2024
Summer 2024 E-Newsletter
Summer Wellness
Safe enjoyment of the warm summer months requires both awareness and planning. In particular, heat, sun exposure and insects pose risks to both comfort and health:
1) HEAT: higher temperatures coupled with humidity can increase risk for heat stroke and dehydration
2) SUN EXPOSURE: without adequate protection, sun exposure risks include sun burn, and long-term skin damage, including premature aging of skin and skin cancer
3) INSECTS: awareness and protective measures for mosquitoes, wood ticks and black flies are essential, particularly with young children and pets, who are dependent on care-givers
Here are a few tips to consider when planning your summer outings:
1) Try to avoid PEAK HOURS of day when temperatures and ultra-violet radiation risks tend to be the highest (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
2) Carry adequate FRESH WATER and wash water bottles daily with hot, soapy water to avoid gastric distress from bacteria
3) Wear a SUN-HAT or head covering, use a sun umbrella, or SEEK SHADED AREAS
4) Dress in LIGHT, BREATHABLE LAYERS, considering coverage of areas for highest sun burn risk (e.g., shoulders, arms)
5) APPLY SUNSCREEN prior to spending time in direct sunlight, and reapply every 2-3 hours, or after getting wet or if sweating
6) For both mosquitoes and ticks, AVOID LONG GRASS and wooded areas
7) Mosquitoes are most active at DAWN and DUSK – avoid activities during these times
8) Mosquitoes like dark colours, so cover up in LIGHT-COLOURED loose-fitting clothing, and spray exposed skin with insect repellent
9) Mosquito bites can be very itchy, but RESIST SCRATCHING – itch and red bumps usually disappear within 24-48 hours – consider cold packs to reduce redness and itch, and/or use a paste of baking soda and water. Antihistamine creams may also provide relief.
10) For tick protection, WEAR LONG PANTS and boots or runners with socks, tucking trouser legs into socks – thoroughly check children, adults and pets for ticks at the end of your outing, including scalp and undergarments.
11) If a TICK HAS BITTEN and is stuck to the skin, apply a blob of petroleum jelly – the tick will smother and be easily removed, or will drop off. Alternatively, pull straight up with tweezers – do not twist while pulling. Dispose of ticks by wrapping with tape and discarding, flush in toilet, or burn (e.g., campfire). Some ticks carry LYME DISEASE and are potentially dangerous to pets and humans for this reason. Watch for symptoms including a localized, red rash if you have been bitten. If rash occurs, seek medical attention.
HOME-MADE SPORTS DRINK
Ingredients:
240-300 ml (8-10 ounces) cold water or carbonated water
Small pinch of sea salt
90 ml (3 ounces) natural orange juice
30 ml (1 ounce) natural, unsweetened cranberry juice
1-2 wedges of fresh lemon or lime
Method:
Combine all ingredients in large glass or water bottle – can be served over ice. Makes 12-14 ounce serving.
PINEAPPLE REFRESHER
Ingredients:
125 ml (1/2 cup fresh cucumber slices)
250 ml (1 cup) fresh or frozen pineapple pieces
540 ml-600 ml (18-20 ounces) cold water
A few leaves of fresh mint
Ice cubes – add to desired consistency
Method:
Place cucumber, pineapple, mint and water into blender, blending until smooth. Add water to make desired consistency. Add ice to desired consistency. Servings: 1 – 2 adults
Staff Feature – Erin H.
Erin H. is Willow Place’s Children’s Program Specialist – violence prevention shelter program.
Thank you, Erin for participating in our summer e-newsletter!
What are your favourite aspects of your current role?
I spent my first 1.5 years at Willow Place working with adult women, and as much as I loved that position, I think I truly found my calling and my passion when I began working as the Children’s Specialist. I particularly enjoy using play therapy as a tool to learn a child’s history, to help them problem solve, and to help with learning coping skills. Some children may not have the verbal language to express feelings and experiences, and play helps them communicate and learn. I find this very rewarding as I often can see immediate results.
Why did you choose to work in the violence prevention sector?
I felt this would be a field where I could make a tangible impact, and I still feel that way today. When I help mothers, I know I am also helping their children and other family members, and vice versa. By helping one family member, you can support the family unit.
Please describe your typical work day in three words
Rewarding, challenging and creative, as I have to adapt my approach to each child and family.
