The Manitoba Real Estate Association issued its inaugural Volunteer Award on April 17, 2012, to a woman who has dedicated her life to improving the quality of life of children in Winnipeg’s core area. MREA President Tim Melnyk presented the MREA Quality of Life Award to Doreen Wilson in front of 700 attendees, the Lieutenant Governor, the Premier and the Mayor at the 29th Annual Volunteer Manitoba Awards.
Melnyk presented the award along with a $2,500 cheque to be given to Doreen’s charity of choice – Rossbrook House. Wilson was recognized for her exceptional work with children at Wi Wabigooni, an alternative school program connected with Rossbrook House where she has been volunteering since 2001.
Wilson began volunteering with Wi Wabigooni in 2001, reading with children one-on-one. She expanded her role at the school to include making breakfast for the kids once a week, even taking individual orders. She even picks up a child who missed the school bus or takes a child to an appointment. In all but name, she is like a grandparent to the children and brings fun, joy and challenge to their lives. Wilson is warm, caring and welcoming, with a desire to ensure that no child in the community ever be left to navigate through difficult challenges in life alone, as those who nominated her testified.
“I’m really excited about the award. It’s nice to be recognized, but it’s really exciting to be able to give back because the school will receive the money, so it’s thrilling,” said Wilson.
There were 21 nominations for the first year of the MREA Quality of Life Award, which is considered an exceptionally good start for an inaugural award.
“This really serves to indicate the number of volunteers in the community that are working every day to better the lives of children. It was a very difficult process to narrow the field with so many dedicated individuals to choose from,” said Melnyk.
“All our nominations represented a diverse group of volunteers, and a great demonstration of the different work that is being done in Manitoba. We are very proud that we were able to take part, and especially that we were able to honour such a compassionate, generous individual with our award,” added Melnyk.
The MREA Quality of Life Award, created by REALTORS® in Manitoba, recognizes volunteers who are deeply committed to improving the lives of Manitoba children – our future. This award is granted to an individual or group of individuals at the Volunteer Manitoba Annual Awards Dinner and includes a $2,500 cash award to be given to the award recipient’s charity of choice.
