St. Andrews resident Randy Antonio was among six recipients honoured with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.
Each year, Volunteer Manitoba recognizes exceptional volunteers from all over the province for their outstanding contributions to their communities.
The Premier’s Volunteer Service Award was established by the Premier’s Office of Manitoba. Individuals are nominated and selected based off their dedication, service and contributions to Manitoba communities. Winners have made a grand difference in the lives of Manitobans, improving the quality of life.
Antonio was presented his award at Volunteer Manitoba’s 40th Annual Volunteer Awards presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries on April 18.
Antonio was nominated for founding and contributing to the Winnipeg Search and Rescue volunteer group (WINSAR).
Antonio serves as WINSAR’s Chief Operation Officer on the Executive Team.
WINSAR is a volunteer-based group that provides search and rescue services to rural and urban communities in Manitoba when requested by police services or Parks Canada. Volunteers primarily search for vulnerable persons. Those with dementia, intellectual disabilities and brain injuries are some of the populations WINSAR searches for. In rural settings, WINSAR looks for hunters, foragers and ATV operators.
Antonio is responsible for several aspects of WINSAR.
In addition to training volunteers, he oversees deployment during searches, recruitment efforts, and the maintenance of equipment.
Antonio is responsible for ensuring that WINSAR volunteers are prepared to search when required.
WINSAR also operates two programs called AdventureSmart and Project Life Saver.
AdventureSmart provides Search and Rescue prevention presentations for youth and adults.
Project Life Saver works with vulnerable clients who are at risk of wandering. It uses electronic transmitters, which are worn like watches and can be tracked by receiver units.
Antonio was nominated for the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award by WINSAR Executive Team member President Barb Hewitt.
Hewitt first met Antonio in 2017, where they bonded over other Search and Rescue volunteer groups.
Hewitt nominated Antonio for his dedication and leadership role within the Search and Rescue community.
“Randy saw a need in the community and found a way to not only fill that need, but to expand and improve the team over time.” said Hewitt. She continued to explain that Antonio could have ignored the need, but he insisted on making a change.
According to Hewitt, Antonio successfully launched two remarkable programs in Manitoba.
Project Life Saver and AdventureSmart both work towards keeping Manitobans safe.
Antonio, himself, has delivered AdventureSmart presentations to more than 15,800 individuals.
The entire WINSAR team is thankful for Antonio’s contributions.
“He puts in more hours each year than most of the rest team put together, and his ability to teach and inspire other members is unmatched.” Hewitt explained.
Hewitt added that Antonio’s dedication to WINSAR is recognized at international levels.
Antonio has attended several national and international Search and Rescue conferences and seminars as an instructor and presenter.
“There is simply no one else on our team who has his level of experience, skill and dedication to Search and Rescue,” said Hewitt.
The entire WINSAR team is thankful for the environment that Antonio has created.
Antonio was shocked when the Premier’s Office sent him a letter regarding his award.
Being unaware of his nomination, he is grateful for the recognition shown towards the Search and Rescue community.
Antonio is grateful for the award. “It is not often you hear positive feedback for your contributions,” Antonio explained.
Antonio has always been sensitive to issues surrounding vulnerable persons. He was aware that something needed to be done in the community.
Antonio founded WINSAR in 2003 after volunteering with another local Search and Rescue group for two years.
Antonio launched WINSAR after recognizing a demand for such a group in the community.
Initially, Search and Rescue teams worked together with volunteer fire departments.
WINSAR was the first group developed that did not provide fire rescue services.
Throughout his journey, Antonio has encountered numerous obstacles. He emphasized the importance of WINSAR securing funds to support their various services, operations, and supplies.
WINSAR raises funds through their involvement in community events, offering first aid services or conducting safety presentations in exchange for contributions.
Antonio plans to continue his volunteer work with WINSAR for years to come.
To get involved with WINSAR, you can email info@winnipegsearchandrescue.ca or by visiting winnipegsearchandrescue.ca.
“WINSAR primarily recruits from Winnipeg, but several members like myself come from residing communities.” explained Antonio.
Antonio thanks the WINSAR Executive team, Volunteer Manitoba, and the Premier’s Office for honouring him with this award.
Record Photo Submitted
