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HELLO SUMMER

4 minute read Updated: 8:44 AM CDT

EXPERIENCE BIRDING with 90-minute midday Birding Walks, offered from UM’s Fort Garry campus by Justin Rasmussen and Bailey Hendry, UM alum and co-founders of UM Indigenous Birding Club. Participants learn about birds in Indigenous storytelling, while also discovering the benefits of birding on mental health.

A GOOD TIME TO GET TO KNOW CHURCHILL IS SUMMER, according to UM alum, John Gunter of Frontiers North Adventures. Enjoy the opportunity to view northern lights, paddleboard with belugas and possibly see a polar bear. Visitors are also eager to discuss climate change, says Stephen Petersen, UM adjunct professor in biological sciences, who has been guiding tourists in Churchill for the last decade.

THE BRUCE D. CAMPBELL FARM AND FOOD DISCOVERY CENTRE, a half-hour drive south of Winnipeg at UM’s Glenlea Research Station, offers interactive exhibits and hands-on displays that bring to life Manitoba’s agricultural scene. It also highlights ongoing research of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

DISCOVER WINNIPEG’S HUMAN RIGHTS HISTORY through a self-guided tour developed for the Masters of Human Rights Program in UM’s Faculty of Law. This tour leads participants to key landmarks, including Louis Riel’s grave in St. Boniface, the Gandhi statue outside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and a residential schools monument at The Forks.

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A Round of A-Paws for These Dedicated Volunteers

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A Round of A-Paws for These Dedicated Volunteers

2 minute read Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

For the past five years, Finnie has brought joy to patients and staff at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC). Every Thursday at lunch time, Finnie faithfully waits at the HSC Foundation Donor Celebration Centre to greet anyone who needs the comfort of a wagging tail.

Finnie and his owner, Angelique Lynn Duseigne, are proud members of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program at HSC. The program is supported by HSC Foundation donors—the Just Like New To You Thrift Shop, which is entirely run by volunteers, many of whom are retired nurses. The shop has raised close to $1 million for HSC, including $10,000 that supports the ongoing costs of training and onboarding of the therapy dog teams.

When the pandemic hit, Finnie quickly became a cherished figure among HSC staff, offering much-needed solace amidst their hectic schedules.

One of Finnie's most poignant missions occurred after the tragic Carberry bus crash in 2023. As part of the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) K9 team, Finnie took on the important role of comforting grieving families in HSC's ICU.

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Friday, Jul. 19, 2024

A Round of A-Paws for These Dedicated Volunteers

Women’s success in the trades starts with support

Wendy King 4 minute read Friday, Jul. 12, 2024

A high school shop class was not a place Shianne Pineda particularly wanted to be. But she could never have guessed that the compulsory course would be the first step on an unexpected journey to a career in the Red Seal trades. But with time - and encouragement - she discovered her destination.

“I hated it at first, and then I just gradually got better,” says Pineda, now 23.

“The teachers saw a lot of potential in me and they're like - you can come take my job. They saw what I didn't see.”

Pineda took the leap and committed to completing her training as a welder.

Sibling Revelry: Brother and Sister Share their Business Journeys at WTC Talks Event

Kristin Marand 5 minute read Preview

Sibling Revelry: Brother and Sister Share their Business Journeys at WTC Talks Event

Kristin Marand 5 minute read Thursday, Jul. 4, 2024

The final WTC Talks (World Trade Centre) event of the 2023/2024 season took place on a sunny patio perched above downtown Winnipeg last Wednesday. Featured speakers, siblings Christian and Andréanne Dandeneau, shared their experiences in entrepreneurship, including insights on navigating business challenges and adapting to changing market conditions. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and perseverance and discussed how their Métis heritage has shaped their business practices.

Both siblings are approaching landmark anniversaries in business: Christian's digital transformation company, ID Fusion, will celebrate 25 years next year. ID Fusion is a full-service technology consulting company that offers desktop support services, consulting on technology choices, custom software development, and resource augmentation.

Andréanne’s sustainable fashion brand, Anne Mulaire Designs, has been in business for nearly 20 years. Anne Mulaire is Canada's first Indigenous-owned apparel manufacturer with B Corp certification. The brand is a micro-manufacturer that places high importance on sustainability, including initiatives to reduce waste and carbon emissions, recycle, and use sustainable fabrics. Andréanne was recently awarded the first-ever sustainable economy award at the inaugural Red River Métis Business Excellence Awards for her efforts in this area.

