Gail & Tom Charlo - Dedicated Volunteers of the Petersfield Curling Club
Gail and Tom CharloTom and Gail Charlo have been long-term residents of the Petersfield community. Over the years, they have raised their family here and have remained deeply involved in local activities, and volunteering their time in various capacities, mostly with the Petersfield Curling Club.
Tom has contributed to the curling club for more than 45 years, taking on a variety of roles throughout that time. Most recently, he served on the board as Vice President and has held the position of Club President for the past four years. In addition, he is an active member of the building maintenance committee and co-chairs the Friday Night Open League.
Gail has also made significant contributions to the club. She has co-chaired the Mixed League alongside Tom and currently serves as the Community and Recreation Liaison. Three years ago, she launched the drop-in pickleball program, which has since become a popular summer activity. The club now features four pickleball courts on the ice surface during the off-season—transforming the venue into a year-round facility.
Both Tom and Gail have been members of various curling leagues over the years. They recognize the need for volunteers to keep the doors open at the curling club but also the personal benefit of feeling you are contributing to your community. Being involved by volunteering in local activities is a great way to meet the people in your area and help create a greater sense of community while connecting with others in an enjoyable way, and having tons of fun!
Joan & Murray Wilkinson - Dedicated Volunteers of the Clandeboye Community Club
Murray and Joan Wilkinson"We are active volunteers with the Clandeboye Community Club and coordinate the Annual Summer Camp. Volunteering has been a meaningful and fulfilling part of our lives, and we take great pride in contributing to our community.
Bev Barker - South St. Andrews Citizen on Patrol Program (COPP) Dedicated Volunteer
Bev BarkerBev Barker has been an active member of South St. Andrews Citizens on Patrol Program since 2011. Over the years, she has volunteered on the COPP executive committee as the spare recording secretary, vice-chair, and other positions that were vacant.
Anyone attending the Christmas Concerts at St. Andrews School would see Bev standing outside as a COPP Volunteer greeting the drivers as they enter the parking area.
Bev also was involved in with the Selkirk Parade in previous years as well as the Lockport Festival, representing COPP as a “traffic guard” directing the traffic to different streets and parking lots.
Walking or driving, Bev would also volunteer as a COPP participant with the LSSD Comp’s Safe Grad by keeping “an eye” on the vehicles and the guests at the Selkirk Rec Centre.
Since 2023, Bev volunteered in a new position as the Public Relations Coordinator. Membership has increased since then, but Bev feels more members are needed.
You may have seen her walking down the streets, riding her bike or driving around knocking on doors. You may also have received a phone call or email explaining the importance of the Citizens on Patrol Program, inviting anyone of legal age to attend the monthly meetings (Bev has advertised on a few local websites as well as at Harry’s Foods).
In Fall of 2024, Bev attended the Provincial Citizens on Patrol Convention in Winnipeg where she met other volunteers to share ideas.
Bev has coordinated the training sessions for new members. The next training session will be taking place soon.
Bev feels giving a few hours of time benefits everyone and that it is important to be the “Eyes and Ears” in the community so we can keep St. Andrews safe!
For more information on getting involved with the South St. Andrews Citizens on Patrol Program, send Bev an email at msbev@shaw.ca.
Ron Zimmer - South St. Andrews Citizen on Patrol Program (COPP) Dedicated Volunteer
Ron ZimmerRon has been an active member of the South St. Andrews Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) since 2014.
Over the years, he has volunteered on the COPP executive committee and has been the recording secretary since 2016. He has ensured that meeting minutes were recorded, has emailed out meeting reminders as well as communicated statistics regarding our local COPP group to COPP Manitoba.
Other involvement and events that Ron has participated in on behalf of COPP include:
- Neighbourhood patrols with other COPP members
- Parking lot attendant at the St. Andrews School Christmas concert
- Traffic control at the Selkirk Fair & Rodeo parade
- Parking lot patrol at the LSSD Comp’s Safe Grad
- RM’s Open House at the St. Andrews Community Club.
It is important to be the “Eyes and Ears” in the community and Ron has been an important part of keeping this program running in St. Andrews. It all comes down to keeping St. Andrews safe and he is committed to doing his part.
For more information regarding the Citizens on Patrol Program, check out the COPP website at https://www.citizensonpatrolmb.ca/.
Michael and Kent - St. Andrews/Selkirk Baseball - Dedicated Volunteers
Michael and KentMichael currently serves as the Head Coach of the Royals Baseball Program, bringing with him years of experience both on and off the field. A former Royals and Selkirk Youth Baseball player himself, he has a connection with the local baseball community.
In 2018, he started the Mariners program and has continued to serve as the program's convenor, helping to guide its growth and success.
His main goal is to see baseball thrive in the St. Andrews and Selkirk Communities with a program based around fun and skill development.
Kent is currently in his third year serving as the Director for the SAS/Selkirk Baseball program.
In addition to his involvement with baseball, Kent is also passionate about coaching hockey during the winter season.
Kent and Michael work together as dedicated volunteers, collaborating to support and enhance the sports programs and creating a positive impact on young athletes.
Harjot and Buneet - Brother and Sister Dedicated Volunteers at the St. Andrews Heritage Centre
Harjot and BuneetHarjot and Buneet both began volunteering at the St. Andrews Heritage Centre to get more involved in the community. Having grown up spending time in West St. Paul and St. Andrews, the connection to the area has always been an important part of their lives. Volunteering at the Centre offers a meaningful way to reconnect with those roots while also engaging with the surrounding rural community. With a strong appreciation for local history and community spirit, brother and sister Harjot and Buneet aspire to continue staying connected to the closeness and sense of belonging that rural communities offer.
They are both excited to contribute to a space that celebrates and preserves the stories that make this area special and are thankful to all those who can keep the stories alive.
Volunteering together shows how powerful sibling teamwork can be in making a difference.
Matlock Rec Club and Bingo - Outstanding Volunteers
Matlock Rec Club VolunteersOur volunteers are the heartbeat of our club!
The lifelong friendships formed are truly priceless and go beyond words.
The club thrives thanks to everyone’s efforts, with great events and activities being offered to the community such as Bingo, dances, craft sales, celebrations and many other special events.
There is an unwavering commitment and enthusiasm in our volunteers and that’s what helps inspire others to join this family and dedicate their time for the benefit of others. Giving back to the community is a true gift in itself, and seeing the impact we have thanks to our hard work is worth the time spent in organizing these events.
No matter where you are on your journey, there’s always room for more volunteers.
By giving your time to our club and becoming a part of all the wonderful things happening here, you’ll be joining an incredible group of people we proudly call our MRC family.
Matlock Bingo Volunteers