National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026) – “Ignite Volunteerism”
This week is a meaningful opportunity to recognize and celebrate the incredible volunteers who help make our community stronger every day. People from all walks of life step forward to give their time, energy, and compassion—united by a shared commitment to making a difference.
Volunteers are the heart of our community. Their generosity, kindness, and willingness to help others do not go unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for the positive impact they continue to make, both now and in the lasting legacies left by those who came before.
Throughout the week, we will be highlighting some of the many individuals whose dedication and spirit inspire us all. Thank you to each and every volunteer for helping ignite positive change.
2026 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS
PAT KANIUGA - ST. ANDREWS COMMUNITY CLUB
Pat Kaniuga's connection with the St. Andrews Community Club started over 40 years ago. While he didn't grow up in St Andrews, Pat learned of the rink at age 14 when his Charleswood hockey team had 6:00 am practices at STACC every Sunday morning. That meant 4:30 am wakeups, getting the carpool assembled and heading north!
Twenty-three years later, Pat would become a resident of St. Andrews and get reacquainted with the rink in a few rec hockey games, but the big thrill came when he and his wife Sherry (who grew up in St. Andrews) got to see their young son, Scott, start Timbits hockey (thankfully with practices at a more reasonable 9:00 am!)
Pat started volunteering as a coach with Scott's hockey team for a few seasons, but with a background in media, he thought he could bring a lot to the role of Volunteer Advertising Director.
In just 18 months, STACC will soon ink its 60th advertiser on the rink's West and North walls, rink boards, dressing rooms and even a door or two. All funds raised go to capital projects for the Club, which is soon to see its 50th Anniversary.
Pat is thrilled with the support STACC gets from local business owners, the sense of community so evident and the other volunteers who work so hard to make STACC a warm, welcoming hub for all of St. Andrews. Pat continues to offer advertising spots at the St. Andrews Community Club and if anyone else wishes to support the club with a sign of their own, please contact Pat by email at: info@standrewsrec.com or by phone at: 204-338-7512.
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CATHERINE CHIBORAK - ST. ANDREWS HERTIAGE CENTRE & ROSSDALE UKRAINIAN DANCE
Catherine is a dedicated volunteer in St. Andrews, with almost 10 years with the St. Andrews Heritage Centre / Centre du Patrimoine de St. Andrews Committee as well as the Rossdale Ukrainian Dancers.
She first got involved with the Heritage Centre through her daughter, who went to daycare right next door, and often participated in Rectory programming. She talked about those programs with such enthusiasm, that joining the Committee for the St. Andrews Heritage Centre was a perfect avenue for her goals in professional development and getting involved in her community.
She joined the Committee in 2017, taking a treasurer role soon after. Her time as treasurer was well spent- she organized the Rectory's finances and kept it in excellent standing, something not easily done, especially during COVID. She then took a step down from treasurer in 2022, but has stayed on the Committee, as Catherine sees value in the museum and its programming, wanting to see it grow and flourish within the community it serves.
Outside of her volunteer duties at the Heritage Centre, she has been actively involved in the Ukrainian dance community both in her own training and through her daughter. Dancing with Rossdale for 5 years as a child, Catherine, growing up deeply tied to her Ukrainian roots, wanted to introduce her daughter to Ukrainian dance upon hearing Rossdale was still an active group within her community. Her daughter has embraced it wholeheartedly, and now they both travel for competitions, are fundraising for the upcoming 50th anniversary, and may be headed for a European festival in the near future. As she feels the immense support brought by the community for Rossdale, she insists that they should have an adult dance group!
Bringing people together to build community is something extremely important to Catherine. She shares that most of the time, the solution is just showing up.
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AL & THEA OSTERMANN - DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS OF LITTLE BRITAIN COMMUNITY CLUB
Al Ostermann has been a dedicated volunteer and past board member of the Little Britain Community Club since the current hall was built after the 1964 fire. Thea joined him in 1992, and together they have played a major role in maintaining and improving the facility, securing grants for upgrades such as windows, doors, furnaces, stucco, and roofing.
Al, who grew up nearby, has always has an interest in maintaining the facility. Thea the current Events Director, manages rentals, events, and ongoing maintenance. The club remains a community hub, hosting gatherings, programs like a weekly sewing group, monthly card games, and a summer art camp for over 60 children, which Thea coordinates.
Though now 83 and slowing down, Al continues to offer guidance and advice to the board, while Thea looks forward to many more years of involvement and new initiatives. Both are active in St. Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church, where Thea publishes the biweekly bulletin and maintains social media. Thea has also been apart of the Selkirk Community Choir for over 30 years. Al volunteers with the Little Britain Community Foundation, which supports local residents through scholarships and assistance grants.
Together, Al and Thea have shown longstanding dedication to the community of St. Andrews and most specifically the area known as Little Britain.
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TROY REIMER - ST. ANDREWS COMMMUNITY CLUB 
Troy Reimer has been an active volunteer with the St. Andrews Community Club for approximately six years, serving as President from 2021 to 2025 and now continuing his involvement as Past President. During his time in leadership, Troy played a key role in guiding the club through growth, improvement, and long term planning.
Troy volunteers because he believes strongly in giving back to his community and supporting recreational spaces that bring people together. He values the role the Community Club plays in fostering connection, supporting families, and creating opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in sport and community life.
Over the past several years, Troy was responsible for leading and supporting multiple initiatives to improve the club’s facilities and operations, including the installation of new bleachers, enhancing the experience for spectators, families, and participants. Under his leadership, the club continued to evolve as a vibrant, well used community hub supported by strong governance and volunteer commitment.
Troy continues to support the St. Andrews Community Club with the same commitment and community spirit that has guided his leadership over the past several years. His experience and dedication will help ensure the club remains a strong, welcoming space that continues to grow and meet the needs of the community into the future.