“Volunteers are Knitting the Country Together,” Says Senator From Manitoba

While in Neepawa to present Dave Bennet with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for community service, Senator Marilou McPhedran took time to sit down with him for a conversation about the evolving role of volunteerism—and why it remains essential to the health of communities across Canada.

For McPhedran, the history of volunteering is deeply personal. She recalls how, decades ago, much of the volunteer backbone in the Prairies came from women, particularly through women’s institutes, which acted as vital social and civic hubs. As more women entered the workforce, these once-thriving groups began to disappear, leaving a noticeable gap in local volunteer networks.

Bennet sees a similar shift, noting that while people haven’t stopped giving their time, the way they engage has changed. Rather than long-term service through organizations, many now volunteer for single events or projects. “It’s not that the spirit is gone—it just looks different today,” he says.

McPhedran fondly remembers growing up in Neepawa and enjoying spaces like Riverbend Park and the Roxy Theatre, both of which were supported and maintained by local service clubs. The Roxy has been almost entirely volunteer-run since it reopened in the late 1980s—a testament, she says, to the staying power of community commitment.

Much of Bennet’s own service has come through his long-standing involvement with the Rotary Club, but his reach extends far beyond that. He’s spent years refereeing youth sports like hockey, volleyball, and football, and perhaps more importantly, training and mentoring the next generation of referees. “It’s not just about the game,” he reflects. “It’s about giving young people tools they can carry with them for life.”

That mentorship is something McPhedran sees as especially crucial. “When employers are looking at young people today, they want to see signs of initiative and self-management,” she explains. “You find that in sports, yes—but also in programs like 4-H, music, and theatre. And every one of those relies on volunteers, especially in smaller towns.”

For Bennet, two highlights stand out in a lifetime of giving back. The first was introducing the SafeGrad program to Neepawa, creating a safer environment for graduates and their families to celebrate. The second was organizing a mass high school reunion in 1998, an event that brought generations of alumni together in a year that marked several milestone anniversaries for the town.

As their conversation came to a close, McPhedran offered a broader reflection on what the King Charles III Coronation Medal truly represents.

“When I present this medal to you,” she said, “we’ll think of it not just as a tribute to your work, but as a celebration of all the amazing volunteers out there—those holding up their communities, knitting together this country. Because if there was ever a time Canadians need to come together, it’s right now.”