‘We have a responsibility’: seniors spend golden years fighting for planet
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2025 (378 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Pat Wally traces her concern about climate change to a conversation she had with one of her grandchildren.
The child, who was 10 years old at the time, envisioned a future where the environment would be degraded to such a degree that people won’t be able to go outside without wearing gas masks.
“That really hit home for me,” Wally says.
The 76-year-old Winnipegger chairs Seniors for Climate MB, the provincial chapter of a national organization of seniors dedicated to facing the climate crisis and creating a livable future for Canadians.
The group has members in communities throughout Manitoba, including Brandon, Carman, Lac du Bonnet, Morden, The Pas, Steinbach and Winnipeg.
Higher temperatures, more frequent and extreme weather events, and rising sea levels are some of the changes to climate affecting many aspects of Canadians’ lives.
“We were all concerned about what was going on with the climate and this was something to do about it,” Wally says of forming the group.
“Rather than sit at home and be concerned, we can go out and actually do something and hopefully we can make it better — or at least hold the line on what’s happening, because we don’t need to make it worse.”
The group’s main messages include that the world is in a climate emergency and we need to act now; the use of fossil fuels must be phased out; the transition to renewable power and clean energy must be sped up; and action on climate must include people from all walks of life.
Climate change is affecting people’s lives and one need look no further than the wildfires blazing in Manitoba to see it, says Shawn Kettner.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization 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 volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, contact the organization 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 volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Prairie Theatre Exchange is seeking exceptional individuals to join their board of directors. Specifically, they are seeking board members with legal or financial expertise, but those with other experience are welcome to apply. The role of a PTE board director is one of stewardship, where you will help guide the organization with leadership, upholding their vision, mission, values and strategic priorities. Board appointments are typically for a three-year term, with options for renewal and you are asked to support through the purchase of seasonal subscriptions and an annual donation that holds personal significance. Your commitment will involve attending monthly meetings, eight times annually on Monday evenings, with additional opportunities to serve on a committee of the board, further engaging with their artistic community. To apply, email: board@pte.mb.ca. Deadline is Aug. 31.
Manitoba Possible is seeking community outreach volunteers. Volunteers will contact community centres, clinics and senior living facilities to introduce their platform, maintaining records of who was contacted, when materials were delivered and any notes from conversations. Your goal is to help foster positive connection with new and returning community partners and share insights on which locations were receptive, any challenges faced, or suggestions for improving outreach. Volunteers are needed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, daytime hours. Apply by July 25 at: manitobapossible.ca.
Event day volunteers are needed for the Disc Golf Manitoba Provincials 2025. Volunteer roles include: course setup and take down of signage etc., player check-in and starter (checking in players to the park and getting them ready for their starting tee times), and spotter who will be on the course helping with play, interacting with other park users. Volunteers — ages 13-plus — must be able to be outdoors for the day, available for a minimum of two hours, and must be fluent in English. The event will be held July 19 at La Barriere Park, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and July 20 at Stony Mountain Quarry Park, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apply by email: jessica.benoit@dgmanitoba.ca. Deadline is July 17.
Ledwich Family Farm needs event volunteers for the Bring Your Love Festival, Aug. 14 to 18. Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love lending a hand wherever needed? Volunteers are needed to join the “float” team, the ultimate utility crew who keeps the festival running smoothly. As a float volunteer, you’ll be the go-to person for a variety of tasks, ensuring a fantastic experience for everyone. Be prepared to jump in and assist at various locations throughout the festival, including the gate, garbage gang, and safety patrol. Open to ages 18-plus, expect to work between 10-20 hours during the five-day festival, with plenty of time to enjoy the festivities yourself. Apply online: bringyourlove.ca/volunteer. Deadline is July 15.
Siloam Mission needs hairstylists for its community hair salon. The salon promotes kindness and respect, welcoming clients from various backgrounds and helping to boost the self-esteem of people in need. Flexible scheduling is available. Apply at wfp.to/iTV by July 15.
