Fall 2023
Manitoba
Fall 2023
Manitoba
Manitobans are incredibly generous at heart. The act of giving can be simple. It’s something that Manitobans know well. Like the individuals on the cover of this magazine, appreciated acts of giving back can be as simple as assisting others with apple processing. it’s securing your family’s future or assisting with a local cause, funds are central to these plans.
There are so many wonderful organizations that require our assistance. For that reason, the Free Press has reached out to organizations to participate in Give Manitoba . The goal is to remind others of our community’s needs in the event that you wish to support organizations doing wonderful work. Whether you wish to give a gift to your favourite organization during the holiday season or plan to incorporate them into your will, consider supporting these busy community-based organizations this season.
Members of The Winnipeg Foundation helped those at South Osborne Community Garden by physically helping them press harvested apples. Anyone with prolific apple trees knows that they come in fast and furious. A lot of hands are needed to complete this job. Assisting directly, such as with apple processing or sand bagging during a flood, is in the Manitoba community’s DNA. When an immediate need exists, we do our best to meet it. But Manitobans also fully understand the need for long-term planning. Whether
Charlene Adam The Free Press, Director Lifestyles Media
COVER PHOTO: Members of the South Osborne Community Garden press apples harvested at the site. Photo courtesy of The Winnipeg Foundation
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President and CEO: Darren Murphy Vice President Revenue and Business Development: Michele Prysazniuk Director, Lifestyles Media: Charlene Adam Charlene.Adam@freepress.mb.ca Editor: Jennifer McFee Design: Ken Waterman, Karen Spence
For advertising information, call: 204-697-7390
View online at: winnipegfreepress.com/lifestyles
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A HOSPITAL FOR HEROES Established as a rehabilitation and care facility for Veterans, Deer Lodge Centre has become far more, serving the community in new and exciting ways each year.
Leave a Legacy Your bequest will make a lasting impact on the lives of our students at The University of Winnipeg and The University of Winnipeg Collegiate.
Established as a rehabilitation and care facility for Veterans, Deer Lodge Centre has become far more, serving the community in new and exciting ways each year. Planning your gift to Deer Lodge Centre today will ensure care for generations to come. For more information, please contact Executive Director Nicole LaTourelle:
Bunny Gutnik, Planned Giving Officer 204.789.1471 b.gutnik@uwinnipeg.ca
204.272.8911 nlatourelle@deerlodgefoundation.ca
uwinnipeg.ca/planned-giving
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IT’S GIVING: GENEROSITY ACROSS GENERATIONS A gift to The Winnipeg Foundation gives back to the community. page 6 CHANGE A CHILD’S LIFE Consider supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. page 11 SERVING CITY-WIDE AND BEYOND: SUPPORTING GRACE HOSPITAL An investment in the Grace Hospital is an investment in the community. page 14 GOODNESS OF GIVING It feels great to donate to organizations like St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. page 18 LUNG ASSOCIATION RELIES ON VOLUNTEER POWER Manitoba man gives back after life saved. page 20 DONATIONS IMPROVE ANIMALS’ LIVES AT WHS Many ways to help meet evolving needs. page 22
Manitoba 5
THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION LIATIVE MANITOBA
IT’S GIVING Generosity across generations
P hilanthropy is not a word that reso- nates with everyone. For some people it evokes jaw-dropping gifts from wealthy individuals and families; for others it may gesture towards leaving a legacy of charita- ble work. What the word can fail to illustrate is the importance of everyday generosity, from donating dollars typically spent on to- go coffees to stepping up and volunteering on a non-profit board of directors. Megan Tate, vice-president of community impact at The Winnipeg Foundation, has been working in the charitable sector for more than two decades and is hoping that, while the word may not always resonate, the results will. “Every gift is important, no matter the size, for several reasons,” Tate says. “At The Winnipeg Foundation, the endowment mod- el means that all gifts are pooled together with hundreds of others — the impact is real.” But it’s not just about the monetary impact. Tate explains that while dollars are helpful, when someone makes a gift to a charity, they are acknowledging the important work that organization does in community. “Being seen and having your work sup- ported is so important, especially in a sector that can be challenging to work within,” she says. “Raising morale and honouring the efforts made to serve community has a tremendous impact.” Volunteering is another way to contribute
to community, particularly at a time when organizations are struggling to bounce back to pre-pandemic volunteer numbers. “Alongside making grants to non-profit organizations, The Winni - peg Foundation is working to better support the charitable and non-profit sector,” Tate adds, “which, in addition to the volunteer shortage, is facing staffing challenges related to burnout and low wages.” While The Winnipeg Foundation will always be committed to supporting the projects of individual community organi- zations, Tate says that capacity building across the non-profit and charitable sector is crucial. “Community non-profits alone contrib - ute $1.3 billion to Manitoba’s economy, and more than 100,000 people work in the non-profit sector across the province,” she says. “This is part of the systems change; the sector needs to be sup- ported to be able to serve community, and it needs to be acknowledged that it meaningfully contributes to our province in terms of jobs, services and economic impact.” Throughout her career at the founda- tion, Tate has noticed that donors are becoming increasingly engaged with where their gifts are going and how they are touching people’s lives.
