Volunteers enjoy camaraderie at Ribfest
Rotary Club's annual event raises money for youth programs
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/08/2019 (1872 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity that’s finger lickin’ good, the Rotary Club of Winnipeg has just the thing for you.
The Rotarians are looking for people to help at their fifth annual Ribfest at The Forks from Aug. 23 to 25.
Boasting a variety of food trucks, a beer garden, live music, children’s entertainment and, of course, barbecued ribs, the festival raises money for youth programs in Winnipeg.
Ribfest wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, says Nancy Cosway, co-chairwoman of the planning committee.
“I enjoy the fact that our club comes together as volunteers and everyone pitches in,” Cosway says. “You get to know people better when you’re working side by side as opposed to sitting in meetings.
“By the end of three days, I’m tired,” she adds, “but it’s a lot of fun.”
Pat Austin agrees.
Austin was unofficially involved with local Rotary Clubs for almost 15 years before joining the Satellite Rotary Club of Winnipeg last year.
She has volunteered at Ribfest since 2017. She has greeted people at the front gate, cleared tables, sold raffle tickets and assisted in the parking lot.
“I enjoy interacting with fellow Rotarians, as well as the visitors,” Austin says. “It’s just fun to meet them (and) hear about why they came to Ribfest.”
Founded in 1905 in Chicago, Rotary has more than 1.2 million members and 34,000 clubs around the world.
The Rotary Club of Winnipeg, which was founded in 1910, was the first one established outside of the U.S. Since then, the number of clubs in Winnipeg has grown to nine.
Money raised at this year’s Ribfest will go toward Honouring Indigenous Peoples, a program that promotes reconciliation initiatives, and Inspire Community Outreach, a non-profit social services agency that works with those living with mental-health issues and neurological/cognitive differences.
Rotary’s motto is “Service above self.”
That mandate to give back to the community is why Martin Braun-Labossiere joined the Rotary Club of Winnipeg-Charleswood 21/2 years ago.
“Giving back is hopefully an opportunity to help others thrive,” says Braun-Labossiere, who is gearing up to volunteer at Ribfest for the third year in a row. “That, to me, is always worthwhile.”
He benefited from Rotary Clubs as a teenager when he attended a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp in Banff, Alta. Speakers left a lasting impression on his world view, and he always told himself he would get involved with Rotary.
“It’s a group of people who are committed to making their community a better place,” he says. “I absolutely love that.”
More than 15,000 people attended Ribfest last year, and the event has raised $50,000 for youth projects since it began.
Organizers hope to attract 20,000 visitors and raise $25,000 this year.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the event can sign up online at ribfestwinnipeg.ca/become-a-volunteer.
Everyone is welcome, and if you forget to sign up in advance, you can still show up and help.
“If someone comes by and says they want to volunteer, we’ll always find them something to do,” Cosway says.
If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.
Volunteer opportunities
THE following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations, but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Volunteers needed urgently! Help to make someone’s summer bright; become a Meals on Wheels Winnipeg volunteer. We are currently looking for volunteer drivers to deliver nutritious meals over the lunch hour to seniors and persons with disabilities. Delivery time is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Scheduling is flexible and can be seasonal or ongoing. Meals are delivered citywide seven days a week and 365 days a year. Training and a gas honorarium are provided. For further details, please call 204-956-7711 or visit our website at mealswinnipeg.com.
Inclusion Winnipeg is looking for volunteers to help Inclusion Winnipeg’s Blue Bombers concession stand as a cook, cashier or runner. On-site training provided. This opportunity is ideal for those individuals looking for work and volunteer experience and for Bomber fans. Letters of recommendation will be offered to those who complete the volunteer role. This is the year we are going to bring the Grey Cup to Winnipeg!
Mexican Pavilion — Folklorama; Aug. 11-17; RBC Convention Centre. Volunteering with us is a great opportunity to polish your soft skills in the areas of public speaking, leadership, self-motivation, teamwork, problem-solving and time management. We are one of the largest pavilions at Folklorama. We have many different areas where you can participate. Find more information here: mexycanmb.ca/2019/02/04/volunteer-at-the-2019-mexican-pavilion.
Volunteer drivers needed! Caregiving with Confidence volunteers help older adults maintain their independence by providing support and transportation to and from their appointments. Flexible schedules, driver orientation and honorariums provided. For more information, please contact Julie at jnybakken@aosupportservices.ca or call our office at 204-452-9491.
Are you passionate about eliminating breast cancer in Canada? Join the Canadian Cancer Society as a member of the planning committee for CIBC’s Run For the Cure, happening Oct. 6 in Brandon. We have openings for a volunteer engagement lead and a communications lead. We have room for diverse skill sets and we look forward to hearing from you! To apply, contact Vanessa at volunteer@mb.cancer.ca or visit cancer.volunteerhub.com/lp/brandonRFTC to sign up online.
The Manitoba Mutts are looking for a sponsorship co-ordinator! The sponsorship co-ordinator will reach out to businesses, promote sponsorship package(s) and create relationships. Additional duties: research third-party-provided sponsorship opportunities and source out large donations for specific items when needed. Hours: four to five per week. For more information, please contact Nancy at volunteer@manitobamutts.org.
Ribfest is Rotary’s signature event and biggest fundraiser. A fun summer social, ribs, refreshment and music event held at The Forks from Aug. 23-25, to raise funds to support local youth projects in Winnipeg. Yummy ribs, Fort Garry Brewery beer gardens, good Manitoba music, kids zone, raffle prizes and lots more. A great way to spend a summer day or evening — doing good while having fun! Volunteers needed. Sign up at signup.com/go/qTAKcwc.
Winnipeg Optimist Athletics (WOA) is a track-and-field club seeking interested sport enthusiasts to help young athletes develop the skills of running, jumping and throwing. WOA is a track-and-field leader in Manitoba and will provide training and support to volunteers who become involved in coaching and/or in management roles with our sport. For more information, please contact Larry Switzer at larry.switzer@shaw.ca or 204-510-5714.
Volunteer for downtown’s biggest street festival Sept. 6-8 and be part of the excitement! With more than 50,000 people in attendance over three days, volunteers are needed to create a fun and safe ManyFest experience. In exchange for 12 hours of volunteering, you will receive four tickets to a Manitoba Moose hockey game, a ManyFest volunteer T-shirt and a fun-filled weekend of meeting people and helping your community celebrate! Apply at manyfest.ca/volunteer.
The Costume Museum of Canada houses more than 35,000 items of historical clothing and accessories. They need your help! They are currently in need of volunteers to help with computer data entry, costume collection maintenance and evaluation and use of donations. If you are interested, please call 204-989-0072.
When disaster strikes, you can help, and we can show you how. Volunteer with the Red Cross today! Phone 1-844-818-2155, email volunteer@redcross.ca or visit our website at redcross.ca/volunteer.
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History
Updated on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 6:50 AM CDT: Photo added.
Updated on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 1:49 PM CDT: Fixes byline.
