCreary Road and police believe it was involved in the crime. The major crimes unit is working to canvas witnesses to establish the suspects’ descrip- tions. Police say the suspects are three tall men, wearing all black with face coverings. Anyone with information on the robbery or abandoned car is asked to call 204-986-6219 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477 or winnipegcrimestoppers.org. — staff BRIEFS Council of Women of Winnipeg has been serving city for more than 130 years ‘Women working together’ L AST year was a time of celebra- tion 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 politi- cians and businesses to address civic issues. The group holds educational fo- rums 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. 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 contin- ue pushing forth.” Last April, the group was feted by Mayor Scott Gillingham and city coun- cillors during a reception at city hall. Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville hosted an event at Government House honouring the council in May, and the celebra- tions 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,” Bulezi- uk 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. For Arlene Macklem, being a council member is a way to continue the ad- vocacy 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 his- tory of civic involvement. The former nurse and educator ran as an indepen- dent 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 camarade- rie 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 mem- bers. 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 VOLUNTEERS Winnipeg archbishop set to retire RICHARD Gagnon is retiring as arch- bishop of the Archdiocese of Winnipeg 11 years after arriving in the city. Gagnon — the eighth archbishop of the archdiocese since it was founded in 1915 — submitted his letter of resig- nation to Pope Francis in 2023 when he turned 75, the age at which bishops in the Roman Catholic Church must re- tire. Following a search process con- ducted by the Papal Nuncio in Canada, the pope has appointed Murray Chat- lain, currently Archbishop of Kee- watin-Le Pas in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as his successor. “It can take a while sometimes to find a successor,” Gagnon said of the time that has passed since he submitted his resignation. Chatlain will assume his new responsibilities sometime in the next two to three months, at which time Ga- gnon will return to his home province of B.C. Gagnon arrived in Winnipeg on New Year’s Eve 2013 from B.C., where he was the bishop of the Diocese of Vic- toria. He wasn’t seeking a move, but when he received the call to serve in Winnipeg, he knew he couldn’t refuse. “You don’t have to accept, but you need a pretty good reason to decline,” he said, noting that the disciples didn’t say no when Jesus called them. In fact, Gagnon hadn’t intended to go into full-time church ministry at all. After graduating from high school, he studied education and was happy working as a teacher. While teaching, he began to feel a strong call to explore the priesthood. “I wasn’t looking for a change, but I felt there must be more He should be doing with my life, that I was meant for more than this,” he said. A trip to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France in the mid-’70s con- firmed the calling. “I met people of great faith and great need there,” he said. “I felt the call to serve people like them.” In 1977, Gagnon entered seminary. “It took me away from a comfortable career, but I realized it was my call- ing,” he said. “It fit who I was as a per- son. I was made for ministry.” After seminary, he served in vari- ous parishes in B.C., as a chaplain, as founding pastor of St. James Parish in Abbotsford and then, in 2004, as bishop of Victoria. Highlights of his time in Winnipeg in- clude getting to know the people in the archdiocese, the archdiocese’s 100th anniversary in 2015 and helping lead a two-year synodal process from 2016-18 that saw the archdiocese come up with new goals to promote discipleship, edu- cation and outreach. He also counts the pandemic as a sig- nificant experience for how it “totally altered the way we do church.” Now, he said, the archdiocese is more online and digital, and parishes have found new ways to faithfully function to serve their members. His time as president of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops from 2019 to 2021 was also significant, es- pecially being able to lead the national Church as it sought ways to promote reconciliation with Indigenous people. That included organizing and helping to lead delegations by Indigenous people to Rome in 2022 to meet the pope, and then being part of the organizing com- mittee for the visit that summer to Can- ada where Pope Francis apologized to Indigenous people for how the Roman Catholic Church had been part of col- onization efforts, including residential schools. While he takes satisfaction from those efforts, “the work isn’t over,” he said. “Our walking together with Indigenous people as a Church isn’t finished.” Locally, Gagnon led efforts to raise more than $600,000 towards the nation- al goal of $30 million for the Church’s healing and reconciliation fund. Does he have any regrets? Only one, he said. “I regret running out of time to do all I want to do here,” he said. “There is so much more I want to do.” Albert LeGatt, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, said Ga- gnon has been a valued colleague and friend. “We have a very good working and personal relationship,” said LeGatt, noting that Winnipeg is unique in the world in that it has two Roman Cath- olic archbishops in the same city — one French and one English — along with the Archbishop Lawrence Huculak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy. “He has been a source of wisdom due to his experience,” he said. “He is a very pastoral person, an archbishop for the people.” Gagnon awaits the next chapter of his life. “God will show me the way,” he said. faith@freepress.mb.ca JOHN LONGHURST SASHA SEFTER / FREE PRESS FILES Archbishop Richard Gagnon 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. Volunteer opportunities THE following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the or- ganization 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. ● 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, after- noon 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 Sev- en Oaks. This program focuses on educating fam- ilies 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, pro- viding information and helping with wheelchairs. Applicants should be friendly, have good com- munication 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 volun- teers 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 lunch- room, 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. 14-23 at Whittier Park. Volunteers will help create memorable experiences, greet visitors, support artists and ensure smooth operations. No experience is ne- cessary, and training will be provided, so anyone with enthusiasm can help. Volunteers will enjoy exclusive perks. Apply at wfp.to/AaH by Feb. 10. ;