40th Annual Awards Winners Announcement

• March 4, 2024

  Posted by: Ashley Seymour

  

  After months of anticipation, and countless nominations pouring in from every corner of the Province, the moment has finally arrived to announce the winners of the 40^th Annual Volunteer Awards!

  Join us as we celebrate their extraordinary contributions and applaud their unwavering dedication to making the world a brighter place for all. As we mark the milestone of our 40^th anniversary of the Annual Volunteer Awards, it's with immense joy that we shine a spotlight on some of the incredible volunteers who embody the spirit of generosity and kindness.

  Join us on April 18^th at the Club Regent Event Centre as we and honor these deserving Manitobans.

  For ticket information, click here!

   

  Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Community Changemakers Award

  Judy Dikkema and Marlaine Wilborn In recognition of their volunteer work creating the Epiphany Lutheran Church Meal Team and Outreach. For over 12 years, Judy and Marlaine's program supports people experiencing food insecurity. These two women lead the group, manage volunteers, make all the purchases, collect donations, prepare, and deliver meals. Their team prepares on average 500 meals a month. They also provide education classes, such as hosting crock pot meal cooking classes for families, community awareness projects and create spaces for collaboration, encouraging people of all ages to be involved in the program. Their meal team doesn't turn anyone away, it aims to provide a meal and education to everyone who asks.

  Lieutenant Governor's Community Leadership Awards

  Ridhwanlai Badmos (Youth) In recognition of his volunteer work as a founder of Wake-Up Mental Health (WUMH) Program. Recognizing the shared struggles among his peers after the pandemic, Ridhwanlai created WUMH. WUMH is designed to engage and meet the needs of youth by teaching them a variety of ways to improve and strengthen their mental health. This includes reading, writing, and exercising. Ridhwanlai developed the program himself and obtained a grant to gather the supplies he needed to carry it out. He started to run the program at not only his school, but schools throughout the school division. Ridhwanlai continues to foster positive coping mechanisms and advocates for adolescent mental health, striving to create a brighter future for youth.
  Karen Clark (North) In recognition of her exceptional volunteer work as a co-founder of the Northern Visual Arts Centre and her work with Mentoring Artists for Women's Art (MAWA). Karen Clark is a multi-disciplinary artist and painter based in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Karen is an exceptional and innovative connector who has helped build MAWA's reach and presence among northern Manitoba artists. Since 2010, Karen has been involved at the Northern Visual Arts Centre (NorVa) and has taught many community art classes. From participating as a Culture Days volunteer or leading the NorVA Community Mosaic project, to the installation of countless art projects, Karen has consistently been front and centre in artist led-community initiatives that focus on growth, accessibility, and inclusion.
  Jane Fudge (Urban) In recognition of her over 40 years of volunteer work across various Manitoban organizations. Jane's volunteer journey began with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba in 1979. Around this time, Jane was on the first and founding board of Heritage St. Norbert, where she worked to preserve the historic aspects of the community. She then began volunteering at the Dalnavert Museum in the early 1980s, where she still serves on their board today. In the late 90's, she volunteered with the Manitoba Arabian Horse Association and the Moonlight Riders 4H group. In the early 2000's she started volunteering with libraries, where she volunteered with the Winnipeg Public Library Homebound service, Manitoba Library Trustees Association and the City Centre Library Advisory Committee, plus her work with the Children's Hospital Book Market. Jane is a passionate and dedicated leader who inspires the communities she serves and the people she serves those communities with.
  Amanda Zapotochny (Rural) In recognition of her dedication to humanitarian work and volunteerism in Portage la Prairie. Amanda spearheaded efforts to assist Ukrainian refugees by organizing housing, employment, and daily necessities for over 42 different Ukrainian families. She coordinates donations, storage, and volunteer teams, ensuring every family's needs are met promptly. Amanda's dedication extends beyond practical help; she fosters friendships, celebrates special occasions, and integrates newcomers into the community. Her commitment embodies the spirit of compassion, enriching the community of Portage la Prairie.