Megan Tate, vice-president of community impact for The Winnipeg Foundation. Photo by Darcy Finley
Continued on page 8
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Manitoba
THE WINNIPEG FOUNDATION
IT’S GIVING... MANITOBA.
Manitoba’s nonprofit sector contributes $7.1 billion in economic impact!
The nonprofit sector employs more than 100,000 people in Manitoba!
49% of Manitobans volunteer, contributing 63 million hours annually!
Manitoba is home to 57 community foundations - More per capita than any other area of the country!
The Winnipeg Foundation is Canada’s first community foundation!
Raymond Nagaburi, Rainbow Community Garden
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W ill changing the course of cancer be a part of your legacy? A gift in your will to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation is an investment in a future free of cancer. For Tracey Mazur, a gift in her will is a way to honour her family. As the last living member of her family, Tracey felt a huge responsibility to choose charities that were meaningful to her and honoured the memory of her loved ones. In preparation, she spent a lot of time researching charitable organizations to find those that aligned with her goals. “It makes me feel good to know that I have a part in creating a better future for Manitobans with cancer,” said Tracey. “Finding better cancer treatments is something that is important to me. I’ve watched family members and friends battle cancer and sometimes their treatment hasn’t changed in the last decade. I want to be a small part of finding a cure. I would encourage others to think about leaving a gift to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in their will.” Legacy gifts help provide services at CancerCare not eligible for govern- ment funding. Your gift will ensure Manitobans with cancer live longer and better lives due to the availability of new treatments and technology. A gift in your will perpetuates your values and beliefs and brings to life your desire to make a difference for others. There are several ways to make a lega- cy gift to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation • Make a gift in your will for a specific amount or property, or for a percentage of the residue of your estate • Designate CancerCare Manitoba Foundation as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, RRSP, or RRIF • Donate an existing life insurance policy Legacy Gifts Create a Strong Future for Cancer Research and Treatment in Manitoba
TWHI NE NWI PI NE NG I PH EU GM FA ON UE NSDOACTI EI OTNY L
Some people want to know they’ve made a difference in the life of an individual.” — Megan Tate, vice-president of community impact, The Winnipeg Foundation “
Continued from page 6
“They are more interested in what’s hap- pening with community and the agencies who serve it,” she says. In keeping with the trend of giving directly to causes or individuals through platforms like GoFundMe, Tate posits that increased engagement speaks to a more active donor base that encompasses different demo- graphics, whereas traditionally people might have seen a gift to The Winnipeg Foundation as the culmination of their philanthropic goals. “I foresee donors continuing to be en- gaged,” she says. This engagement looks different depend- ing on the donor. “Some people want to know they’ve made a difference in the life of an individual,” Tate notes, “while others want to know they are contributing to systemic change — there is a spectrum of what giving means.” While the goals for individual donors may vary, every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.
