Stefano’s Stories: Celebrating volunteers

April 2026

From April 19–25, we celebrate National Volunteer Week, but at Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, we’re grateful for the dedication of volunteers all year long. Our volunteers are the heart of everything we do, and their dedication helps #ContinueCaringForKids today and into the future.

Thanks to generous volunteers who give their time and talent, a treasured Manitoba tradition is continuing its long-standing commitment to children’s health as the Children’s Hospital Book Market enters its 66th year. As the longest-running volunteer-organized event supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Book Market has been helping raise funds for Manitoba’s only dedicated children’s hospital for more than half a century.

This spring, Manitobans are invited to shop thousands of quality used books at the upcoming Book Market Sale, featuring all genres of books, taking place Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26 at St. Vital Centre.

The Book Market is an extraordinary example of what community support can accomplish for children in our community. It was established in 1961 and has raised more than $10 million for HSC Children’s Hospital thanks to the dedicated volunteers who started and continue to run this event.

Our signature fundraising events are also powered by volunteer leadership, creativity, and commitment. The volunteer committees behind the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Ice Crystal Gala, and Children’s Hospital Golf Tournament play a vital role in their success.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic volunteers help create a joyful, family-friendly experience that helps kids learn about health care environments while raising vital funds
Ice Crystal Gala committee members bring vision, elegance, and artistry together to deliver an unforgettable evening with a lasting impact for families
Golf Tournament volunteers and committee leaders manage logistics, sponsorships, and player experiences to host a seamless event that drives meaningful support for child health care and research

Each of these events reflects countless volunteer hours, thoughtful planning, and a shared belief that children deserve the very best care possible.

“Giving back and volunteering isn’t really something I think about, I just do it because it has given me purpose after losing our daughter, Kenzi, to appendicitis. It has become the new way of how we parent her,” says Corinne Kopansky, Chair, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba Golf Tournament. “It feels good to be able to give other families hope. I know how it feels to lose everything, and I would give anything to get that back. Just think, if everyone contributed just a drop in the bucket, the impact we could make would be life changing for so many innocent children right here in our community.”

“I volunteer with the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba because I’ve seen firsthand the impact that support, compassion, and presence can have on children and their families during incredibly difficult moments,” says Scott McDonald, Chair, Teddy Bears’ Picnic Committee. “I greatly admire the individuals and organizations that step up for kids and families during their most vulnerable moments. It’s about showing up, offering hope and education for children and their families, and helping to create moments of comfort and positivity when they matter most.”

“I volunteer because I’ve seen the resilience of these kids and the strength of the parents who are always beside them,” says Heather Perlov, Chair, Ice Crystal Gala Committee. “I’ve seen how much it matters to have a moment of normal in the middle of a medical battle. Between the incredible dedication of the staff and the life-changing research being done, I am honoured to play even a small part in supporting these families. My heart is entirely in this cause.”

At the Foundation, we’re also grateful to have over 100 volunteers who share their expertise to support our mission year-round, including on our Board, committees, the Indigenous Advisory Circle, and special projects like the CK5 Art Selection. These dedicated members give compassion, leadership, and heart. Their contributions help strengthen programs, advance research, and create welcoming spaces for families when they need it most.

During National Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest thanks to every volunteer who supports Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Your commitment makes hope possible, fuels discovery, and helps ensure world-class pediatric care is available close to home.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community—and for all you do to help kids heal, grow, and thrive.

Stay in touch!