What personal qualities and strengths help you meet the daily demands of your role?
I am very comfortable with being flexible. I enjoy that every work day is different and can change at any moment. This keeps each day interesting and I am able to stay calm even when plans change suddenly. I also enjoy being around children, which is great as I spend a good deal of my day in the play area rather than at a desk.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
The stories we hear in the violence prevention sector are especially heartbreaking and emotionally upsetting through the lens of a child. Therefore it is crucial that I engage in self-care and regular check-ins to ensure I can do my job well and maintain my well-being.
Who do you admire; who inspires you in your work?
My co-workers are a big inspiration for me. Seeing the compassion and patience they show each participant makes me strive to do the same. We share an excellent work ethic and camaraderie within Willow Place, and I enjoy being a part of this team.
Can you share a recent success or something you are excited about?
Since taking on my role as Children’s Specialist, I have worked with my supervisor, Daniette O., to facilitate a brand new program for in-shelter families called SOAR. The acronynm, SOAR, stands for Support, Optimism, Acceptance, and Resilience – traits that we consistently see our clients exhibit and develop, and which we strive for as staff members. SOAR provides mothers the opportunity to learn emotional regulation, communication and parenting skills, as well as pass these skills along to their children through mother-child activities. Helping to kick-start SOAR and hearing the positive feedback is an accomplishment I feel proud of.
Volunteer Excellence – Shelley S.
This spring, Willow Place was fortunate to have volunteer support for our outside growing areas. Support volunteer, Shelley S., loves to garden and she assisted us with clean-up, weeding, and planting. Shelley has also offered invaluable support for food services in the shelter program.
We appreciate you, Shelley – thank you for your generous spirit and many talents!
Are YOU one of the 500?
Were you aware that monthly donation subscriptions are available through Canada Helps? Canada Helps is a secure, online platform that enables donors to provide monetary donations for charities. Willow Place continues to promote the online giving program with a goal to obtain 500 new monthly subscribers. Reaching this goal would provide Willow Place with assured monthly funds to bridge current funding gaps, and would enable us to better-serve increasing numbers of program participants.
Just $10 to $20 a month can make a difference, and helps Willow Place support those in need!
DONATE TODAY: CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
Summer Day Camp Kick-Off
In June we were happy to welcome our summer day camp workers, students Celina R. and Kera M. The summer day camp program begins when our shelter teacher takes summer vacation (June), and extends throughout the month of August. The summer day camp provides, recreation, creative play, respite for parents, and includes a variety of community outings that would not be possible without community donations! Heartfelt appreciation to the following organizations that are supporting the program with free passes and admissions this summer: Manitoba Museum, Winnipeg Art Gallery Art Reach Program, the Manitoba Children’s Museum, The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (The Leaf and Zoo), and the Winnipeg Goldeyes.
We’re Hiring! Career Opportunity
Visit our careers page for info and to apply: CLICK HERE!
Violence Prevention – Why it matters
Violence against women remains the number one global human rights issue. More often than not, women experience violence within family or intimate partner relationships – it is unusual for women to experience violence from a stranger. In fact, over 85% of family violence and intimate partner violence incidents reported to police involve female victims. In 2016, the Public Health Agency of Canada identified family violence as the number one public health issue in Canada. At that time, it was estimated that the cost to Canadians exceeded $7 billion annually. At the time of the PHAC report, a Canadian woman lost her life to family violence every six days, and today that statistic is every 2.5 days.
Family violence includes an array of abuses including spousal abuse, elder abuse, sibling conflict, and other family or close relationship conflicts. Children who witness or experience family violence are at risk of lifelong negative impacts to their health, mental health and development. Family violence also increases homelessness risk and, due to prolonged experiences of stress, may impact all metrics of human health, including gastro-intestinal health, reproductive health, heart health, and mental health, as well as diseases like arthritis and cancer.
Willow Place provides inclusive, confidential, no-cost support for diverse violence prevention needs in Manitoba. This means that any person, any culture, any gender, and at any age or life stage can contact us 24-hours for information or support. Willow Place services include: 24-hour phone, text and chat supports; outreach counseling, short-term protective shelter, shelter program counseling, follow up program for those departing from shelter, children’s supports, men’s services, and public education services.
