2023
Willow Place Autumn 2023 E-Newsletter
ECUADOR TREK UPDATE
Winnipeg Realtor, Chris Pennycook
Willow Place is delighted to once again be supported by local Royal LePage agent, Chris Pennycook. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation raises awareness and much-needed funds for shelter programs across Canada, and the annual Trek is a significant part of this commitment to helping those in need. THANK YOU, Chris and all those who have contributed to make this amazing event possible.
As of September, Chris had already raised over $40,000; and he hopes to once again raise over $100,00! You can follow his program and donate by visiting Chris’s fundraising page: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
IZZY CHAT APP
Innovation improves access
This past summer, Willow Place launched the Izzy chat application with support from Gender Equity Manitoba. The app provides another option for those seeking violence prevention supports to connect with crisis-support staff at Willow Place. Located on our web site, Izzy appears as a white and purple box in the lower right of the screen. Clicking on the box launches the chat application.
A special THANK YOU to our wonderful Willow Place shelter program staff who demonstrated commitment to learning the Izzy app and whose feedback helped to customize Izzy to meet our crisis response needs.
IMPORTANT: any person, any gender can call us for info or support – 24-hours, every day!
Other ways to connect with Willow Place staff include:
Manitoba toll-free: 1-877-977-0007 (directs caller to closest regional resources)
Winnipeg local: 204-615-0311
Text line: 204-813-8887
VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Thank you, Anna!
What inspired you to apply for the Willow Place volunteer program?
I felt a calling to volunteer – specifically somewhere that supported women in crisis. I did a Google Search to see what organizations felt aligned with my mission and values – I am a Tranformational Life Coach focused on the neuroscience “of ‘stuckness’.“
What types of activities and supports have you participated in for Willow Place?
“I have done art sessions, supported and played with children, organized art and storage spaces (so the incredible staff can access what they need, when needed), and supported community outreach activities to help spread the word about this vital organization.“
Are there volunteering highlights you’d like to share – what have you noticed or learned?
“So many! 1) Watching staff in action – how they care for and truly seek to support the residents is a testimony to Willow Place’s commitment to empower families. Staff attitudes are contagious, empowering and uplifting. As a volunteer that matters a lot, in creating a space that I love to come to week after week. 2) The residents of Willow Place – I love interacting with children and seeing their artistic expressions, and being a part of such a positive, forward-looking space. I love that women in shelter have chosen to stand up for themselves and that Willow Place provides them with guidance to create a new narrative for them and their families. It feels hopeful. 3) I know the importance of holding space for people and treating them not as broken or missing anything, but I see it in action at Willow Place and it is inspiring. No one talks down to anyone; there is an atmosphere of respect. Women are not treated like they have done something wrong or that they are lesser than others. There are so many skilled and artistic women passing through! HIGHLIGHTS: when children offered to tidy the paper cabinet with me – they worked so hard! Hanging out with staff at golf fundraiser day – we were treated so well and everyone was an absolute delight.“
Self-care is important for those working with violence survivors – what are some things that support your self-care?
“I am very intentional about my self-care. Each day I spend time on “me” – rejuvenating, releasing, growing, supporting and caring. I enjoy long walks, meditation and breath work; quiet time including gratitude practice, reading and crossword puzzles (or something that gives my brain a fun break!), morning coffee with my husband, daily writing and stretching practices; music and movement for stuck energy, intentional early bedtime, drinking lots of water, and filling my body with healthy and delicious food. I also enjoy sitting on my deck, hanging with friends, spending time with my family, and bi-monthly I take a day off for a spa day. There is so much more – self-care is super important to me!“
Do you have a favourite quote, song or saying? Why is it so special to you?