  Premier's Volunteer Service Awards

  Youth Lily Francis In recognition of her exemplary volunteer work at St. Amant's Health and Transition Services. Lily's ability to bring joy and laughter, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, has not only uplifted individuals at St. Amant but has also created a positive ripple effect in the broader community. Lily's role at St Amant includes assisting in recreation activities, she is a Virtual Event Facilitator, and provides respite. Lily's initiatives, such as virtual events and "happy mail," combats loneliness and advocates for the St. Amant community. Lily's contributions have inspired others to engage in volunteerism with humor and heartwarming positivity.
  Lexi Taylor In recognition of her constant volunteerism and as founder of "A Little Bit of Warm" at the age of 9. Lexi's initiative focused on providing warm clothes to Winnipeggers who appear to be unsheltered and underdressed for the weather. Over the last seven years, she has been able to fundraise nearly $12,000 to make over 1,300 bags to donate to different organizations across Winnipeg. Since Middle School Lexi has been involved in various school and community groups such as student council, Got Bannock, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
  Group Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba's Champion Children In recognition of their dedication to raise awareness and funds for HSC Children's Hospital. The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba's Champion Children are dedicated children who have needed HSC Children's Hospital for treatment and care. They are chosen to represent the now 140,000 kids who need the hospital each year and donate their time as volunteers to raise awareness. Champion Children not only lead their own fundraising initiatives, but they attend countless events, store visits and campaign launches to inspire others. They bravely share a speech about their health journey, to encourage support for sick and injured kids who need our children's hospital. Despite the challenges these children have faced, they wholeheartedly are committed to volunteering to help others just like them.
  2023 World Police & Fire Games Finish Liners In recognition of their incredible dedication and effort with the 2023 World Police & Fire Games, a celebration of firefighters & law enforcement worldwide. The 2023 World Police & Fire Games featured over 60 sports in 40+ locations, requiring 2300 volunteers to ensure Winnipeg hosted a successful large event. Volunteers contributed 45,719 hours across the entire volunteer journey, including over 35,000
  Individuals Randy Antonio In recognition of his over 20 year volunteer role as a founder of Winnipeg Search and Rescue. Randy organized a group of off-duty police officers as the first volunteers to assist on-duty police with missing persons investigations. Additionally, through his leadership, two international safety programs were brought to Manitoba. Randy's passion motivated him to create a volunteer organization that brings together members of all ages and backgrounds to work towards a common goal: to save lives and bring home those that are lost. He contributed to the development of a training standard for Canadian search and rescue volunteers, securing several grants for the purchase of needed equipment. Randy demonstrates a huge commitment to volunteerism and saving lives in Manitoba.
  Pam Lucenkiw & late Ronald Mazur In recognition of their outstanding commitment and dedication in serving Winnipeg through establishing OURS-Winnipeg (Outdoor Urban Recreational Spaces). Pam Lucenkiw and the late Ron Mazur spent the last 12 years creating OURS-Winnipeg where they have continuously advocated and preserved Winnipeg green spaces. They have been instrumental in providing elected officials with the research and resources to make informed decisions. Some of their efforts over the past decade include publicly owned golf courses being declared nature reserves, the City of Winnipeg agreeing to add a thousand acres of park space as a part of the city's 25 year master plan and organizing countless environmental campaigns. OURS-Winnipeg has continued to make significant strides in preserving green space and the environment in our community.

   

  Mayor's Volunteer Service Awards

  Cheta D. Akaluka In recognition of over 10 years of outstanding contributions to the community. She is the founder of Manitoba's youth-led sustainability awareness campaign, Sustainability for ME (S4M), and a devoted volunteer for Let's talk Science and The International Christian Centre Canaanland summer camp. Cheta's multifaceted talents extend beyond these three roles, as she has actively participated in community-building initiatives such Project Awareness, a campaign focusing on amplifying the voices of marginalized students and served as a Diversity Ambassador at Red River College Polytech. Additionally, during her time in the President's Student Leadership Program at the University of Manitoba, she co-created a program for newcomers in collaboration with Newcomers Employment & Education Development Services (N.E.E.D.S). Cheta's kindness and empathy are evident in her dedication to bringing youth together through initiatives that promote positivity.
  Carina Blumgrund In recognition of her volunteer work with Leftovers Foundation and various other organizations. Carina is an advocate, connector, and champion for the multitude of causes she supports. She is an instrumental part of the Leftovers Foundation's operations and was integral to connecting this newer nonprofit to existing nonprofits in Winnipeg. She is a fixture in the weekly Main Street Community Walks and is a driver and server for Community Helpers Unite. Her dedication and selflessness make Winnipeg a better place, one connection, one ride, and one donation, at a time.
  Geri & George Jarvis In recognition of over 40 years of their dedication to volunteerism to the Block Parent Program of Winnipeg. Geri and George have diligently promoted child and community safety by volunteering as Block Parents, serving on the Board, and organizing various events. Their commitment to the program has been remarkable, with Geri managing office operations and events while George handled financial matters and community outreach. They have gone above and beyond, even traveling to Ottawa to pack up the National Block Parent office when it closed. They have given their time and energy selflessly to the program's operation in Winnipeg for over four decades.
  Irvine Hildebrand In recognition of his commitment to volunteer work with A and O Support Services for Older Adults and Palliative Manitoba. Irvine has been providing companionship and support to isolated older adults for over two decades. He dedicates time visiting older adults through the Connect Program, fostering meaningful connections, and combating loneliness. Irvine's commitment extends beyond in-person visits; during the pandemic, he maintained contact over the phone. Although Irvine gives much of his time to the Connect Program, he also has been volunteering with Palliative Manitoba since 1997 as an End-of-Life Companion. His efforts significantly enhance the well-being of older adults by reducing isolation and loneliness.
  Mike J. Monias In recognition of his devotion to volunteerism in community reconciliation and restoration. Elder Mike provides indigenous smudging for people experiencing homelessness and donates his time completing safety checks on encampments through out Winnipeg. Elder Mike was also a founder of several volunteer groups such as Coalition of Day School Survivors, We Kare, a youth school scholarship, WISH, Winnipeg inner city small homes initiatives, WAYVE, Winnipeg initiative for able youth and ABBLE house, a drop in place during COVID to get vaccinated and isolate. Additionally, he is the official in-resident volunteer elder for 1JustCity. Elder Mike has started a movement to build a stronger more inclusive Winnipeg.