It is important to recognize that family violence and abuse incidents may be life-threatening, and those seeking our help have limited means and have exhausted all supports. The majority of Willow Place energies and resources are currently directed toward the crisis support and shelter aspects of violence prevention services.
WERE YOU AWARE?
Our community team provides no-cost presentations on Willow Place services and topics related to violence prevention. For information call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays/daytime).
2024
Willow Place Spring 2024 E-News
Mother’s Day
RISK FACTORS FOR WOMEN
As we prepare to celebrate mothers this May, we are also acutely aware that violence against women remains the number one global human rights concern. Although all people, genders and cultures are welcome to reach out to Willow Place for violence prevention supports, the vast majority of those we help are women and children. Sadly, expectant mothers and mothers with young children face higher risk factors for intimate partner and family violence. When thinking of violence against women, it is important to know that most often the abuser or abusers are family members, intimate partners or close connections of the victim.
This Mother’s Day, please consider helping Willow Place sustain no-cost supports for women and children forced to flee violent situations. You can make a one-time donation, or become a monthly subscriber by clicking here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27770
Summer Day Camp
DONORS AND GRANTS SUPPORT CHILDREN
Every year in late June through the month of August, Willow Place offers a summer day camp program for children in our violence prevention shelter program. This program is made possible thanks to annual staffing grants from Canada Summer Jobs. Willow Place also reaches out to recreation organizations and museums to provide enriching and educational options for the day camp. For most of our shelter children and their parents, these outings are a first-time experience.
Thanks to these exceptional organizations who have already pledged free admissions for summer day camp attendees: Royal Canadian Aviation Museum of Western Canada, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (Zoo and the Leaf), and the Manitoba Museum!
Willow Place is currently accepting job applications from university or college students who are returning to school in fall 2024. For info and to apply: https://ca.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Willow-Place-Inc&t=Camp+Counselor&jk=c53e68318b294188&xpse=SoDO67I3CQEo1twYoZ0LbzkdCdPP&xkcb=SoDd67M3D-KXJ4Qxmx0JbzkdCdPP&vjs=3
Staff Feature
MEET SHELTER PROGRAM TEACHER, MRS. S.
How long have you been in your current role?
I started with a half-time position in February, 2016. The Director and Board felt strongly that children should have full-time school, so they hired me on a contract basis to work with the children in the afternoons. In 2019, the Department of Education, now known as Inclusion Support Branch of Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning, funded the program full-time.
Please describe your typical work day in three words:
Awe-inspiring, Interactive, Safe
Why did you choose to teach in the shelter setting?
The principal of Interdivisional Student Services, Dee Smith, call me and offered an interview for the teaching role at Willow Place. We met at a Safeway and she drove me to Willow Place for a tour, to see if I was interested in the position. I went for the tour and, as they say, “the rest is history!” I have loved every day since then.
Have there been “aha” moments from teaching you can share?
I was teaching a grade three student who was behind in their reading. He was at a grade one level. We worked on learning the sounds of the letters using McCracken spelling. He said,”I didn’t know you could sound out words.” After working on the letters, he was able to start writing words and he was reading books by the time he left shelter.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
The most challenging aspect of my job is when children are turned off of school because of the trauma they are facing, being in a house where they have witnessed domestic violence, and the teacher does not understand. The beauty of our school is we work on helping children get their brains out of fight and flight mode, and into social engagement and their brains can learn again.
Who influenced your career choices as a student?
I cannot think of a particular teacher that influenced me, but I knew that I wanted to work with children.
Can you share a quote or song that inspires you?
“Find something you care about, and live a life that shows it.” – author unknown
Our shelter classroom and full-time teacher (grades K-8) is provided by Interdivisional Student Services, Winnipeg School Division, and funded by the Inclusion Support Branch (Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning).
THANK YOU, MRS. S. – WE’RE SO GLAD YOU ARE PART OF OUR TEAM!
Pink Walls
PERFORMER SUPPORTS VIOLENCE AWARENESS
In recent weeks, Willow Place was contacted by Canadian pianist and singer-songwriter, Esther Ling. Esther released her debut single, Pink Walls, and wanted to share it with violence prevention charities Canada-wide. The song is about the impact of violence upon children, and tells the story of trauma and recovery. In this poignant song, a young woman recalls the pink walls of her childhood bedroom where she hid from family violence.
