It's National Volunteer Week. This year's theme is Volunteers Make Waves. It highlights the power, impact, and importance of Canada's individual and collective volunteer efforts. Like a wave, volunteering is movement-building.
Since its establishment in 1997, the YWG Goldwings volunteer program at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport has been a shining example of service within Canada's aviation community. With more than 11,000 passengers passing through the airport daily, these volunteers play a key role in ensuring a smooth travel experience. From guiding travellers with wayfinding to helping them navigate the check-in process, the YWG Goldwings are dedicated to enhancing the passenger journey.
To bring awareness to the endless hours Canadians dedicate to helping others, we caught up with two YWG Goldwing volunteers—one who's been at YWG since the beginning of the program and one who recently joined—to learn why they do it.
Meet Geri Morgan
How long have you been volunteering at YWG?
I saw an ad in the Free Press and local papers in November 1996 that the airport was looking for volunteers for this new program that was about to start. I started in January 1997, and there are still three of us left from the original group in the very beginning.
What drew you to the airport?
I'm such an airplane geek! I moved here from Northern Manitoba in 1968 and had never seen planes before. Once I moved to Winnipeg, I'd often come to the airport on a Sunday afternoon to watch airplanes in the old observation lounge. My whole family is airplane crazy. But I love to travel too. I've probably been to 75 different countries.
What's one of your most memorable moments at YWG?
Meeting the queen! She came to the airport in 2011 before the new terminal opened. They lined us up, and we stood there forever and ever, waiting in our new gold suits. I remember watching the plane pull in, and we were able to see her walk up the bridge. They came down to greet us, and the Goldwings were front and centre. To have her stop and talk to me… nothing will ever top that. My parents are from the UK, and London is like my second home, so we've always been big into the Royals.
I had the opportunity to test out the new terminal by participating in a scavenger hunt, which was also a lot of fun. Then, when the airport opened, the first passengers that arrived were greeted with gifts, and it was special to be here for the grand opening.
What do you find most fulfilling about volunteering?
You can always read faces and tell when someone needs help. It's as simple as greeting passengers, pointing out signage or just being a listening ear. Those little things can have such a big impact – it adds up. Some people are so nervous about flying that they just need that little bit of confidence and confirmation they are on the right track. It's very rewarding to know you've done a good job and made a difference in someone's experience. We're all keen to help somebody.
I've certainly made a lot of friends here, too, through the years. It's nice to come in and have a community that smiles and chats with you.
Meet Heba Abuowf
How long have you been volunteering at YWG?
I was part of the recent recruitment last Spring, so it's been almost one year. My husband went to a volunteer fair and enrolled our names as a surprise.
What drew you to the airport?
I liked the idea because when I immigrated to Canada one year ago and arrived at the airport, I needed someone to help me. I liked the idea of being that person for someone else.
What do you find most fulfilling about volunteering?
Volunteering here has brought all my talents together in one place. I have a bachelor's degree in commerce and marketing, speak French, English and Arabic, teach my children school, and love to help people.
What is your favourite part so far about volunteering?
My favourite part is when someone is in need but is too shy to ask. I can tell from their eyes with my experience and know they need help. When you approach them to offer help, they are so happy. And helping people makes me happy. I've heard things like "You're my angel' or "You made my day" – this makes me happy for the rest of the week.
I also love participating in surprise and delight events, handing out free things like pizza slices to passengers. I love seeing how happy it makes them!
How has volunteering at YWG impacted you?
I've been in Canada for a year now. This opportunity changed my life. It improved the things I'm good at; it made me more confident and not as shy. It gives me so much positive energy because whenever I make someone happy, I'm happy too. I even got a job working at customer service here because of my volunteering.
This year's theme is "Volunteers Make Waves." What does that mean to you?
It's not just volunteering to answer questions. I'm putting myself in their shoes and anticipating their needs. I'm changing a sad situation into happy faces. Spreading awareness of the sunflower lanyard program and our accessibility services like sensory kits and WHILL (autonomous wheelchairs) is a big help. Many people don't know about these programs, and it's something that can change their travel experience for years to come.
We always hand out colouring books to children, which is a huge help to parents– they can't believe it is free and appreciate it so much. It's really meaningful to the passenger.
YWG Goldwings’ applications will re-open this summer. If you’re interested in making a difference in the community, visit volunteermanitoba.ca/volunteer_opportunities to learn more.
