A province-wide effort to rebuild volunteerism is coming to Carman, where residents will have a chance to connect with local organizations and discover ways to give back at an upcoming volunteer fair.
Hosted by Volunteer Manitoba, the Carman Volunteer Fair will take place April 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Carman Collegiate. The free event is open to the public and will feature more than a dozen local non-profits and community groups.
Kamillah El-Giadaa, training and development manager with Volunteer Manitoba, said the organization plays a key role in strengthening volunteerism across the province.
“Volunteer Manitoba is the only volunteer centre in the province. We help connect people with meaningful volunteer opportunities, support non-profits in recruiting and engaging volunteers, and provide overall capacity-building support to the non-profit sector,” she said.
In her role, El-Giadaa focuses on training, volunteer engagement strategies and outreach efforts designed to encourage more Manitobans to get involved in their communities.
The idea to bring a volunteer fair to Carman came from local leaders who recognized an opportunity to showcase the many organizations already making a difference in the area.
“This event was inspired by some incredible community leaders in Carman, Sandy Cameron, Lisa Lehmann and Linda Sylvester, who saw an opportunity to bring local organizations together and help raise awareness about the many amazing non-profits and community groups in the area,” El-Giadaa said.
“They asked an important question: how do we help people learn about the organizations that make such a difference in this community? That is exactly the kind of work Volunteer Manitoba is passionate about.”
Attendees can expect an interactive and welcoming environment, with participating organizations set up at tables throughout the venue. Each group will share information about its work, the services it provides and the various ways people can get involved.
“It is a great opportunity to meet organizations face-to-face, ask questions and discover ways to give back locally,” El-Giadaa said.
More than 12 organizations are expected to take part, representing a wide cross-section of the community. These include health-care organizations, arts groups and social service agencies, offering a diverse range of volunteer opportunities.
“There will be a wide range of causes and opportunities represented, so there is truly something for everyone,” she said.
The timing of the event reflects a broader challenge facing communities across Manitoba and Canada — rebuilding volunteer participation after a significant decline in recent years.
According to Statistics Canada, 41 per cent of Canadians reported volunteering in 2018. That number dropped to 32 per cent in 2023, highlighting a growing need to reconnect people with their communities.
“Volunteering is incredibly important right now because communities and non-profits are still working to rebuild after a significant decline in volunteer participation,” El-Giadaa said.
Nationally, Volunteer Canada has identified this as a critical moment for the voluntary sector, with renewed efforts underway to encourage Canadians to re-engage.
In Manitoba, that work has been supported through provincial funding aimed at strengthening grassroots initiatives.
“Here in Manitoba, we have been fortunate to receive support through the From the Ground Up funding from the Province, which has helped us bring events like this into communities and encourage people to get involved in ways that strengthen and support local organizations,” El-Giadaa said.
Organizers emphasize that the fair is designed for everyone, from longtime residents to newcomers, students and families.
“Whether you are new to the community, looking to get involved, exploring opportunities for a student or family member, or simply curious about what organizations are active in the area, this event is for you,” she said.
While registration is not required, attendees can sign up online in advance to receive reminders and additional event details.
Beyond simply filling volunteer roles, El-Giadaa hopes the event leaves a lasting impression on those who attend.
“I hope people leave knowing that there is a volunteer role for everyone. No matter your age, experience, schedule, or how new you are to the community, there is a place for you to contribute,” she said.
She added that volunteering can take many forms and does not require a long-term commitment to make an impact.
“Volunteering does not look just one way. There are so many meaningful ways to get involved, and I hope attendees leave feeling inspired and empowered to find a role that fits them.”
For those unsure where to begin, El-Giadaa encourages starting with personal interests.
“Think about the causes you care about, the skills you would like to share, or even the kinds of activities that bring you joy,” she said. “Volunteering can be a wonderful way to connect with others, build confidence and make a real difference in your community.”
With a range of organizations under one roof, the April 8 fair aims to make that first step easier — and help rebuild the culture of volunteerism that communities rely on.
“Join us on April 8, meet organizations in person and explore what feels like the right fit,” El-Giadaa said. “There truly is a place for everyone.”