“The reason behind WTC Talks is about telling stories,” explains WTC Winnipeg CEO André Brin. “We don't tell our stories enough, our success stories, about the businesses doing incredible things.”

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Thursday, Jul. 4, 2024

Sibling Revelry: Brother and Sister Share their Business Journeys at WTC Talks Event

Together, we can end diagnostic and surgical wait times at HSC

1 minute read Preview

Together, we can end diagnostic and surgical wait times at HSC

1 minute read Monday, Jun. 24, 2024

I’m a young Manitoban and I realize the power of donors to accelerate innovation in health care. As someone with a background in technology, I feel it’s important to embrace new technologies and ideas to deliver results. Programs like Operation Excellence for HSC do just that. Your support raises the bar and provides better patient care.

— Aaron Wojnowski, Operation Excellence Donor

Your support will help HSC innovate, excel, and deliver tomorrow's heath care—today.

Learn more and donate at OperationExcellence.ca or call 204-515-5612 or toll-free at 1-800-679-8493.

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Monday, Jun. 24, 2024

Together, we can end diagnostic and surgical wait times at HSC

From Struggle to Second Chances: Beryl Brandson’s Transplant Journey

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From Struggle to Second Chances: Beryl Brandson’s Transplant Journey

2 minute read Friday, Jun. 21, 2024

Beryl Brandson’s transplant journey began when he started experiencing low energy levels and a persistent cough.

He was later diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a debilitating lung disease. In 2015, the need for a lung transplant became apparent and Beryl was referred to the Transplant Clinic at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC).

Following a thorough assessment at HSC’s Respiratory Clinic, Beryl received a life-changing call in August 2016—the possibility of new lungs. He was then transported to the University of Alberta Hospital, one of the two places where Winnipeg patients go who require a lung transplant.

“As soon as my eyes opened, I knew I had new lungs. I could breathe. Even though I had the respirator helping me breathe, I could tell I had new lungs. I knew things were going to be okay,” Beryl says.

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Friday, Jun. 21, 2024

From Struggle to Second Chances: Beryl Brandson’s Transplant Journey

From Hog Barns to Algae Blooms: The Deadly Connection to Lake Winnipeg’s Algae Crisis

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From Hog Barns to Algae Blooms: The Deadly Connection to Lake Winnipeg’s Algae Crisis

4 minute read Friday, Jun. 21, 2024

Over 30 years ago, large factory style barns, used for raising pigs, started dotting the landscape across southern Manitoba. Not surprisingly, within just a few years, smelly and sometimes toxic bluegreen algae blooms began to dominate Lake Winnipeg, and other southern Manitoba lakes. Was this just a coincidence? Not quite.

In these factory style barns, often thousands of pigs are kept confined together on slatted floors through which their urine and feces fall, collecting in pits underneath. Toxic fumes of hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide rise from these pits and are blown out into the neighbouring communities by large industrial fans. Should those fans fail, the fumes are so poisonous that the pigs will suffocate within a few hours.

These waste pits are routinely emptied into open lagoons near the barns, once again causing nauseating odours for neighbours. Those lagoons are then emptied twice a year when that liquid manure is either sprayed or injected into the soil on neighbouring fields to be used as fertilizer. The reason the manure is considered good fertilizer is that it contains phosphorus and nitrogen, both nutrients essential for growth of any plants.

So, what’s the problem? Aside from subjecting animals to a life of misery and deprivation, there is simply too much manure to be safely applied each year. The excess phosphorus and nitrogen that is not taken up by whatever crop is grown, may run off during the spring melt, rainstorms, and floods. It then gets into streams, rivers and lakes including our beloved Lake Winnipeg.

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Friday, Jun. 21, 2024

algal blooms, green surf beach on the lake, shallow depth of field

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Champions of child health and #ReconciliACTION

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Champions of child health and #ReconciliACTION

4 minute read Friday, Jun. 14, 2024

At Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, we take our role as champions of child health to heart. We recognize the role and importance of reconciliation in the work we do, and it’s with that in mind that we asked a very special 15-year-old to represent all of Manitoba as Champion Child for 2024.

Janessa Dumas Colomb is the first Manitoba Champion from a remote northern First Nation. Every six weeks she travels around 800 km from her home community of Pukatawagan to Winnipeg to see her team of kidney care specialists at HSC Children’s Hospital, plus as Champion she’s attending events and speaking engagements to inspire support for kids just like her.