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CANCERCARE MANITOBA
It makes me feel good to know that I have a part in creating a better future for Manitobans with cancer.” — Tracey Mazur “
Your decision to include CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in your estate plans will have a profound impact on Manitobans and their families facing a cancer diagnosis. By making a gift in your will, you support: • A state-of-the-art cancer research centre operated by clinical and research talent from across the world • A robust clinical trials program • The very best possible physical and emotional support and care for Manitobans affected by cancer and their families Interested in more information or getting started? To learn more about planning a gift for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, please call Monique Gauthier, Development Manager at 204-927-5433, or email mgauthier8@cancercare.mb.ca. Together, we can create a world without cancer.
For Tracey Mazur, a gift in her will is a way to honour her family. Submitted photo
Will Changing the Course of Cancer be Part of Your Legacy? Including CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in your legacy planning is an investment in a future free of cancer while improving treatment and outcomes today. You can feel good knowing your gifts remain in Manitoba ensuring your family, friends and neighbours are receiving advanced care in their own communities. Your gift will have a profound impact on families and will support local cancer research, clinical trials, advanced equipment and facilities, prevention and improved patient outcomes.
cancercarefdn.mb.ca 204-787-4143
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CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Client: CCMF / Insertion: Winnipeg Free Press Give Manitoba Insertion Date: April 17 CCMF April 2023 Give MB ad / CMYK / 7.125 in x 4.875 Problems or questions email msellar2@cancercare.mb.ca
CHILDRENS HOSPITAL FOUNDATION OF MANITOBA
Help make sure kids like Pacey always have the best care possible. Become a monthly donor at goodbear.ca
Your support will: • Unlock the mysteries of childhood diseases • Build places of hope and healing • Purchase specialized medical equipment • Develop Child Health programs Give Better Futures to sick and injured kids. That’s the power of your legacy gift. For a confidential discussion on how your legacy can help, contact 204-594-5337 or cnodrick@goodbear.ca Let’s make anything possible. You have the power to ensure a brighter future for kids in Manitoba. The gift of a future
goodbear.ca
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Change a child’s life by supporting CHFM
Travis Price Heart Centre play tree waiting area. Submitted photo
By Janine LeGal T he benefits of giving are immeasur - able — not only for those on the receiv- ing end but also for the givers. Wide-ranging research consistently shows that the act of giving can result in sig- nificant health benefits, including a decrease in stress, an increase in happiness and feelings of gratitude, which are essential to overall well-being. Manitobans know this and have invariably been the most generous in the country. Our province continues to reclaim the title of most people per capita who donate to chari- ties, according to Statistics Canada. Stefano Grande, CEO of the Children’s Hos - pital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFM), appreci - ates this prairie province trait. The former CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is a community builder, collaborator and connector, with a passion for the city and prov- ince and a profound interest in positively im - pacting children’s health. The husband and fa -
ther recently celebrated five years with the CHFM. “It’s been an incredible journey, a journey of trying to improve our hospital and health care for our children in our province,” he says. “It’s been inspiring how the vision of our doctors and health leadership have inspired the donors to be part of that transformation. It’s been very humbling to see the generosity of Manitobans.” The Better Futures campaign, Manitoba’s largest-ever donor-driven fundraising campaign in support of child health, hopes to raise $75 million for chil - dren’s health care and health research in Manitoba.
Dr. Goodbear, 2023 champion child Keira and Stefano Grande,
CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. Submitted photo
Continued on page 12
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CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION OF MANITOBA
Continued from page 11
According to Grande, monetary contri - butions and motivations may vary but all of it is equally important and has the ability to create change. “There’s someone you think might give a little bit and they give a lot, for a lot of different reasons: a child of theirs has been sick, a niece, a nephew — they’re so thankful, they want to show that thanks,” Grande says. “There’s other donors who give because it’s the right thing to do.” For Grande, there isn’t anything more important than what he’s doing now. “I strive to be better as a father every day,” he says, adding that learning about every child’s story makes him more thankful and appreciative. There is immense gratitude for the Chil - dren’s Hospital staff and the donors who support the hospital to ensure it’s ready for emergency situations for kids across Mani- toba, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut. “It feels like we can talk to people here and our care needs are met,” says one of the parents with a sick child receiving hos- pital care. “Nothing is too impossible here.” Likewise, Grande echoes similar senti- ments.
