Highlights from the 41st Annual Volunteer Awards!

• June 9, 2025

  Posted by: Ashley Seymour

  The 41st Annual Volunteer Awards, held on May 1st, 2025, served to celebrate the heart of Manitoba: our volunteers. The people who step forward-not for recognition, not for reward-but because they believe in something greater than themselves. At Volunteer Manitoba, our mission is to support and celebrate volunteerism across this beautiful province. This event provided an opportunity to celebrate the individuals, groups, and organizations whose generosity of time and spirit inspire us all to do better and be better. Because when we volunteer, we don't just build programs-we build belonging. We build possibility. We build community.

  Each year we host this event to align with National Volunteer Week. This week provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the impact of volunteerism in our communities nation-wide. This year's theme for National Volunteer Week was "Volunteers Make Waves", highlighting the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building. Each volunteer contribution, big or small, builds momentum that carries us forward, often in ways we don't fully see until the impact has rippled far and wide. And never has that momentum been more important than it is today.

  Manitobans step up

  We are living in a time of growing uncertainty, yet, we're also seeing a powerful and renewed sense of patriotism and pride in our country. And here in Manitoba, that pride is rooted in community. At Volunteer Manitoba, we see this every day. We see Manitobans from every corner of the province stepping up-out of love for their neighbours, their community, and with a desire to give back to the place they are proud to call home

  Let this be a reminder of the kind of world we can build together-one rooted in generosity, equity, and connection.

  A choice to show up. A choice to give.

  To our award recipients-your stories are extraordinary. But what makes them most powerful is that they began with a choice. A choice to show up. A choice to give. At Volunteer Manitoba, we are proud to walk alongside you in that work. We are here to amplify your voices, to strengthen the organizations you serve, and to ensure that volunteering remains a vibrant and vital part of our province's identity for generations to come.

  For over 40 years, Volunteer Manitoba has been a leader in promoting volunteerism, offering training and capacity-building supports and supporting volunteer recruitment and leadership development. We exist to strengthen Manitoba's nonprofit sector, to champion volunteerism, and to ensure that every person-no matter where they live or what they have to give-can be part of something bigger than themselves. Because when volunteers make waves, we all move forward together.

  Thank you to Volunteer Managers

  As we reflect on the waves of change created by volunteers, we must also recognize the people who guide those waves-those who nurture, support, and empower volunteers every single day. Behind every successful volunteer initiative is someone working quietly and tirelessly to make it all possible. Volunteer managers are the bridge between passion and impact, ensuring that time, talent, and energy are directed where they are needed most. We're grateful for their leadership and commitment, and we celebrate them alongside the volunteers who continue to make waves in our communities each and every day.

  Congratulations to all of this year's recipients.

  See more photos in our Facebook Album!

  ~ Ashley Seymour, Executive Director

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