Janessa’s journey with Manitoba’s only children’s hospital started when she was very young. At age five, she was experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections, and doctors at HSC Children’s told her family that Janessa’s kidneys weren’t functioning properly; one was small, and the other was diseased. By age seven, Janessa had reached Stage 4 kidney disease with 25 percent kidney function that continued to decline.

Recognizing the need to be closer to the specialized pediatric care at HSC Children’s, Janessa’s parents moved her entire family to Winnipeg. After support from pediatric nephrology specialists at Children’s Hospital and a successful kidney transplant, Janessa is doing well and back home with family and friends. She is happy to be doing all the things she loves, like fishing, snowmobiling and fancy shawl dancing.

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Friday, Jun. 14, 2024

Champions of child health and #ReconciliACTION

Imagining a Brighter Future

5 minute read Preview

Imagining a Brighter Future

5 minute read Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

Valerie Henderson first discovered Rossbrook House when she was just 12 years old. Today she is a long-time staff member, mother, and grandmother, who has seen many young people walk through the doors of Rossbrook House.

“I’ve been working evenings at Rossbrook House for a couple decades. When I’m driving to work most people are going home after a long day,” Valerie says. “Children and youth are making their way to their ‘second home’ Rossbrook House because it’s a safe and fun environment. They tell their friends and more children and youth gravitate to Rossbrook House after school.”

One who found his way to Rossbrook House is 15-year-old Asher who, for the past 4 years, has been hanging out every day. “It was a hot summer day, me and my friend were just trying to find a cool place to hang out. So, we walked to Rossbrook House and from the moment I walked in it just felt like home.”

Valerie understands what today’s children and youth are feeling because she went through similar circumstances. “I was hungry for food, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Children and youth come here to fill that need. My home life was not one to be desired. Some of the children and youth experience this as well.”

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Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

NCN Thompson Bus

Wendy King 4 minute read Preview

NCN Thompson Bus

Wendy King 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

Imagine living in a remote community, hundreds of kilometres away from a major urban hub and relying on a bus company to make that trip to access vital services.

And then it disappears.

When Greyhound abandoned its bus routes throughout Manitoba, Jimmy Pelk and Sid Varma saw more than a business opportunity. They saw potential. By committing to and partnering with the local community, they could meet the immediate need and find untapped resources to help keep the north thriving.

“Our mission is connecting the north, and the thing that we live by is a ‘solution for northerns from northerns,’” says Sid Varma, chief operating officer at NCN Thompson Bus.

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Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

I belong.

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I belong.

2 minute read Friday, May. 31, 2024

Jacoby lives with cerebral palsy, a condition which affects his movement, posture and eyesight. He has been receiving exceptional care from the amazing Rehabilitation Centre team for a decade. His condition is chronic and Jacoby will require ongoing support for his development and quality of life.

He is spirited, engaging, kind-hearted and playful. This 12-year-old youth loves sports, Mama Mia, pizza and spending time with his twin sister Addison.

Donor support of the Foundation has made a difference to Jacoby in profound ways. He is an active participant in the donor-funded Leisure in Fun Environments (LIFE) Program, attending summer camps and Saturday Night for Teens sessions. He has also received specialized equipment including an adaptive tricycle to enhance his mobility and independence, a cruiser and smart home technology.

Inclusion is often overlooked as opposed to expected for children and youth living with disabilities. Generous support from donors to the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation helps Jacoby and his peers actively participate with their families, schools, friends and communities.

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Friday, May. 31, 2024

From hope to healing from addiction

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From hope to healing from addiction

4 minute read Wednesday, May. 29, 2024

Daniel Emond was in his first year of university when he fell into the grips of addiction. He’d been studying to become a doctor, though his path changed with his father’s diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

“I was socially involved with drinking and smoking pot, but knowing my father was dying and having no concept of what happens when you die affected me,” Emond says.

That’s when he tried cocaine for the first time. Six months later, he’d dropped out of university and spent all his savings on the drug.

Emond went through addiction treatment, but relapsed. Then, he began shoplifting to feed his habit.

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Wednesday, May. 29, 2024

Wellington-Altus celebrates $30B AUA milestone

Jim Timlick 4 minute read Preview

Wellington-Altus celebrates $30B AUA milestone

Jim Timlick 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 28, 2024

Wellington-Altus recently achieved a major milestone when the Winnipeg based wealth management firm reached the $30 billion mark in assets under administration (AUA).