Travis Price Heart Centre ultrasound room. Submitted photo
Travis Price Heart Centre EKG room. Submitted photo
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“
“We all understand that we want the best health care possible for our kids. We don’t know if or when they will need that health care. Over 140,000 kids every year do. We have a responsibility to ensure that we provide our doctors with the best infrastruc- ture, programs and technology,” Grande adds. “The voice to champion the health-care system is with us and the community. We have to be their voice; these kids are so innocent.” With the help of donors, sick children will get the care they need in places of comfort and healing, and they will benefit from lead - ing-edge research focused specifically on their unique needs. The innovative programs include an Indigenous community healing space, both indoor and outdoor mental health play spaces and a space for children with ongoing cardiac needs, among others. There’s still work to be done — and hope that donors will continue to support the campaign during the holiday season and into the new year. Visit https://goodbear.ca/area-of-need/ better-futures/ for more information.
I feel like we can talk to people here and our cares are met. Nothing is too impossible here.” — mother of patient at the Children’s Hospital
Outdoor play space at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health inpatient unit of HSC. Submitted photo
Your Gift Can Provide for the Most Vulnerable in Winnipeg Leave a Legacy that builds bridges of hope by supporting the physical, spiritual, and phsychological needs of our community, we aim to bring eternal freedom and joy.
On average, each day we serve:
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www.lighthousemission.ca 1-204-943-9669 info@lighthousemission.ca
Manitoba 13
GRACE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Jon Einarson is the executive director of the Grace Hospital Foundation. Photo by Darcy Finley
Serving city-wide and beyond:
Supporting Grace Hospital
By Kristin Marand G race Hospital is one of three acute care hospitals in Winnipeg, mean- ing they have a 24-hour emergen- cy department and intensive care unit. They also offer 24-hour emergency surgery for orthopedics, perform general surgery and have a full scope of medical services, including a diagnostic imaging lab. In addition, the Grace specializes in hip and knee joint replacement, performing more than 1,500 annually. “We’re a full-service 24-hour hospital that serves not just the west end of Winni- peg but the entire city,” says Jon Einarson,
foundation hosts several annual events such as Grace Hospital Day, a bocce ball tournament, the Grace Gala held annually in October and the Really Big Used Book Sale. Please mark your calendars for their upcoming winter celebration, a free family fun event with fireworks, pictures with Santa and a drive-in movie at Sturgeon Creek Park showing The Polar Express on Dec. 8. When the Grace became one of the city’s acute care facilities in 2016, needed upgrades were identified and addressed. They increased the square footage of their emergency room five-fold, opened an MRI building and revamped their diagnostic
executive director of the Grace Hospital Foundation. “Grace Hospital Foundation and our extraordinary board of directors have one mandate: to engage with our community to raise vital funds to support patient care, programming and staff at Grace Hospital. It’s a job we take very seriously, and we’re very lucky,” he says. “We have a very caring community that surrounds us, and they provide us with excellent support and help, which means our patients are receiving the absolute best care they possibly can.” There are several ways to support patients, quality of care, research, staff and all the efforts at Grace Hospital. The
Continued on page 16
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Intensive Care, Critical Need
Recently, the Province of Manitoba announced generous funding for the development of a brand-new, state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit at Grace Hospital. To help make this transformation a reality, Grace Hospital Foundation has pledged to raise an additional $5 million to support its construction. A campaign to build a new ICU at the Grace
Donate Today! gracehospitalfoundation.ca Help make our new ICU a reality. The “Next Step” in building our Campus of Care The “Intensive Care, Critical Need” campaign is the next step in Grace Hospital’s plan to expand its services, and deliver the highest standard of care, as one of the three designated acute care facilities in Manitoba.
The intensive care capacity we gain through this new centre will provide benefits to patients not only in the city but to the entire province.
