Celebrating International Volunteer Day 2023 at the WDM: A Tribute to Our Volunteers

International Volunteer Day is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly and is celebrated on 5 December every year.

[International Volunteer Day] is a day where volunteers are acknowledged and the spirit of volunteerism is promoted at the local, national and international levels. – United Nations

This year’s International Volunteer Day theme, “If Everyone Did,” emphasizes the collective impact that individuals can have when they come together. It underscores the idea that every person has the potential to contribute meaningfully to their community and the world at large. At the WDM, volunteers of all ages from all across the province come together to work towards the Museum’s vision – a Saskatchewan where everyone belongs and histories matter.

To each and every volunteer who gave of their time and talents to the WDM in 2023, we say a heartfelt THANK YOU. Your work is meaningful to our communities and to all of us at the WDM.

The photos here are a small snapshot of the 100s of volunteers who supported the WDM this year.

Above: Volunteers Dennis, Ray and Dave work to rebuild a 1920s Ford Model A at Curatorial & Corporate Services Centre.

The K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 at the WDM Moose Jaw is operated and maintained by qualified Museum volunteers like Ray, Armand, Matt, Len, Kevin.

Volunteers like Orin and Andre operate the Vulcan locomotive on the K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 at the WDM Moose Jaw. All operators on this steam locomotive are licensed by the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK).

Conductors like Len and Jerry volunteer on the K+S Potash Canada Short Line 101 at the WDM Moose Jaw. Their smiling faces and entertaining stories make rides educational and fun for visitors of all ages. They also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers.

WDM events like the Halloween Come and Go at the WDM Moose Jaw are supported by creative volunteers like Aaron, Heather and Jesanne.

Volunteers like Andre, Bob and Orin run this 75 Case steam traction engine at events like Blow Off Some Steam at the WDM Moose Jaw.

Volunteers like Jason and Karen make WDM events like Blow Off Some Steam at the WDM Moose Jaw even more memorable for visitors. Karen helped visitors navigate a coal-themed seek-and-find. Jason taught kids about steam power by running toy putt-putt boats to replicate steamboats.

Volunteers like Clayton bring history to life by operating agricultural equipment like this Rumley tractor at events like History in Motion at the WDM North Battleford.

Treats like these for the Fall Tea at the WDM North Battleford are prepared by talented volunteers like Dianna, Connie and Dorothey.

It's the energy and enthusiasm brought by volunteers like Darylann that make our Corn Maze at the WDM North Battleford a hit.

The WDM is fortunate to work with volunteers from groups like Concern for Youth to make events like our Spooky Corn Maze at the WDM North Battleford 'frighteningly' good.

Did you know there is a working Blacksmith Shop indoors on Boomtown Street in the WDM Saskatoon? Our talented blacksmith volunteers and interpreters, like Zach and John, 'spark' interest and share the history of the trade in our province.

During select summer and fall events, our outdoor Blacksmith Shop at the WDM Saskatoon is also operated by volunteer 'smiths like Brian and Mont. If you are interested in learning more about blacksmithing, check out our award-winning Introduction to Blacksmithing course, which Mont helps instruct.

WDM events like Summer Fun day at the WDM Saskatoon wouldn't be the same without volunteers like Lois and Emily. These friendly ladies served delicious treats at the Summer Fun Day concession stand.

Among the largest artifacts in the WDM's Operating Collection are steam traction engines. These gigantic machines run using steam created by boiling water using either a wood or coal fire inside them. Each requires yearly safety certification by the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK) and all operators, like Ken and Bruce, are trained and certified.

Agriculture is an important industry in Saskatchewan. The WDM holds harvest demonstrations at events like Summer Fun Day at the WDM Saskatoon to teach the public about how grain crops have been harvested across history, from hand tools to combines. Volunteers like Bob, Mal, Nancy and Val demonstrate hand-cutting and stooking techniques from the early 1900s.

At the WDM harvest demonstrations at WDM Saskatoon, the goal is to teach the public about how grain crops have been harvested across history, from hand tools to combines. Volunteers like Glenn and Gordon showcase the importance of equipment like this tractor and binder from the WDM Operating Collection.

Much of the work the WDM Saskatoon volunteers do is behind-the-scenes. Volunteers like Cliff, Doug, and Ken work in our Shop building, repairing, and restoring.

Members of the Women’s Auxiliary to the WDM Saskatoon like Merle are committed to keeping history alive through heritage demonstrations.

Volunteers like Michael assist Bruce, the WDM Saskatoon's exhibit technician, in making sure exhibits and the artifacts in them, are ready for the public's enjoyment.

Volunteers help promote and represent the WDM at community events like the Yorkton Spring Expo.

In early 1900s Saskatchewan, some farmers and ranchers made rope at home, saving time and money and ensuring they would have the exact length and strength they wanted. Volunteers lead hands-on activities like rope making, which are a fun, interactive way to learn about the past.

If you had to wash all of your clothes by hand using a scrub board, how would it change your daily life? Volunteers lead hands-on activities like this one to help kids understand what it took to do this chore before running water and electricity.

At the WDM Yorkton's Canada Day Picnic and Celebration, volunteers have the sweet job of dishing out delicious red and white cake.

Yorkton Threshermen's Club volunteers enter floats in local parades and support events like the WDM Yorkton's Threshermen's Show and Senior's Festival.

Volunteers drive WDM vehicles in local parades like this one in Yorkton, promoting the Museum and celebrating with the community.

It takes skilled and dedicated volunteers to maintain and operate tractors like this Waterloo Boy so that they can be run in harvest shows and parades for the the WDM Yorkton Threshermen's Show and Seniors' Festival.

Steam traction engines like this one are maintained and operated at WDM events by volunteers certified by the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK). Come out to events like the the Threshermen's Show and Seniors' Festival at the WDM Yorkton to see these giant machines in action.

Our talented blacksmith volunteers and interpreters, 'spark' interest and share the history of the trade in our province. This 'smith demonstrated for crowds of onlookers at this summer's Threshermen's Show and Seniors' Festival at the WDM Yorkton.

Volunteers demonstrate one step in the farm-to-table pathway - grinding grain into flour. These demonstrations add fun 'flavour' to events like the Threshermen's Show and Seniors' Festival at the WDM Yorkton.

Volunteers help with fundraising for Museum activities, like these volunteers who are selling 50/50 tickets at the WDM Yorkton.

Sometimes our volunteers bring along four-legged friends like these adorable critters at the WDM Yorkton's Threshermen's Show and Seniors' Festival.

If the smiling faces of our volunteers have inspired you to get involved, click this link: I want to volunteer with the WDM!