Lake of the Woods Railroaders Museum is appealing for help.
It needs more volunteers.
The group operating the facility is warning that without more people helping out, it may have to close its doors permanently at the end of August.
The museum operates as a not-for-profit organization in preserving Kenora’s railroading history.
Vice-President Barry Creran says they rely on those volunteers to keep the doors open.
“We do not have a curator or an assistant curator or any paid employees,” says Creran in an interview with Acadia News.
“The only paid employees that we have are the summer students that we get provided by the federal government, and that isn’t every year. We have to apply for that every year as well.”
The museum was established in the 1980s by retired CP workers.
A former tourist building was moved to the Norman area and renovated into the museum.
A caboose and a diesel locomotive were also acquired for display.
Creran says the museum has successfully attracted several visitors over the years to view various railroading artifacts and working model trains.
However, the number of volunteers involved has dwindled to only a small handful in recent years.
As a result, the museum is only open in July and August and is funded by donations from visitors.
The group is appealing to the public in hopes of attracting interest.
“You don’t have to be an expert in a or a railway person,” says Creran.
“We could teach all of that, and you learn as you go along like I did.”
Creran is hopeful. A few people have expressed an interest since a social media post about a week ago.
“It would be a shame if we lost all of this information and if the museum had to close.”
A Yarmouth mission project is in desperate need of volunteers.
Patrick Wilson is the Manager of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Yarmouth, and has been with the organization since it opened in October 2025.
“We serve a large lunch Monday to Friday from noon until 2pm,” said Wilson. “We typically feed 100 people per day. We also keep a small pantry of food and hygiene items we can give to our clients.”
Wilson is spearheading the call for volunteers online, and said that although the organization tries to keep six volunteers on staff at any given day, many days in the summer currently have no volunteers at all.
Wilson said the organization has never had to run with only one or two people, but on the few occasions when they’re operating at less than full strength their service suffers, and the people in need suffer too.
“We’ve not yet been that low, and I shudder to think of if we were,” said Wilson. “Many hands make light work. When we don’t have enough people, the ones here have to carry a larger load, and if that happens enough times, they stop coming too.”
Souls Harbour first opened in Halifax in 2010, and now has locations in Bridgewater, Truro, Lower Sackville, the Eastern Shore and Cape Breton according to the organization’s website.
According to Wilson, the sense of belonging in volunteers is strong, and serving the community gives them the opportunity to develop excellent camaraderie.
The mission has multiple shifts and roles available for volunteers, and community members who are interested in learning more can visit the Souls Harbour Facebook page, or soulsharbour.ca, and select “Get Involved”.
The Rainy River District School Board has presented its annual awards, recognizing some of the individuals who have played an important role in area schools and the education of students over the past eight months.
Evelyn Martin, who has driven a school bus for the past 19 years, was named the Board’s Bus Driver of the Year.
In presenting the award, Chief Executive Officer Heather Campbell noted that Martin has rarely missed a day of work.
Campbell, reading from remarks provided by Nikki Armstrong of the Rainy River District Transportation Services Consortium, noted Martin’s dedication to safety.
“What truly sets Evelyn apart is not just her professionalism, but her kindness,” read Campbell.
“She is caring, patient, and consistently goes above and beyond in every part of her role.”
Krista Brusven of Rainy River was selected as Volunteer of the Year.
The chair of the Riverview School Council, who becomes chair of the newly amalgamated Riverview and Rainy River High School Council, has been an active member of the school community in Rainy River.
Board chair Kathryn Pierroz says she supported many school initiatives and events, including Day of Pink activities, track and field events, STEM nights, family barbecues, and other parent and guardian engagement opportunities.
“What makes Krista so remarkable is not only the countless hours she puts in, but the heart behind every one of those hours,” says Pierroz.
“Whether organizing meetings, planning events, preparing to serve meals, or helping bring families and schools together, Krista does it all with care, kindness and an unwavering commitment.”
Brusven could not be in attendance for the award, and she was helping out with a barbecue for the graduating students at Rainy River.
The Community Partner of the Year Award was presented to the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre.
Campbell says the centre’s staff has gone above and beyond in their commitment to student wellbeing, with their support of a student nutrition program through financial contributions, in-kind donations and personal involvement.
“About half of our students across the board, when surveyed, indicated they’d come hungry in the morning for various reasons,” says Campbell.
“And it’s through the generous support of this partnership that we have been able to continue our nutrition on weekends program, ensuring that students have healthy food beyond the school week.”
Campbell says staff also brought their expertise and enthusiasm into a cooking program that allows students to learn new cooking skills and an understanding of nutrition.
Two employees shared in the Employee of the Year Award.
Bobbi Morris, a Grade 7 teacher at Fort Frances Intermediate School, was cited as being a source of compassion and encouragement to a student whose family was going through some difficult times.
“Through it all, Bobbie provided unwavering support to a student, helping them guide them through change and uncertainty with remarkable grace and empathy,” says Pierroz.
“Her ability to recognize when students need support and then quietly step in with patience and care speaks volumes about the kind of person and educator that she is.”
Kathryn Pierroz (l), Chair of the Rainy River District School Board, presents the Employee of the Year Award to Bobbie Morris (c) and Kathleen Matheson, June 2, 2026. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia News
Sharing the award was Kathleen Matheson, an Education Support Worker at the same intermediate school.
A co-worker described her as someone who builds connections with students, especially with a student who is deaf.
“Kathleen uses sign language throughout the school day, helping create a more inclusive and welcoming environment, not only for one student, but for the entire classroom,” says Pierroz.
“Kathleen’s tireless work ethic, empathy, patience, and ability to connect with students make her an invaluable asset.”
The Board also recognized the 25th anniversaries reached by three employees, while honouring eight others who retired at the end of this school year.
Some of the Rainy River District School Board staff members retiring this year, June 2, 2026. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia News