While that achievement is remarkable in and of itself, it is even more noteworthy when you consider the company was founded just seven years ago.

It’s an accomplishment Wellington-Altus Founder & CEO Shaun Hauser says everyone associated with the company takes pride in.

“Our journey has been extraordinary from day one and surpassing $30 billion AUA in such a remarkably short span is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our clients and advisors, and also to our vision of revolutionizing wealth management in Canada,“ says Hauser.

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Tuesday, May. 28, 2024

Wellington-Altus celebrates $30B AUA milestone

Together, we can end diagnostic and surgical wait times at HSC

1 minute read Preview

Together, we can end diagnostic and surgical wait times at HSC

1 minute read Monday, May. 27, 2024

“Operation Excellence isn’t about taking small steps. It’s about taking giant leaps forward. The campaign is funding the acquisition of impressive new equipment that helps HSC take surgical care to the next level. When it comes to supporting important initiatives, Manitobans always punch above their weight. Let’s all support this vital campaign for Manitoba’s hospital.”

— Christine and Paul Soubry, Operation Excellence Donors

Your Support will help HSC innovate, excel, and deliver tomorrow's health care—today.

Learn more and donate at OperationExcellence.ca or call 204-515-5612 or toll free at 1-800-679-8493.

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Monday, May. 27, 2024

Trade Talks: Winnipeg Entrepreneurs Share Stories, Spark Connections

Kristin Marand 6 minute read Preview

Trade Talks: Winnipeg Entrepreneurs Share Stories, Spark Connections

Kristin Marand 6 minute read Wednesday, May. 22, 2024

Winnipeg's World Trade Centre (WTC) brings Manitoba entrepreneurs from all industries together to share their experiences, successes, and challenges in its monthly WTC Talks series. Last week's event at Little Brown Jug featured two founders in the food and beverage space: Landon Kroeker of Von Slick’s Finishing Butter and Kevin Selch of Little Brown Jug. The event, hosted by WTC CEO André Brin, was a candid look at the ups and downs of navigating a product-based business.

“At its core, it's about two entrepreneurs telling their story and inspiring others,” says Brin. “It's to feature entrepreneurs from Manitoba, to show that there are unbelievable success stories here, and to inspire others that it is possible to grow your business to the point of being very successful in Manitoba, Canada, and maybe all over the world. The idea is to inspire but also to learn and network.”

Selch shared that while working as an economist in Ottawa in the early aughts, he became enamored with the burgeoning craft brewing scene in Ontario, Quebec, and Vermont. He decided to bring the concept back home just as Manitoba's regulations began to shift, creating opportunities for local producers. He says he returned to his hometown with just one B – a business plan but didn't have any of the other B's he knew he needed: a building, a bank, a beer, a brewmaster, or a brand.

Kroeker and long-time friend and business partner Rob Sengotta knew they wanted to work on something together. When Sengotta, a French-trained chef, proposed the idea of finishing butter in a push tube, they knew they had found a unique gap in the market and started down the path of entrepreneurship.

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Wednesday, May. 22, 2024

Trade Talks: Winnipeg Entrepreneurs Share Stories, Spark Connections

When Community Comes Together

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When Community Comes Together

2 minute read Friday, May. 17, 2024

When it comes to health care, I think Manitobans all want the same things: timely access, improved patient care, modernized technology and facilities, and an ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.

In recent weeks, the Health Sciences Centre Foundation has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the provincial government, medical leaders, patients, and Foundation donors to celebrate important developments that demonstrate what's possible when the community comes together in common cause.

In March, we announced the opening of the donor-funded Unit 858, a step-down unit for neurosurgery patients, including those who have undergone procedures for epilepsy. In April, along with our friends from Transplant Manitoba, we celebrated the news that 83 kidney transplants were performed in Manitoba in 2023—a new record! Together, we shone a light on the vital role played by the Transplant Wellness Centre, which was funded in large part by HSC Foundation donors. Also in April, the provincial government announced the creation of a provincial spine program that will reduce wait times for consultations and surgeries. New, state-of-the-art equipment funded by the HSC Foundation's Operation Excellence campaign will be an important element of this program's success.

Each time we have a new development to announce—a new milestone to celebrate—I am energized by the potential we all share to set new standards in care. I am optimistic; and I am grateful for the partnerships we are nurturing and for the generosity of our donors.

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Friday, May. 17, 2024

July 22, 2024

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