“I have a few, but my two faves are:
1) “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are. – Carl Jung.” There was a time in my life where I was homeless, alone, suicidal and hopeless. I couldn’t even get dressed because the idea of putting on clothes was too much. The idea of a “me” that was loveable was not even a dream. I had no idea who I was. Now I do, and I love her. This quote is everything because now I understand how true it is.“
2) “‘Clearing,’ by Martha Postlewaite: ‘Do not try to serve the whole world or do anything grandiose. Instead create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is yours alone to sing falls into your open cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then will you know how to give yourself to the world so worthy of rescue.’ I love this poem because I spent years forcing businesses to life that ended up being little more than beautiful prisons. I didn’t understand why they felt so empty. When I stopped trying to force something into creation and simply allowed myself to walk where I was pulled – well, that is when all the magic really started to unfold. This poem is also a truth I never fully understood well until I started living it.”
WE APPRECIATE YOU, ANNA!
Volunteer program inquiries: Shannon at 204-615-0313, ext. 224
HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS
Fundraising tournament – save the date!!!
The annual Hockey Helps the Homeless fundraising event is coming soon! We are delighted to share that team sponsorships are SOLD OUT, but you can still get involved as a donor, game-day sponsor, silent auction prize sponsor, spectator or volunteer. Email [email protected] for sponsor and donor inquiries or visit the tournament web site: CLICK HERE!.
Did you know that all games are FREE to attend? The tournament takes place at Seven Oaks Arena, Winnipeg, on November 3, 2023 – we hope you will join us and cheer on the players! Who knows, you may even rub shoulders with some of your hockey heroes and grab an autograph or two.
Willow Place is grateful to be one of three charities who will benefit; the other beneficiaries include Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY), and Red Road Lodge and wishes to express appreciation to the Winnipeg organizing committee, volunteers, and Hockey Helps the Homeless headquarters’ amazing team!
For game day or draft night volunteering:
CLICK HERE!
THE POWER OF PJs
November is Domestic Violence Month
Each fall, Willow Place announces the Power of PJs campaign. Beginning November 1, we seek donations of new pajamas for women and children in shelter. Our goal is to provide every shelter participant in December with a new pair of PJs.
Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, calls for counselling and shelter are growing. In 2022-2023, Willow Place’s crisis supports operated at 134% of capacity. Willow Place could not provide many essentials without support from caring community members. We hope you will help us spread the word, and that you please consider donating new pajamas this November. Beyond providing material needs, this campaign helps to highlight the growing need for violence prevention services in Manitoba. Support for Power of PJs also lets those sheltering with us know that others care about their well-being and want to help.
For questions and to donate:
204-615-0313, ext. 237 or ext. 231 (weekdays, daytime hours)
SEASONAL DONATIONS
Safe Halloween and Holiday Giving
Willow Place currently has a number of in-kind donation needs. We require small pumpkins, candy, and craft kits or craft supplies for Safe Halloween activities in the shelter program. We are also collecting holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for women and children in shelter – deadline for holiday giving is December 18th – THANK YOU for your support!
There are many ways to help out – monetary and in-kind gifts are welcome and appreciated!
DONATE:CLICK HERE!
WISH LIST:CLICK HERE!
AMAZON WISH LIST:CLICK HERE!
2023
Willow Place Summer 2023 E-Newsletter
GROWING SPACES
Grant funding supports shelter
Outdoor growing areas at our family violence shelter program received a welcome boost this spring, thanks to an Urban Ag and Community Garden grant (City of Winnipeg). Funds received enabled us to purchase plants, supplies and equipment, including expandable garden hoses.
Willow Place’s healing garden is a small, welcoming space where those sheltering with us can putter and reconnect with the outdoors. For many, it is a first-time experience to plant or tend a garden. This year our growing spaces include containers and raised beds, and include tomatoes, squash, flowers and aromatic herbs. Special thanks to our teacher, Lisa S., and to donor, Dick M., for their support with gardening tasks and acquiring plants.
Are you looking for ways to enjoy summer produce? Here are some ideas!
MINT: delicious watermelon salad
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
CUCUMBERS and RADISHES: cool & creamy salad
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
ZUCCHINI: yummy one pot pasta
CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE!
GOVERNOR GENERAL VISIT
Willow Place Shelter Program
June 6, our shelter program was honoured by a visit from Her Excellency, the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon. Her Excellency met with shelter program participants as well as Willow Place staff, and walked through our program spaces with her team. Program participants expressed the importance of services for those fleeing family violence, and that expanded supports were needed. One mother with young children expressed her appreciation for our on-site school.