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WINNIPEG HUMANE SOCIETY GRACE HOSPITAL FOUNDATIONL
Continued from page 14
make a donation to the area of greatest need or set up a gift in memoriam, such as through the Tree of Life fundraising drive in November. You can also arrange a monthly gift, no matter how humble. As well, you can specify if you’d like your donation to support a specific project, research area, equipment or program need. “Monthly donors can provide an incred- ible base of ongoing support. It doesn’t have to be large amounts, but when you have many monthly donors, all con- tributing and doing their bit, big things happen,” Einarson says. “We rely on the kindness of people making gifts of whatever size they can, in whatever way they want. We have a great website where people can go and support specific campaigns, so people have a bit of choice there. And, ultimately, we’re just grateful for every solitary person who gives us whatever they wish.” Visit gracehospitalfoundation.ca to learn more.
imaging services by adding a second CT scanner, a new digital X-ray and ultra- sound. At the same time, they also added echocardiogram services. The work to improve the quality and breadth of ser- vices continues with the Intensive Care Critical Need Capital Campaign. “All of this is because now, as an acute care hospital serving the entire city, our patient volumes have increased dramati- cally. We’re so excited about what this will mean for the Grace. We currently have a 10-bed ICU, but the space is old. It’s not ideal,” Einarson explains. “This new ICU is intended to be up to 20 beds, all brand-new construction and completely state of the art. So that will address not just our growing and emerg- ing needs at the Grace but also for the city ICU capacity and, in certain cases, the province — so it’s a big deal for the health-care system.” If you are inclined to discover ways to support the work at Grace Hospital, you can contribute to a specific campaign,
“
When you have many
monthly donors, all contributing and doing their bit, big things happen”
— Jon Einarson, executive director, Grace Hospital Foundation
Photo by Darcy Finley
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To learn more about Harvest Manitoba and our work, please visit us at: HarvestManitoba.ca Invest ina Lifetime of Impact OUR COMMUNITY, AND YOURS FOR YEARS TO COME. YOUR LEGACY GIFT TODAY WILL NOURISH
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fighting for, and making possible happen.
Or call: 204-982-3663
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GOODNESS of giving The
ST BONIFACE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
I see giving as the way that we can all contribute to our society in a way that’s meaningful.” — Lisa Thomson Stifora, director of communications and stewardship, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation “
Lisa Thomson Stifora, director of communications and stewardship for St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, stands in front of the donor wall at St. Boniface Hospital. Photo by Darcy Finley
By Jim Bender G iving to charities can be good for your soul. “It feels good to give and I don’t think you can underestimate that sort of dopamine hit that goes through your body when you make your gift,” says Lisa Thomson Stifora, director of com- munications and stewardship for the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. “It’s a great feeling to know that you’re doing something that’s going to make someone else’s life better and, yeah, there’s no feeling like it.” Thomson Stifora, who has previously worked for the University of Manitoba, Brandon University and Assiniboine Park Conservancy, has been supporting fund- raising for most of her career. “I see giving as the way that we can all contribute to our society in a way that’s meaningful,” she says. “So, whether you care for an organization like mine that supports health care or one that supports the arts or social services, it’s a way for you to bring meaning into your life and do something that is good for
decisions about your family or yourself, you can do it with privacy and the time and space so that you can really talk to your doctor in a meaningful way.” The foundation also supported Manito- ba’s first endovascular hybrid operating room and other game-changing initiatives at the hospital, Thomson Stifora adds. The non-profit St. Boniface Hospital Foundation raises about $9 million per year. “Manitobans are known to be some of the most generous people in the country per capita. We really see that bear out here. It’s phenomenal what they do for us. And we know that a lot of our donors not only support us in a really generous way, but they are also supporting other organi- zations,” Thomson Stifora says. “So the folks who are supporting us are just a phenomenal group who do so much good. I think it goes to us being a humble community where you want to do some- thing good for your neighbours and the people who live here — and to make Mani- toba as great a place to live as you can.”