Listen to Pink Walls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlYeveZBPxQ
About Esther Ling: https://www.estherlingpianist.com/
Follow Esther: https://www.instagram.com/estherlingpianist
Thank you, Esther for sharing your beautiful artistry with us! Watch for an upcoming public education series on our social media this June aligned the United Nations’ June 4 observance, International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression (Child Victim Day), featuring the beautiful music and lyrics of Esther Ling’s, Pink Walls.
Spring Wellness
RAINBOW INSPIRATION FOR IMPROVED HEALTH
Spring is finally here and it is a great time to revisit wellness goals. When it comes to nutrition, more and more health promotion organizations are recommending “eating the rainbow” for improved well-being. Based on the Mediterranean diet consisting of an array of colourful vegetables and fruit, healthy fats and moderate, lean proteins, eating the rainbow has been shown to support immune and heart health, as well as healthy weight goals. Possibly you have heard the phrase, “we eat with our eyes” – enjoying food truly is a sensory process involving taste, scent, texture and sight. Beyond improved appearance and sensory aspects, selecting a wide variety of colourful foods helps to ensure that a healthy assortment of essential nutrients, vitamins, and fibre are present in the daily diet.
Want to learn more? Here are some helpful links to get started:
RAINBOW EATING BASICS: https://the-rainbow-diet.com/articles/the-colourful-mediterranean-diet/what-can-i-eat-on-the-real-rainbow-diet/
RAINBOW RECIPE BOOK: https://www.amazon.ca/Rainbow-Recipes-Inspired-Health-Benefits/dp/095653919X
Inspiring Community Support
PEGCITY STEPPERS COMBINE ACTIVE LIVING & ACTIVISM!
Earlier this spring, Willow Place was fortunate to receive very generous donation support from a Winnipeg active living group called PegCity Steppers. This group meets regularly to exercise and connect socially. Although they started as a BIPOC activity group, all cultures are welcome and invited to participate. All levels of fitness are also included and encouraged to participate. Members benefit in many ways, including through improved motivation and resulting fitness outcomes!
Aside from their dynamic healthy living focus, the Steppers also like to incorporate community support into their activities. On March 8th they hosted an International Women’s Day get-together, including a virtual presentation on Willow Place services and the topic of violence prevention. Those attending brought priority donations for Willow Place’s busy violence prevention shelter program, which were later delivered to our community outreach/flex office by PegCity Steppers founder, Shana, and member, Meridith.
We are so inspired by PegCity Steppers and are grateful for the awareness they raised. Additionally, their monetary gifts, and a large collection of toiletries, hygiene, and self-care items will greatly-benefit vulnerable populations in our shelter program.
How to Help
VIOLENCE PREVENTION – WE NEED CARING COMMUNITY
Increasingly, Willow Place relies upon both monetary and in-kind donations to sustain no-cost, 24-hour violence prevention supports for Manitobans in crisis. If you would like to help out, but are unsure what to do, there are many ways to offer support! No support is too small – every supportive action has potential to positively impact for those in need. Here are a few options and ideas:
- Follow us on social media – please like and share
- Subscribe to and read our quarterly e-news – share with your contacts
- Consider becoming a MONTHLY DONATION SUBSCRIBER – just $10 or $20 monthly can have a big impact for those in need, and subscriptions make great gifts as well! CLICK HERE!
- Check out our shelter program WISH LIST and call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or ext. 231 to set up your donation drop-off appointment CLICK HERE!
- Purchase something on our AMAZON WISH LIST ((insert link here)) and contact us re: drop off (same as above) CLICK HERE!
- Donate gently-used towels or blankets for the shelter program
- Donate household items and clothing to our community partners, Centre Flavie-Laurent and The Helping Hand (these cannot be accepted at the shelter program due to space and staffing limitations)
Questions? Need more information? Call 204-615-0313, ext. 237 (weekdays, daytime)
2023
WILLOW PLACE – REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
Request for Proposals (RFP)
Fundraising Consultant
Organizational Overview
We support Manitobans in nurturing healthy relationships in a safe space. Our vision for Willow Place within the next five years is a holistic expansion of our capabilities and reach, building a comprehensive
support system for those affected by gender-based violence in our community and beyond.
Project Background
Willow Place has outgrown our current space and is seeking to plan and execute a capital campaign for a new building to broaden and enhance our service delivery capabilities with the necessary resources to sustainably support this evolution. We aim to retrofit a new building as a beacon of safety and transformation, embodying our commitment to healing and growth.
