Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) is hosting a volunteer orientation night to give people interested in volunteering more information on this year's opportunities and what it’s like to volunteer at MHV. 

MHV staff will be speaking on what the museum is about, what some of the projects are that they're working on, and what some of the volunteer opportunities are. 

Robert Goertzen, Program Manager at MHV, says an upcoming event to volunteer at will have to do with their school program.  

“We have around 3,000 students who attend every May and June, and they want to know more about the life of early Mennonite settlers who made their homes in southern Manitoba,” he says. “So we need a lot of volunteers to help us tell that story to all the school groups that come in.” 

They also have thousands of visitors every summer who come from all over the world, and they want to know more about the history of Southeast Manitoba and the stories told at the museum.  

Goertzen says some volunteer opportunities include storytelling and demonstrating various pioneer skills. 

"And then there are things like working in the blacksmith shop, in the summer kitchen, baking bread, and butter churning.” 

You can also be part of their event days and help with admission sales, parking, or working in the food booth. 

“We have some behind-the-scenes people who help with mechanics and carpentry, and help us with repairing our heritage buildings and some of our vehicles and tractors and old cars and things like that.” 

At the orientation, staff will go into more detail on their experiences, and various opportunities for participating in events and activities this year.  

Goertzen says there's a huge variety of opportunities for people, no matter what they enjoy. 

“I'm pretty sure we can find a place for anyone who's interested.” 

He says this is a good opportunity for anyone who wants to contribute to the betterment of our community. 

“There are churches and community organizations and community clubs that do wonderful things, and this is another opportunity for someone who wants to contribute to the work of the museum.” 

He notes if you're only available during events and want to come on a monthly basis when they're hosting some of their large events, that works as well.  

“This is a good evening to just be introduced to some of those things.” 

He says anyone can volunteer, regardless of age. 

“There are parents who say, ‘I'd like to do something in the community with my kids,’ You're welcome to come as well,” he says. “And then if you're a teenager who just wants to be involved in the community, we'd love to have you come.” 

Goertzen says it’s also a great place to volunteer if you are recently retired. 

“This is an awesome way to meet and connect with other people who are in a similar situation.” 

He says they would like to include as many people as possible in the work that they do at MHV.

“We would love you to be a part of our orientation and to just come in and enjoy some conversations over coffee or tea and see where you can fit into our programming.” 

Goertzen notes the staff at MHV are really thankful for all the people who have been volunteering at MHV over the years, and they are invited to come to orientation as well. 

The event is on Thursday, April 27, and starts at 7pm at the auditorium at MHV. There will be free coffee, tea and desserts. 

“Just walk in through the front doors and you'll see the auditorium open. It won't be a long presentation, but there will be lots of opportunities to talk to staff members and other volunteers and get an idea of where there are opportunities to serve.”