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults needs volunteers for This Full House, Canada’s first program supporting older adults overwhelmed by possessions. Aimed at those 55 and older with hoarding behaviours, it promotes safer, more comfortable living. Volunteers assist social work staff, helping participants develop skills for lasting home improvements. Duties include understanding hoarding, supporting clients during sorting sessions on Zoom, and reporting to social workers. Volunteers must have effective communication skills and pass a criminal record check (fee reimbursed). The minimum commitment is one year after the completion of the training program because of the sensitivity and preparation involved. Apply at wfp.to/iTL by Aug. 1.
The Equal Housing Initiative needs cooks for its nutrition program. This program is designed to benefit the residents of the McLaren Hotel, a 150-room single-occupancy hotel serving some of Winnipeg’s most vulnerable people. Volunteers will help with food preparation, meal planning and collaborating with others to ensure smooth operations. Responsibilities include cooking for more than 100 people and ensuring meals are timely. Volunteers need food-handler certification, COVID-19 vaccination, and a strong sense of confidentiality and organization. A driver’s licence is an asset but not mandatory. The time commitment is on Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to about 2 p.m. Apply at volunteer@equalhousinginitiative.com or 431-800-5996 by Aug. 31.
The St. Vital Agricultural Fair is seeking volunteers for its 114th annual fair and display on Aug. 8 and 9. Opportunities include serving as greeters, setting up and taking down tables and chairs, and serving meals in a cafeteria style. Volunteers are also needed at the children’s craft table and in helping exhibitors place their entries, and to help with cleaning duties such as garbage removal. More information about the event is available at wfp.to/imx. Apply at PjMcFarlane@shaw.ca or to 204-487-4597, ext. 1, by July 29.
Manitoba Underdogs Rescue needs a newsletter co-ordinator for its social-media team. The role involves writing emails to keep supporters in the loop about new dogs, upcoming events and urgent needs. The co-ordinator will work with a graphic designer to enhance messages visually and analyze email performance to boost engagement. Essential skills include a friendly writing style, experience with platforms such as Mailchimp and a passion for storytelling. This remote position requires two to four flexible hours per week. Apply at wfp.to/iVY by Aug. 1.
The Leftovers Foundation, a food-rescue charity with a mission of reducing food waste and increasing access to food for people facing barriers, is gearing up for Home Harvest. The program facilitates the rescue of homegrown food. Community members can participate by signing up through the website or mobile app to become a donor (grower) or volunteer to complete routes. Growers with excess produce can submit a request any time, and volunteers can harvest and deliver the produce to local service agencies and keep a portion for themselves. Volunteers can sign up in groups or individually. Email alyssa@rescuefood.ca or go to wfp.to/imz for more information. Apply by Aug. 2.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. The Red Cross can show you how to help when disaster strikes. Go to wfp.to/0pE, email volunteer@redcross.ca or call 1-844-818-2155.
“I think it’s important that seniors recognize that we have a responsibility here and we can’t just go off into our retirement,” says Kettner, 68, who has been involved with climate activism for more than a decade. “It’s necessary for everyone to engage, especially in the circumstances we’re in now.”
Jean Clipsham says she has been concerned about climate change since the 1970s. During her career as a public health nurse, she was dedicated to the health and well-being of communities and realized the biggest threat to that was climate change.
“(Volunteering with Seniors for Climate MB is) a continuation of my career,” the 77-year-old says. “It’s beginning to look bleaker and bleaker for our children’s and grandchildren’s future.”
The organization held its first event last year when it marked National Seniors’ Day for Climate Action at The Forks.
The group is currently planning a concert titled Draw a Line for a Liveable Future that will take place at the West End Cultural Centre in September.
Members will also be set up at farmer’s markets throughout the summer where they will promote the group and encourage people to sign petitions and write to their elected officials.
People who want to get involved can contact Wally by emailing patw@seniorsforclimate.org or calling 204-878-2314.
Kettner describes volunteering as cathartic.
“I don’t know how much difference it makes in the world but at least I’m doing what I can,” she says. “I think if we all do what we can, maybe — just maybe — there’s a chance that we can make a difference.”
“People are not alone in their concern for climate… and we’d love to talk to them,” adds Wally. “Even if they don’t want to volunteer, we can have a conversation.”
If you know a special volunteer, email aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca.
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. Read more about Aaron.
Every piece of reporting Aaron produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
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