Donna Cosgrove has been an Immigrant Centre Manitoba volunteer for almost four years.  Her friendly personality was a perfect fit for the Ladies in Red, a group of vibrant women who volunteer at Canadian citizenship ceremonies at the Via Rail Building.

Her son Dorian was the one who encouraged her to volunteer with the Ladies in Red.  At the time, Dorian worked as a clerk at citizenship ceremonies, and thought that his mother would like volunteering with the group. Since joining the Ladies in Red, Donna has volunteered for nearly 220 hours, and has enjoyed every minute.

“I used to be very shy, but then one day, I decided to give karaoke a try and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.” From that point, Donna continued to challenge herself to get out of her comfort zone and try different things.

She decided to take up public speaking, and seven years ago, starting auditioning for casting calls for movie extras. Since then has been an extra in several productions, including Stand, a musical inspired by the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.

Donna worked as a Home Care Support Worker for 16 years, a job which she found very fulfilling. She was also a hair-dresser for two and a half years, volunteered actively at several organizations, and served as secretary on the tenancy association at her apartment building.

Donna has also travelled extensively across Canada. She has visited every major city, except Toronto, and she has a message for newcomers. “Try to see as much of the country as you can. There are so many places to see. If there’s a place that you’ve heard about, go see it if you ever have the chance.”