May 1, 2025
Did you know that each week, 400 St.Amant volunteers help enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities or autism? On April 10, the Volunteer Appreciation Awards celebrated the kind, caring, and gracious individuals who donate their time to St.Amant. In honour of Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 27 – May 2), we will be sharing some words from the award recipients on their experience volunteering at St.Amant.
For years now, loving and compassionate students from the University of Manitoba Athletes Council have been pen pals with folks receiving support at 440 River Road. From a distance, their letters have over and over again, arrived to create meaning and belonging for dozens of people in our community. This year, UMAC students visited their pen pals in person. They hosted a joyful karaoke party for Halloween!
Hear what UMAC member Lily Francis has to say about her experience volunteering at St.Amant below:
“It’s hard to choose just one favourite memory at St.Amant… but nothing beats the smiles I get to see when Andie beats me in monopoly! It’s a very frequent occurrence and every game ends in lots of smiles and laughs! Our friendship is so special and I’m so grateful for it!
One of the coolest parts about volunteering getting to be a mentor and seeing young volunteers join our family. I started volunteering when I was 14 so it’s such a cool and full circle moment for me! Of course, I must also mention baby cuddling, because it’s seriously the best job ever!!!!! I can’t recommend it enough!
The people and the feelings I get after a volunteer shift are the reason I’ve been a volunteer at St.Amant for almost 7 years! Whether it’s baby cuddling, respite, or making happy mail, I always leave feeling happy and fulfilled! Once you start volunteering here, you get hooked on the happy feelings and sense of community.”
UMAC Students, thank you for creating space for many beautiful memories to be made through the unbreakable bond of friendship. For their companionship, thoughtfulness and love, UMAC students are much deserving of a 2025 Virtual Volunteer Award!
Please visit our Volunteer page if you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about our Volunteer Services.