   

  Spark Outstanding Pro Bono Consultant Award

  Christopher Carther-Krone In recognition of his pro bono volunteer work with Compost Winnipeg, a social enterprise that provides organic waste management in our community. Chris' support on the IT Data Security project, helped protect Compost Winnipeg's data both online and offline. Compost Winnipeg benefited from Chris's expertise and experience in the field of IT to create a safer organization.

  RBC Bright Future Award

  Rana Ahmed In recognition of her volunteer work with the University of Manitoba and career development. Rana serves as a volunteer mentor in the Microbiology Department at the University of Manitoba where she actively supports the Undergraduate Microbiology Student's Club mentoring program. Additionally, her commitment extends to the science student association, where she dedicates her time to offering academic and social guidance to first-year students. Rana's commitment to community involvement extends to the Women's Center at the University of Manitoba, the University of Manitoba's Food Bank, the Language Exchange Program and with WUSC, the World University Service of Canada, as the Social Media Coordinator. Rana's impactful volunteer efforts focus on ensuring that students face minimal difficulties, resulting in academic success.

  Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Community Leadership Award

  Acres for Hamiota In recognition of their commitment to agriculture and community development. Acres for Hamiota is a community-driven initiative to bring together individuals of all backgrounds to foster unity and tradition through planting and harvesting local crops. The group gathers donations of products and services from local farmers and large agri-businesses to plant and harvest a crop. They teach youth about agriculture throughout the year and end with a celebration of a harvest meal in the field for all. Money acquired from the harvest is all donated back into the community. Acres for Hamiota has given more than $100,000.00 to existing or new projects in their community. Volunteers dedicate countless hours to planning and executing this initiative that benefits the entire community.

  CTV Champion of Mental Health Award

  Ashley Kaye In recognition of her dedication and years of service to the OCD Centre. Ashley has volunteered with the OCD centre since 2018. As a professional graphic designer her major contribution is creating new posters and ad campaigns for the OCD Centre, which led to an increased awareness about OCD programs. Ashley has volunteered as a facilitator for support groups and consistently makes time to review material to ensure it is friendly and supportive. Additionally, she facilitates the centre's Book Club out of her interest in and experience with living a healthy, active lifestyle. She also co-created the OCD Bingo cards for exposures to encourage recovery practices. Ashley's dedication has helped dozens of people come up with creative ways to tackle their OCD exposures.

  Barb Gemmell Catalyst Award for Excellence in Volunteer Management

  Shaun Leonoff In recognition of her efforts and outstanding leadership in developing and coordinating the volunteer program at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Under Shaun's leadership, her team has developed and initiated many improvements in the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers. The number of active volunteers when Shuan started in 2012 was 100, today it has increased to over 1000. Shaun was instrumental in creating incentives for the volunteers, provided online training modules, and implemented an annual volunteer appreciation banquet. Shaun's welcoming attitude, innovative programs and excellent leadership of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy volunteer program has ensured that visitors to the park and zoo will have their experience enhanced by a knowledgeable and well-trained group of volunteers.

  Congratulations to this year's recipients, and to all those who were nominated!

  To see the full list of nominees, visit /awards.php.

  Check out more photos on our Facebook album

  For media inquiries, or more information on the 40^th Annual Volunteer Awards, please contact:
  Ashley Seymour
  Executive Director
  E: ashley.seymour@volunteermanitoba.ca
  P: 204-477-5180 ext. 1

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