Thank you to her Excellency and her team for including Willow Place family violence shelter program on their Manitoba visit itinerary. Manitoba consistently experiences some of the highest crime rates, child poverty rates, and family violence per capita in Canada.
2023 ECUADOR CHALLENGE FOR SHELTER
Chris Pennycook sets $100k goal
Winnipeg resident and Royal LePage Dynamic real estate agent, CHRIS PENNYCOOK, is once again participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Ecuador Trek fundraiser. This November, Chris will be traveling to a rugged and remote region of Ecuador for an arduous 5-day hike to raise money for Willow Place, and has set a fundraising goal of $100,000.
We are so grateful for the awareness and funds Chris and other Royal LePage agents are raising through the Trek initiative! Willow Place relies upon donors and third party fundraising events like the Trek to sustain our work, and we encourage you to share the word, to follow Chris, and to donate if you are able.
CLICK HERE FOR INFO! Thank you, Chris & the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation!
DONATION HIGHLIGHTS
Caring community makes a difference!
Thank you to the many amazing donors who have helped our family violence shelter program in recent weeks. We tend to receive fewer donations in the summer months, so these supporters have been especially helpful. Sadly, family violence does not take a vacation, and our donation needs continue year-round. Willow Place could not provide many daily essentials without the support of caring community; we are so grateful for your thoughtful generosity.
Each year Willow Place supports about 1,000 women and children in the shelter program alone.
DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770?v2=true
WISH LIST: https://willowplaceshelter.ca/wish-list/
AMAZON WISH LIST: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/3KAE8O4STE7GS?ref_=wl_share
Note: for all donation inquiries, call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or ext. 231 (weekdays, daytime hours)
Thank you for your thoughtful support!
ROYAL LEPAGE DYNAMIC
Declutter for a Cause a huge success
Royal LePage Dynamic’s DECLUTTER for a CAUSE garage sale on May 28th was a resounding success, raising over $10,000 for Willow Place. THANK YOU to the Royal LePage Dynamic team, and to all those who donated sale item and/or shopped the sale. Your support will help Willow Place sustain 24-hour family violence supports for diverse needs!
HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS
Annual fundraising tournament returns
Plans are underway for the next annual HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS fundraising event in Winnipeg, November 2 and 3, 2023. November 2 is draft night and November 3 is the tournament day. HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS allows players to fundraise while they skate with the pros, with each team having a professional hockey captain. Willow Place is grateful to be one of three charities who benefit; other beneficiaries include Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY), and Red Road Lodge.
Teams are close to being sold out, including four women’s teams, but sponsorship, donation and volunteer opportunities are still available. If you are interested in joining the Winnipeg event committee, please email Lacey Tryon[email protected] or Scott Sullivan [email protected]
For game day or draft night volunteering info:https://hhth.akaraisin.com/ui/F2023WPG/volunteer
Be a GAME-CHANGER! Donate, volunteer, play, sponsor – THANK YOU!
THIRD PARTY FUNDRAISING
Inspiring ways to help Willow Place
Third party fundraising is a significant contributor to Willow Place’s donation needs. We are continually inspired by the creative ways individuals, businesses and organizations opt to help us. Third party events not only raise much-needed revenue for Willow Place, they also help to spread awareness of both community need, and also about available supports. These events are especially meaningful, as the majority of Willow Place’s staffing component is directed to 24-hour family violence crisis supports, leaving very little time for staff to fundraise.
Thank you to the following groups and individuals who helped with third party fundraising in recent weeks, and who are currently planning events – we appreciate you:
Yoga in the Park – June event raised $1,500
J’Adore Body Sugaring – promotion to collect wish list items for the shelter
Blush Beauty Bar St. Vital – collected donations for their July grand opening event
Insurance Institute of Manitoba – September Trivia Night fundraiser planned
Lilystone Gardens – August “appetizers and entertainment” event planned
For questions and for information re: planning a third party event, please contact Willow Place Community Coordinator, Pam: 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime hours).
