Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2024
Employee Dedicated to Community Service Recognized as Hylife Volunteer of the Year Free Provincial Park Entry for Month of February
At just 32 years old, Carlos, a devoted father, extends his support to various organizations with a particular focus on assisting newcomers. Having served as the past President of the South Eastman Filipino Association, Carlos embodies the spirit of community service. Submitted photo / Hylife
By Dan Guetre In a heart-warming recognition of his dedication to community service, Greg Michael Carlos, Safety Clerk, has been named one of HyLife’s Volunteers of the Year. HyLife annually acknowledges two team members who go above and beyond in giving back. At just 32 years old, Carlos, a devoted father, extends his support to various organizations with a particular focus on assisting newcomers. Having served as the past President of the South Eastman Filipino Association, Carlos embodies the spirit of community service. “Life to me is not about money, not about how much you make, or your status; it is about how many people you serve and how you help your community. Volunteering is not about you; it’s much bigger,” shared Carlos.
Having arrived in Canada at the age of 14 from the Philippines, Carlos vividly remembers the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. Motivated by his own experiences, he remains committed to supporting newcomers who face similar challenges. “We started here and didn’t have any relatives or support, so I want to give back. We came with one suitcase,” he noted “I will never forget that. I have a bigger reason ‘why’ – why I give my time, why I want to help. It is my honour to serve the community, especially the newcomers; it motivates and encourages me to do more.” Winning the prestigious HyLife Volunteers of the Year award not only recognizes Carlos’ philanthropic efforts but also provides an opportunity to pay it forward.
Carlos has selected the Steinbach Family Resource Center as the recipient of the $1,000 donation accompanying the accolade. This generous gift will support the free preschool learn and play program, aiming to assist families with young children. “We serve many new Canadians and refugees and all underrepresented minorities. Motherhood and parenthood are universal in their impact, and so we are affirming and inclusive in our approach to supporting healthy families,” said Michelle Wyryha, Steinbach Family Resource Centre. Carlos’ story serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of community service, demonstrating that a heart dedicated to helping others can create a ripple effect of positive change.
The Manitoba government is offering free park entry for the entire month of February to encourage Manitobans and visitors to explore the many winter activities available in provincial parks. Vehicle permits are not required in any provincial park in February but Snopasses are still needed for snowmobiles using designated trails. Entrance fees still apply in national parks. Manitoba’s provincial parks have many different trail systems scattered around the province with groomed trails for a variety of activities including cross-country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing and hiking. Paint Lake, Spruce Woods and Turtle Mountain provincial parks also offer outdoor skating areas, hockey rinks and toboggan hills. Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park has ice-fishing shelters on Lake Winnipeg that are free to use. People looking for downhill skiing and snowboarding experiences can visit the Asessippi Ski Resort in Asessippi Provincial Park or the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Park interpreters in Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks are offering numerous guided programs that enrich visitor experiences and promote stewardship of Manitoba’s park resources, noted the minister. Highlights for the month of February include wolf howl hikes, snowshoe treks, ski clinics, quinzhee building and ice fishing. Event details and registration information can be found at gov.mb.ca/sd/parks. Teachers can also book free guided field trips to Birds Hill, Spruce Woods and Whiteshell provincial parks along with virtual programs to bring park interpreters into classrooms.