Hannah Schaeffer’s family likes to joke that she’s been volunteering since before she was born.
Schaeffer’s parents have been avid Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival volunteers for more than 20 years, so she was there — albeit in utero — when they were helping at the 2007 festival.
She was also there the following year, strapped to her father in a baby carrier as he sold tickets.
SUPPLIED Marc, 53, and Hannah, 15, are a father and daughter duo who are avid volunteers at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.
After tagging along with her parents for a few years, Hannah became an official volunteer in 2016.
Excluding the years when the fringe was cancelled because of the pandemic, she’s volunteered at every festival since.
The 15-year-old Grant Park High School student enjoys seeing people laughing and smiling at the festival.
“That makes me feel accomplished and proud,” she says. “Even if it’s not directly because of the volunteer work I’ve done, I feel like volunteering makes some of that joy happen.”
Hannah is signed up for 10 shifts at this year’s festival, which runs July 19-30.
Volunteer opportunities
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
The following is a list of volunteer opportunities for Winnipeg and surrounding areas. For more information about these listings, please contact the organization directly. Volunteer Manitoba does not place volunteers with organizations but can assist you in finding an opportunity. To learn more about its programs and services, go to www.volunteermanitoba.ca or call 204-477-5180.
Heartwood Healing Centre needs dynamic, passionate people with diverse perspectives to join its board of directors. The centre provides therapeutic services to adults who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. Email [email protected] or apply online at http://wfp.to/NLF by July 28.
Peer Connections Manitoba needs two to three volunteers for virtual workshop support. Duties include managing the Zoom waiting room, providing technical support, answering questions, fulfilling a character role and messaging participants who have turned off their camera. The workshop is well-known and attracts university and college students, nurses, paramedics, police and others in the mental health field. Volunteers should have related experience and must commit to at least six months. The workshop lasts three hours, and volunteers are needed for the first two hours of each workshop. There are three to five workshops per month, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Email [email protected] by July 28.
The Winnipeg Wildflower Project needs a site leader for each of its gardens in Winnipeg: Bishop Grandin Greenway, Sir John Franklin Park and Transcona Trail. Site leaders are responsible for checking on the gardens, helping with weeding and site maintenance, and providing instructions to volunteers. Training and instruction will be provided by the project co-ordinator; no gardening experience is necessary. The time commitment is about four to five hours a month, but volunteers are welcome to put in more time. The position requires a commitment of two evenings a month from July to September. The volunteer schedule will be posted on social media on a monthly basis. Email [email protected] to apply.
Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape needs volunteers for its board of directors. The board uses a consensus-based decision-making model. Previous board experience is preferred, as well as a working knowledge of non-profit organizations. Indigenous community members are particularly encouraged to apply. The position requires a monthly commitment of two hours in the evening and attending the annual general meeting. Email [email protected] or online at http://wfp.to/Ntm by Sept. 1.
The Grosse Isle Heritage Site needs a natural history interpreter. The volunteer-driven organization aims to preserve the region’s rich history and provide an enjoyable destination for visitors. It offers services such as guided tours, a community market and historical education within a museum. A volunteer with a deep interest in natural and local history, good communication skills and openness to learning is needed. The volunteer will facilitate access to the on-site mini-museum, engage with visitors, ensure the safety of visitors and artifacts, collect feedback and collaborate with staff members and other volunteers. Must be 18 or older. The time commitment is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on summer weekends until September. Email [email protected] by July 25.
The Link: Youth and Family Supports — a not-for-profit youth-serving organization providing help to more than 10,000 families in Manitoba — needs active, community-minded board members. Consideration will be given to applicants who reflect the diversity of program participants. Indigenous people, visible minorities and people with knowledge about the education system and mental wellness are needed. Contact Helena at 204-949-4785 or [email protected] by Dec. 30.
The Canadian Red Cross needs volunteers. When disaster strikes, you can help, and the Red Cross can show you how. Go to http://wfp.to/0pE, email [email protected] or call 1-844-818-2155.
In the past, she’s helped with everything from the children’s program to cleaning up. This year she will sell tickets and serve as an usher.
It’s a great way to spend time for the self-described theatre nerd, who made her debut on Rainbow Stage last summer when she portrayed Claudette in The Hockey Sweater.
“My dad is very passionate about volunteer work,” says Hannah, who also volunteers with Meraki Theatre Productions and at the Winnipeg Folk Festival. “I may have inherited that enthusiasm because I also feel quite good about giving back to the community.”
Volunteering with his family is a thrill for Hannah’s father, Marc Schaeffer.
His wife, Kae Sasaki, and their 13-year-old son, Alex Schaeffer, are also involved with the fringe festival.
A teacher by profession, Marc appreciates the way volunteering enhances his theatre-going experience. He gets to know other volunteers and discuss shows with them, and has the opportunity to bump into friends and acquaintances.
“Being able to connect with people for that period of time is awesome,” the 53-year-old says.
SUPPLIED Marc Schaeffer, wife Kae Sasaki, daughter Hannah and son Alex are all Fringe volunteers.
After a family trip to New York last December, which included seeing a handful of Broadway shows, Marc was inspired to volunteer at every theatre company in Winnipeg.
He’s served as an usher at Rainbow Stage, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre and Shakespeare in the Ruins.
“If I find more, I’ll usher there, too,” he says.
Marc also volunteers in the family area at the folk festival and with an organization that supports refugees.
He points to tikkun olam (Hebrew for “repairing of the world”), a concept in Judaism that refers to actions intended to improve the world, as his inspiration.
“It’s important to do what we can to make the world a slightly better place,” he says. “If everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at this year’s fringe festival can apply at winnipegfringe.com/volunteer.
“I want to encourage other young people to volunteer at festivals,” Hannah says. “It is quite an experience.”
If you know a special volunteer, please contact [email protected]
