Donald Halldorson has dedicated his life to volunteering in various communities, including Lundar, Oak Point, and St. Laurent. He was born and raised in Lundar and currently resides in Oak Point with his wife of 57 years, Joyce. Together, they have a daughter and a son.
Access Credit Union in Lundar recognized Halldorson on April 22 as the recipient of their Volunteer of the Year award. The award celebrates his commendable volunteer efforts within his catchment area throughout the years.
It’s exciting to receive this award and recognition for my volunteer work. These organizations are around, looking for volunteers because they all operate on volunteers, so I’m happy to help fill the need, he said.
Before he retired in 2016, Halldorson worked for The North West Company in Northern Canada for 30 years. Although he had full-time work, Halldorson always volunteered in the community, making time when he would come home from his breaks working in the north.
Halldorson has a personal attachment to certain places where he volunteers, such as the Lundar fair and the Lundar Legion. Being raised in the vicinity and attending the fair have made them special to him.
Halldorson has spent the last 15 to 20 years giving back whenever he can, ensuring organizations and events important to him have the necessary resources to continue operating. He has volunteered his time for organizations in Lundar, Oak Point, and St. Laurent, such as: St. Laurent Legion, St. Laurent Parish Hall, St. Laurent Knights of Columbus for their Mother’s Day and Father’s Day breakfasts, St. Laurent Rec Centre for their bingos, Oak Point Community Club for their music festival, Lundar Legion, Lundar Personal Care Home, St. Olaf Parish, and the Agricultural Society in Lundar when they have their fair. Halldorson also looks after the Notre Dame Cemetery.
His earliest memory of volunteering is from when he was a young boy, helping out at the Lundar Fair.
According to Halldorson, he has dedicated 50 years of his life to volunteering at the fair. Every year, he can be found at the gate, in the concession stand, or driving the Legion float in the parade. He credits events like these for instilling in him a desire to give back to his hometown community. Furthermore, his involvement with the Legion has opened doors for him to continue serving in various volunteer capacities.
In addition to serving his local communities, he also extends his volunteer efforts to schools in Winnipeg, where he educates students about Métis culture and heritage, which is derived from his wife’s ancestry.
Over the May long weekend, Halldorson will attend the Manito Ahbee Festival in Winnipeg, bringing along his bombardier to teach Métis ice fishing traditions.
In 2021, for Manitoba 150, Honour 150, presented by Canada Life, recognized 150 people from across the province who stood out in their roles to make Manitoba an amazing province – Halldorson won one of the awards for his exceptional volunteer work.
Thanks to volunteers such as Halldorson, along with a variety of community organizations and activities, the potential for even more opportunities exists.
If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, why not consider giving back to your community by volunteering with a local organization?
