Folklorama Youth: Making a difference in our community

Featured, Volunteer

The Folklorama Youth Council works throughout the year to develop initiatives that encourage Folklorama’s youth volunteers to stay involved with the organization outside of the Festival. As part of this, members of the Council often volunteer with different non-profit organizations to give back to the community they live in.


On the 29th of October, Folklorama’s Youth Council members came together with the Bear Clan to assist and learn more about the great community work that the Clan carries out.
Folklorama Youth Council Co-Chair Nicolas Tamayo, and council members Marcelo Aiello, Gurleene Kaur Bhathal, and Gabriel Zabaleguisaitman, were joined by 2023 Adult Ambassador General, Lovepreet Singh Virdi on a walk with Bear Clan Patrol. The group spent a sunny afternoon distributing food, drinks, and personal hygiene products to those in need. Guided by Bear Clan Patrol volunteers, they learned about the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. They ere educated about the history of Winnipeg’s North End community, including Bear Clan’s role in providing non-violent security and assistance to the area.

Gabriel Zabaleguisaitman, a Folklorama’s Youth Council member, said after her experience that “I would recommend joining the Youth Council. The experiences we get to take part in, like walking with Bear Clan, are important as helping others whenever we have the opportunity. Joining the Youth Council is great because you can plan the activities that fellow Folklorama volunteers/ambassadors attend. It can also be a wonderful leadership experience.”

Folklorama would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Kevin Walker, Executive Director of Bear Clan Patrol, and his entire team for providing this enriching opportunity to the Folklorama Youth Council and for their tireless efforts to deliver compassion and support to Winnipeggers in need.

For more information on how you can get involved in Folklorama’s Youth Council, contact Katie Green, Coordinator, Member and Festival Services at [email protected] or 204-982-6213.