March 28, 2025
In the most influential honor in the field of volunteer service in Manitoba – the 41st Premier's Volunteer Service Awards – WCSA has been awarded the prestigious "Group Award"! This exciting news was officially announced today (March 28) by Volunteer Manitoba, and the awards ceremony will be held on May 1, 2025, at the Club Regent Event Centre.
This award recognizes WCSA's continued contributions in volunteer services, cultural heritage, support for new immigrants, and community integration. Notably, WCSA is the only Chinese organization in Manitoba to receive this honor this year, highlighting the public-spiritedness and organizational strength of the Chinese community, as well as WCSA’s extensive influence in community building within the province.
Since its founding in 2017, WCSA has adhered to the principles of “service, unity, heritage, and innovation,” relying on a large and diverse volunteer team to provide various public welfare and cultural services to seniors, new immigrants, and community residents. From language classes and health lectures to holiday celebrations, outdoor activities, and cultural performances, WCSA hosts more than 100 events annually. In 2024 alone, WCSA mobilized over 500 volunteers (ranging in age from 8 to 80), contributing more than 12,000 hours of service and benefiting over 10,000 people.
WCSA not only serves the Chinese community but also actively participates in public activities involving various ethnic groups in the province, including the Canada Day celebrations, the Terry Fox Charity Run, Orange Shirt Day Indigenous Memorial Event, and Salvation Army Christmas fundraising, showcasing the Chinese community’s sense of responsibility and positive energy.
WCSA’s outstanding performance has also been highly praised by several political leaders. David Pankratz, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Waverley, wrote: “WCSA is an important bridge that connects communities, inspires participation, and enhances cohesion.” Winnipeg's Deputy Mayor and Waverley West City Councillor Janice Lukes called WCSA “an outstanding example of contemporary volunteerism.”
This recognition is not only a high commendation for WCSA's years of relentless effort but also a heartfelt tribute to the hard work of all the volunteers. Moving forward, WCSA will continue to work together with all sectors of society to promote more community-benefiting projects and contribute to building a diverse, harmonious, and healthy community in Winnipeg!
Let’s extend our warm congratulations to all WCSA members and profound respect to every volunteer who has contributed selflessly!