Our vision for this project is a new emergency and transitional housing for women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who have been affected by gender-based violence. Willow Place’s pursuit of suitable shelter accommodations has spanned numerous years, reflecting the pressing need to enhance its capacity. The existing facilities are inadequate to serve the needs of Willow Place’s residents. Moreover, the number of bed nights for the past year (13,446) has increased by more than 3,500 from the year prior (9,764). The need for a larger shelter is evident as the shelter frequently operates at full capacity or above capacity. This endeavor aims to provide a safe haven and comprehensive support services to best meet the needs of those who have experienced gender-based violence. The proposed project envisions the establishment of a shelter that can accommodate 48 beds with approximately 43 emergency beds and 5 transitional beds. Furthermore, the facility will house 14 offices and common areas designed to cater to the Participants’ needs. These communal spaces include a commercial and teaching kitchen, dining area, classroom, lounge, childminding room, workshop room, spiritual space, and medical examination room.
Key Consultancy Objective
Willow Place seeks to engage an experienced fundraising consultant or consulting firm to provide strategy, direction, counsel, accountability, design, and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise the money needed to support our new building. The consultant will work in consultation with the Willow Place Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the volunteer capital campaign committee to design and implement their plans.
Key Deliverables and Outcomes
- The Case for Support. This is the document that explains the campaign publicly. It must be clear, and concise and include financial goals for campaign programs and projects. The case must also be an inspiring and deeply persuasive demonstration that our new building is necessary, highlighting the unique qualities and needs of Willow Place. The expected outcome is to have a text with persuasive language that convinces potential donors that the need for a new building is valid, urgent, and compelling.
2. Create and implement a project plan that includes:
- A campaign overview that outlines milestones, activities, budgets, targets, and timelines.
- Roles, responsibilities, and deliverables of those involved in implementing the campaign, and lines of communication and accountability.
- Current and new donor prospects to be targeted and the strategies to be employed for targeting them.
- Creation and oversight of a gift matrix.
- Key messages, target audiences, and marketing and communication initiatives.
- Fundraising events/initiatives.
- Recognition of donors.
3. Management of volunteer capital campaign committee that includes:
- Drafting and communicating job descriptions and expectations to members.
- Maintaining regular communication to keep members up-to-date on campaign progress and upcoming milestones.
- Advise committee in decision-making and establishing targets and timelines.
- Monthly reports to Willow Place tracking progress and outlining any decisions that need to be made as necessary.
- Adequate funds raised to support Willow Place’s goal to retrofit a new building.
- An assessment of the increase in donor engagement and monthly donors following the end of the campaign.
Time Commitment
This contract is part-time and is expected to begin in December 2023. It is anticipated that it will take 3 years to raise the necessary funds. Willow Place expects to move into a new building in 2026 and for the fundraising campaign to wrap up in 2025.
Profile of Consultant/Firm
1. Understanding and affirmation of Willow Place’s mission and values.
2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of fundraising multi-million dollar campaigns.
3. Excellent project management skills, as demonstrated through successful management of personnel, schedule, and budget to complete deliverables on past consulting projects.
4. Proven track record in facilitating communication and collaboration among various organizational departments and positions.
5. Experience with a variety of donor streams such as individual gifts, endowments, online fundraising, social media fundraising, and institutional grants from foundations and government.
6. Demonstrated experience and success in a variety of marketing tools such as direct mail, website, social media, phone soliciting, presentations to philanthropist individuals and groups, etc.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of, and connections to, the philanthropic and donor landscape in Winnipeg.
8. Collaborative and inclusive communications style.
9. CFRE designation an asset.
Proposal
Proposals should include:
1. A letter of interest that outlines your interest, qualifications, and availability.
2. A fee schedule.
3. Current CV/resume for a single consultant, or CVs for up to three people who would be delivering services on behalf of a firm.
4. Information about 2-3 comprehensive fundraising campaigns you and/or your firm successfully planned, implemented, and executed.
5. Three references from past clients.
Proposals should be submitted on or before November 15th, 2023 to Willow Place, attention of Marcie Wood, Executive Director:
· By email: marciew@willowplace.ca
· Or by mail: P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9
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 lacey@hhth.com 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!