somebody else. And it gives you an amaz- ing feeling to do something selfless.” Donating to the foundation can result in life-saving and life-changing ways. “Our donors support one of the most im- portant causes that you can, which is your health. And when you support St. Boniface Hospital, you are making a real investment in not only your health and the health of your loved ones today but, of course, all of our future health because research is a big pillar of what we do,” Thomson Stifora says. “We have scientists that are making new discoveries every day that are helping us to fight some of the biggest health challenges that we’ll all face in the future.” Donors are currently supporting the renovation of the hospital’s emergency department, which will include a lot of compassionate care spaces thanks to the philanthropic investment of the founda- tion. “We will have things like a family pallia- tive room so that you can say goodbye to a loved one in a private space,” she says. “Compassionate care settings will in- clude consultation rooms so that when you are making really important and difficult
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Plan for a healthier future Join the Legacy of Hope Society today. By leaving an estate gift to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation in your will, you become part of a family of dedicated
Support those who need care and those who provide it. • Say thank you for the care you or a loved one received at St. Boniface Hospital. • Expand the Hospital’s vision for better care with new technologies, treatments, and training. • Give more to those you love by receiving tax savings on your estate.
supporters who envision a future of health, hope, and healing for generations to come. Members of the Legacy of Hope Society are rewarded with the gratification of having made a lasting contribution towards a healthier future.
Contact St. Boniface Hospital Foundation today to learn how you can make the greatest possible impact as a donor. Amazing things are possible with an estate gift.
Garth Johnson, Donor Relations 204-291-4461 gjohnson@stbhf.org
“Our family philosophy is to pay it forward. We’re not millionaires, but every dollar counts.” Barbara McGregor, Legacy of Hope Society member.
bealifeline.ca
LUNG ASSOCIATION OF MANITOBA Lung Association relies on volunteer power
By Todd Lewys I n 1998, Dennis was given five years to live. He was suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, a thick - ening of the tissue around and between the alveoli (or air sacs) in the lungs. Somehow, he managed to beat the odds until 2011, when his overtaxed lungs finally needed to be replaced. “I got my lung transplant on Easter weekend of 2011,” he recalls. “I was quite close to dying, so the timing couldn’t have been better.”
Although the transplant itself was a suc- cess, he did experience some non-lung-re- lated complications for about six to nine months after the transplant. Dennis says that’s where the support of the Lung Association of Manitoba played a central role in his recovery.
“
They were very helpful after the transplant — they provided a lot of encouragement and gave me hope.” — Dennis Woodford, lung transplant support group member
“They were very helpful after the transplant — they provided a lot of encouragement and gave me hope,” he says. “The staff there was very helpful, and I received much-needed encourage- ment from those who had previously gone through transplants themselves.”
Kirsten Davidson, senior manager of fund development, and Dennis Woodford, member of the lung transplant support group of the Lung Association of Manitoba. Photo by Darcy Finley
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she says. “He can share a story of hope with those who have just gone through or who are waiting to go through what he did. We want to build community around people, and volunteers like Dennis help us do that.” Davidson adds that the lung trans- plant support group is just one of several support groups the Lung Association operates. “One in five Manitobans struggle with lung disease, so we also have a pulmonary fibrosis group, as well as a long COVID group,” she notes. “We also run a Manitoba Quits program to help people quit smoking and run a school-based program called Lungs are for Life that teaches kids about the different facets of lung health.” Those aren’t the only programs that the Lung Association offers. “We also have Lungs Matter, a radon miti- gation grant program, and LUNGtivity, a pro- gram that provides breath, core, diaphragm training and gentle movement exercises for Manitobans living with lung conditions,” she says.
Today, Dennis, 78, is thriving. “About a year after the transplant, my lungs were about the same as they were when they were healthy,” he says. “Now, I test them every day, and they’re working fine.” So much so that he still has the energy to run his own engineering company. He also donates his time to support others who have gone through a lung transplant or are about to. “Now I can help others — it feels so good to be able to provide help when I can. I’m involved with virtual meetings where I can use my experience to counsel those who’ve had a lung transplant or are still waiting to get one,” he says. “The waiting stage can be very challenging, so I do what I can to help others cope as best they can.“ Kirsten Davidson, senior manager of fund development for the Lung Association of Manitoba, says she’s thrilled that Dennis takes time to share his success story with others who are about to go down the same path he did. “He has an incredible journey to share,”
Overall, the Lung Association’s mission is a simple one. “We try to provide the education and support people need to learn about and deal with any breathing challenges they face,” Davidson says. “We want to help in any way we can to encourage people to think about healthy breathing for healthy living.” Dennis will be forever grateful for that support. “Thanks to the transplant and all the support I received,” he says, “I got a new lease on life.”
