Latest news with #Children'sHospitalFoundationofManitoba
Winnipeg Free Press
17 hours ago
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sponsored Content Honouring Indigenous Children in Hospital
Every year 140,000 kids need care and treatment at HSC Children's Hospital. At any given time, 60 per cent of them are Indigenous. Many of them come from remote and northern communities, travelling hundreds of kilometres away from their homes, their families and their cultural supports. Some may stay in the hospital for weeks or even months. That's why we're supporting the development of the Indigenous Community Healing Space. It is needed for young patients and their families, and is a priority of the HSC Children's reconciliation initiatives. In Manitoba, Indigenous children are three to five times more likely to be affected by disease and health conditions when compared to non-Indigenous children. It's a grim statistic that points to systemic challenges Indigenous populations face. This is why everyone at the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, the health care heroes at HSC Children's Hospital and the researchers at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba are committed to ReconciliACTION, and improving health outcomes for all kids who need care at Manitoba's only children's hospital. National Indigenous History month is a time to honour the unique experiences, cultures, achievements and stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples – like Janessa. In 2024, Children's Hospital Foundation announced Janessa as the first Champion Child from a Northern remote First Nations community. Janessa's home is in Pukatawagan and her healing journey highlights the challenges children in Manitoba's remote and isolated communities face to get specialized pediatric care. For kids like Janessa, the 2,000-sq.- ft. Indigenous Community Healing Space will include an area for traditional ceremonies, a library with Indigenous children's books and a place for visiting Elders, healers and Knowledge Keepers to share stories and help comfort kids and their families. Wednesdays Sent weekly from the heart of Turtle Island, an exploration of Indigenous voices, perspectives and experiences. The space is fully Indigenous, led by Dr. Melanie Morris along with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, other Indigenous community members as well as Indigenous leaders in our medical community. When complete, it will provide families with a culturally safe space for healing. Its design will offer a place where children and families can connect with each other and nurture their whole selves – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In that same spirit, that's why we wanted Indigenous community members to truly see themselves at the Teddy Bears' Picnic. Last year Picnic started with Indigenous drummers and special messages from Indigenous leaders. Throughout the day, First Nations dancers, Inuit throat singers and Métis fiddlers took centre stage to entertain and educate children and families. On top of this, Indigenous Elders offered teachings all day long inside a teepee, further bridging connections. We hope that the community joins us again for Picnic on September 7 at Assiniboine Park. To help us continue supporting areas of need like the Indigenous Community Healing Space, please donate at Learn more about our Reconciliation efforts at
Winnipeg Free Press
16-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Couple donate $1M to hospital foundations
A Winnipeg couple have donated $1 million to two hospital foundations. Philanthropists Bob and Heather Williams, of real estate company Swancoat Investments, have donated $600,000 to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation's Operation Excellence campaign, which focuses on tech investments and facility upgrades. The couple has also given $400,000 to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba's Better Futures campaign, which funds infrastructure improvements, programming and pediatric research. 'Heather and I have always been inspired by philanthropy and volunteering. We're lucky and excited to be able to donate this money to foundations that make a difference for so many people,' Bob Williams said in a release Wednesday. SUPPLIED 'We know that the government can't do it all, but these foundations, who are on the front line, know how to make a positive difference in our health care.' The Williams' first donation to HSC Foundation was in 2007. Bob is a member of the Bannatyne Legacy Circle, a group of donors who include a gift to the foundation in their estate after they die. Heather, a former nurse, was the past president of the Children's Hospital Guild of Manitoba and volunteers at Nearly New, a volunteer-run thrift store that donates all of its proceeds to the Children's Hospital. 'It's truly humbling to see how philanthropy can create change in our health-care system,' Stefano Grande, CEO of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, said in the release. Jonathon Lyon, CEO of the HSC Foundation, said it is 'incredibly grateful' for the couple's support. fpcity@
Winnipeg Free Press
14-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Couple donates $1M to hospital foundations
A Winnipeg couple have donated $1 million to two of the city's largest hospital foundations. Longtime philanthropists Bob and Heather Williams, of real estate company Swancoat Investments, have donated $600,000 to the Health Sciences Centre's Operation Excellence campaign. It focuses on tech investments and facility upgrades. The couple has also given $400,000 to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba's Better Futures campaign, which funds infrastructure improvements, programming and pediatric research. SUPPLIED 'Heather and I have always been inspired by philanthropy and volunteering. We're lucky and excited to be able to donate this money to foundations that make a difference for so many people,' Bob Williams said in a release Wednesday. 'We know that the government can't do it all, but these foundations, who are on the front line, know how to make a positive difference in our health care.' Bob and Heather's first donation to HSC was in 2007. Bob is a member of the HSC Foundation's Bannatyne Legacy Circle, a group of donors who include a gift to the foundation in their estate after they pass away. Heather, a former nurse, was the past president of the Children's Hospital Guild of Manitoba and volunteers at Nearly New, a volunteer-run thrift store that donates all of its proceeds to the Children's Hospital. 'It's truly humbling to see how philanthropy can create change in our health-care system,' Stefano Grande, CEO of the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, said in the release. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Jonathon Lyon, CEO of the HSC Foundation, said it is 'incredibly grateful' for the couple's support. fpcity@
