Walk With Us 2026

Join us Sunday September 20, 2026 to help us host over 400 people at our annual Walk With Us event!

Volunteers are required for various jobs throughout the day on Sunday, September 20th, 2026. Volunteer roles include:

• Set-up Crew: 2hr shift, 10:00am - 12:00pm. Be part of bringing Walk With Us to life! The Set-Up Crew is where it all begins - you'll transform an empty space into a welcoming event site by setting up tables and chairs, posting signage along the walk route, and placing signage and garbage bins around the reception area. Your work sets the tone for the whole day, ensuring every participant and family feels organized, welcomed, and ready to walk.


• Lunch Crew: 4hr shift, 11:30 - 3:30pm. Help fuel the heart of the day! The Lunch Crew receives food deliveries, sets everything out, and serves food to volunteers and attendees throughout the event. There's nothing like sharing a meal together - your energy and warmth at the food table will help create a sense of community that keeps everyone going, step by step.


• Registration Crew: 2hr shift, 12:00pm until walk start @ 2pm. Be the friendly face that welcomes everyone to Walk With Us! The Registration Crew processes pledge forms and donations, checks in volunteers, answers questions, gives directions, and sells MDSS merch. As often the first point of contact for participants, you'll set the tone for their entire experience - turning first impressions into lasting connections.


• Site Maintenance Crew: 3.5hr shift, 12:00pm-3:30pm. Keep the magic running smoothly behind the scenes! The Site Maintenance Crew empties garbage and recycling bins as they fill, picks up litter around the site, and collects empty boxes and bags from the Lunch Crew. Your quiet, steady work keeps the event clean, safe, and welcoming for every family who walks through.


• Raffle Crew: 3hr shift, 12:00pm until draw time @ 3pm. Bring the excitement to Walk With Us! The Raffle Crew processes raffle ticket sales throughout the afternoon, helping raise vital funds while building anticipation for the big draw. Your enthusiasm and great customer service will get participants excited to take a chance - and support MDSS while they do it!


• Children's Activities Crew: 4hr shift, 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Bring joy and laughter to the littlest walkers! The Children's Activities Crew sets up and runs face painting and facilitates games throughout the day. Your creativity and energy will give kids unforgettable memories - and a few extra smiles - while their families fundraise for a cause that matters.


• Clean-up Crew: 1hr shift, 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Help us close out the day on a high note! The Clean-Up Crew collects remaining garbage and recycling, empties bins, takes down tables and stacks chairs, helps the food team pack up leftovers (distributing them to guests where possible), packs up remaining MDSS supplies, and takes down signage. Your hard work in the final hour ensures Walk With Us ends as strong as it started - leaving the site spotless and the day complete.

No matter your background or experience, your passion and willingness to contribute are all that we seek. Whether you're a seasoned event volunteer or new to the world of fundraising walks, your dedication will be warmly welcomed and appreciated.

Volunteers will be interacting with families with children with Down syndrome, the kids themselves, as well as adults with Down syndrome. They will gain awareness of what it can mean to have Down syndrome and will feel a positive connection with those they meet. Young people with interest in working in any way with people with disabilities should consider this valuable opportunity.

Sunday, September 20 2026

• North Campus, Canadian Mennonite University, Shaftesbury Blvd.


• Set up begins at 10:00 a.m. and the event is over by 4:00 p.m.


• Depending on the job, volunteer time might be only part of this time, although volunteers would be welcome to stay for the entire time.


• Pizza Lunch included.

More information about this event can be found at: www.manitobadownsyndromesociety.com/wwu-event-information

• Online: forms.office.com/r/gKy2KC7SSh