2025 Manitoba Premier's Volunteer Service Award Ceremony

May 1, 2025

Winnipeg, May 1, 2025 — At the 41st Annual Manitoba Volunteer Awards Ceremony, the Winnipeg Chinese Senior Association (WCSA) was honored with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award (Group Category) for its outstanding contributions to serving seniors, supporting newcomers, and promoting multicultural exchange.

The awards ceremony, organized by Volunteer Manitoba, was held at the Club Regent Event Centre in Winnipeg. Nahanni Fontaine, Minister of Families, presented the award on behalf of the Premier to five WCSA board members. In a congratulatory message, Premier Wab Kinew praised the organization:
"This award is not only a recognition of your dedication but also a testament to the positive impact volunteers bring to Manitoba society. Your passion for service and strong sense of community responsibility exemplify the finest traditions of volunteering in our province."


Since its founding in 2017, WCSA has upheld its mission of "serving the community through unity and mutual support." The organization actively hosts cultural events, health seminars, language classes, and volunteer services aimed at strengthening community bonds and improving residents' well-being. In 2019, WCSA President Ms. Yan Jiang was recognized with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award (Individual Category) for her exceptional leadership and dedication.

WCSA’s efforts were especially notable in 2024, during which it hosted over 100 events, including the Spring Festival and Lantern Gala, Canada Day celebrations, the Winnipeg 150th Anniversary Block Party, and four competitions (table tennis, Chinese chess, vocal performance, and essay writing). The association also collaborated with various partner organizations to offer health seminars, practical workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and team-building events, comprehensively serving the community.

These activities collectively drew thousands of participants throughout the year. Over 700 learners of all ages took part in WCSA's educational programs. More than 500 volunteers, aged 8 to 80, contributed to the organization’s services, collectively logging over 12,000 volunteer hours—demonstrating the community’s vitality and cohesion.

Eighteen WCSA volunteer representatives attended the awards gala. Dr. Songyan Liu, Executive Vice President of WCSA, remarked: "This honor belongs to every volunteer who has selflessly given their time. It is the best recognition of our enduring commitment to public service. Going forward, WCSA will continue to serve seniors, support immigrants, and promote Chinese culture, contributing to a more inclusive and harmonious community."

This prestigious award not only enhances the public image of WCSA and the broader Chinese community but also inspires more individuals to engage in volunteer service, helping to write the next chapter in Winnipeg’s multicultural story.

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