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Manitoba 21
WINNIPEG HUMANE SOCIETY
Photo by Darcy Finley
at WHS Donations improve animals’ lives
By Lindsey Ward T he Winnipeg Humane Society has been meeting the needs of our less fortunate animal friends for 129 years — and those needs are constantly changing. A gift to the WHS can go towards count- less evolving causes within the organi- zation, explains Lesley Lewis, director of donor relations. “A lot of people look at us as just adop- tions, but it’s a small part of what we do,” Lewis says. “We’re busy with adoptions, for sure, but we do so much more.” While the WHS has an average of 220 animals in its shelter every day in addition to hundreds of animals in foster care, the non-profit charity’s operating costs are largely attributed to its clinic. The fully functioning animal hospital costs $2.2 mil-
lion annually to stay afloat so its vulnerable patients can get the care they need — be it a spay or neuter, routine vaccinations, dental extractions or more serious surger- ies. “We have to get the animals happy and healthy or we can’t do anything else,” Lewis says. Another crucial service the WHS has recently grown thanks to donors is their di- version programming, which helps provide pet food, veterinary services, training and even animal behaviour tips via a hotline to pet owners who are struggling financially. The goal? To keep pets with their families, where they belong. “When people hit hard times, unfortu- nately they make that decision that they can’t keep their family pet, so they come to us to take care of them,” Lewis says. “But we really want to keep that animal with
their family.” Spay and neuter clinics in northern Manitoba and inner-city communities, food for troubled farm animals in rural areas and training for therapy dogs who provide mental health support in the community are among the other unique causes WHS donor dollars are going towards these days. “The great thing is, we’re always the first organization people think of when their an- imal is in need, and that’s exactly what we want,” Lewis says. “And then we just have to figure out the best way to help them.” Meanwhile, they’ve also figured out some innovative ways to bring in dona- tions. Those who want to show fur friends some love can purchase items from the
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WHS Pet Shop’s online wish list, which goes directly off the shelf into the shelter. Got Air Miles to spare? You can donate them. How about an old winter beater that needs to be towed? The WHS will take it off your hands if you’re willing to donate the proceeds. Monetary contributions are always ap- preciated, of course, and the 3,000 month- ly supporters who have set up automatic withdrawals are responsible for keeping “the lights on,” Lewis says. Or, in one case, re-covering the grounds. The great thing is, we’re the first organization people think of when their animal is in need.” —Lesley Lewis , director of donor relations “
Lesley Lewis, director of donor relations. Photo by Darcy Finley
best time … it was so incredible because this totally made a difference for this ani- mal. And you know that’s going to translate to all of the other ones who are going to benefit from that run,” Lewis says. “Anything we can do to improve things for these animals is just such a win.”
A couple of months ago, one of the yards the WHS uses for behaviour training’s rocky run was resurfaced with Astroturf thanks to one generous donor. “To see the first dog come out, and just their reaction — because running on Astro- turf is a lot more fun than running on rocks — to see him roll around and just have the
Your Legacy Can Support the Future of Care in Manitoba Your legacy gift will make a difference as we strive to support the unique services that only Misericordia offers to Manitobans. From the Eye Care Centre of Excellence to Health Links – Info Santé to the Sleep Disorder Centre , your support today, and in the future, makes a tremendous impact on
the lives of residents, patients, and all those who walk through Misericordia’s doors.
MISERICORDIA HOSPITAL
mhcfoundation@misericordia.mb.ca | 204.788.8458 misericordiafoundation.com/legacygiving
Manitoba 23
Let Your Love of Animals BE YOUR LEGACY
Who we choose to include in our wills is a reflection of those who are most precious to us in life – family, friends, and the causes closest to our hearts. When you decide to leave a gift to the Winnipeg Humane Society in your will, you are providing care for the future generations of dogs, cats, and critters who need our help the most.
winnipeghumanesociety.ca To learn more, contact Sharon Rubel, Manager, Donor Relations at SharonR@WinnipegHumaneSociety.ca or 204 982 2033.
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