National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to celebrate community centre volunteers.
Community centres are an important part of our recreation system. There are 63 independent community centres that operate 81 recreation facilities in Winnipeg.
The importance of volunteers
While we own community centre buildings and grounds, volunteer boards run community centres.
The building is the structure, but the people are the heart and soul.
Community centres depend on volunteers for various reasons, including:
- Serving on their Board of Directors
- Planning and delivering programs
- Helping operate their facilities
Volunteers play a critical role in the health and success of our community centres.
“Over 8,000 volunteers generously donated their time and energy to help deliver recreation and leisure services to residents at our 63 community centres in 2025,” said Tanis Knowles Yarnell, Manager of the Community Centres Division. “We’re grateful for their contributions.”
Why volunteer at your community centre?
By sharing your time, you’re helping build a stronger community and creating meaningful connections. You’ll also help inspire others to get involved.
Volunteering is also a great way to experience a sense of belonging.
Contact your local community centre if you’re interested in helping out.
What community centres offer
Programming and amenities vary by community centre. Many have indoor spaces such as arenas, gyms, and commercial kitchens.
Centres also manage their outdoor spaces. That can include sports fields, outdoor ice rinks, as well as basketball and tennis courts.
Some centres feature spray pads, wading pools, and off-leash dog areas. You can also find food waste drop-off stations at a few of them.