2026
Featured Autumn 2026 E-Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Thankfulness & Gratitude
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Summer Program Highlights
- Community Support
- Comfort at Home (Recipe)
- Donation Needs
THANKFULNESS & GRATITUDE
Building daily practice for wellness
Thankfulness and gratitude are often used interchangeably. However, thankfulness is typically a response to good experiences, whereas gratitude is a state of being that is cultivated, and can sustain us in good times and bad. Both gratitude and thankfulness contribute to good health by reinforcing a more positive state of being, which provides both physical and emotional benefits.
There are many ways to “grow” gratitude – here are a few suggestions:
1) Start a gratitude journal or blog, or social media page. If using social media, you may choose to be anonymous, or you may prefer to share or collaborate.
2) Keep a gratitude jar – have a note pad or scrap paper handy. Aim to contribute daily, and set up a time to reflect on your entries (monthly, every six months, etc.). This can be an individual, family or workplace practice. If participating with others, agree on guidelines together and be sensitive to varying perspectives and needs.
3) Try meditation – mindfulness and gratitude practice go hand in hand.
4) Spend quality time with loved ones – investing in relationships creates shared memories and helps to establish a reserve of support and gratitude.
5) Give, share donate – clear clutter and un-used items for giving to others. Appreciating how much we have and understanding the positive ripples created through generosity help to deepen gratitude.
6) Volunteer – everyone has gifts that can benefit others in a multitude of ways. Find a cause you care about and a volunteer role that aligns with your values, schedule and interests.
LEARN MORE: CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION
VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT
Growing our volunteer team!
Were you aware that Willow Place volunteers contribute over 500 hours of support every year? Our volunteers include board members, shelter support volunteers and donation volunteers. We also have some specialized volunteers that help with community events and shelter program repair needs.
From September 15 until October 15 we are accepting volunteer program applications for shelter support, donation support and cultural support areas. We offer flexibility of hours and training, and volunteers must commit to 120 hours or an average of two hours weekly in their first year. Background checks required.
For info and to apply, visit our website volunteer program page:
QUESTIONS? Contact Willow Place Community Coordinator, Kimi at 204-615-0313, ext. 245
SUMMER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Making a difference for children in shelter
his past summer, Willow Place was fortunate to access grant support from the Winnipeg Foundation’s Children and Youth Grant, as well as from Canada Summer Jobs. These amazing supports enabled Willow place to hire three summer staff including two summer day camp leads, Arafat and Berhanesh, and an HR-Admin support staff, Isabella.
Arafat and Berhanesh adeptly managed diverse needs and provided fun and educational weekday programming for school age children in shelter throughout the summer. Isabella capably assisted our HR Coordinator with a variety of document management and other important HR tasks. Isabella also organized a special staff BBQ gathering that was a big hit with our hard-working team! We are so proud of our fantastic summer staff who contributed in such meaningful ways.
Thank you to the following community donors who provided no-cost admission to local attractions for children in our day camp program: Manitoba Museum, Manitoba Children’s Museum, Goldeyes Baseball, Assiniboine Conservatory (The Zoo and The Leaf), the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, and MANSO. For many children in shelter, these were first-time experiences and left lasting impressions.
Special appreciation to Red River Coop for their timely and generous donation of $2,000 in gift cards to support Willow Place’s summer programs, including summer day camp and our healing garden project. Your generosity helped us provide adequate healthy food, treats, sunscreen and bug spray, first aid supplies, and much more!
Another summer highlight was a $2,000 grant from Aramark (University of Manitoba location) to purchase school supplies for children attending our on-site shelter school. This wonderful gift will assist children in in shelter, in grades K-8, over the next few months.
Thanks to all of these supporters and funders for making Summer 2026 a very special one for our shelter participants, including their vital assistance to Willow Place’s program staff!
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Fabulous fundraisers!
Willow Place relies upon third-party fundraising to fill funding gaps and provide many daily essentials in our busy shelter program. The following are recent supports we would like to acknowledge and celebrate – thank you for the awareness raised and for the valuable donation dollars your efforts provide:
Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and Royal LePage Dynamic $8,000 in agent commissions donations and fundraising (received in September). THANK YOU!
Kinsmen 3rd Annual 50-50 program (ongoing until December 26) Willow Place receives 25% of ticket revenue when purchaser selects Willow Place as the charity of choice. The last raffle winner received over $60,000! PURCHASE TICKETS HERE!
Shopper’s Drug Mart Giving Shelter campaign (September 15 – October 9 in seven Winnipeg locations) staff promotions to collect community donations (average of $10,000 – $15,000 yearly). Amazing!
Urban Barn – Blanket the Country campaign (ongoing) matching program to provide donations and new blankets for our shelter program. Visit your local Urban Barn for details and to donate: 1585 Kenaston Boulevard, or 1594 Regent Avenue in Winnipeg.
If you are interested in third-party fundraising, please contact Pam at 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or Kimi at 204-615-0313, ext. 245. THANK YOU for supporting Willow Place!
COMFORT AT HOME
Heart-warming soup recipe
horter days and cooler temperatures are here, and what is better than a cozy meal at home? We hope you will try our Spicy Vegetable Soup recipe – it is easy to prepare and tastes amazing!
SPICY VEGETABLE SOUP
Hearty & healthy vegetarian recipe
INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbsp – 30 ml olive or canola oil
1.5-2 cups – 375-500 ml diced cooking onion
2 ribs diced celery
3 bay leaves
2 – 3 cloves minced garlic
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
3 – 4 medium tomatoes, blanched, peeled and diced (or small can diced tomatoes)
1 tsp – 5 ml sea salt (or to taste)
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp – 5 ml crushed chilies (or to taste)
1-½ tsp – 7.5 ml ground cinnamon
1 tsp – 5 ml ground turmeric
1 – 2 Tbsp – 15-30 ml paprika
5 cups – 1.25 L vegetable broth (or vegetable bouillon mixed with water)
1.5 cups (750 ml) cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained (canned work great also!)
1 medium-large sweet potato (about 1.5 cups – 2 cups – 375-500 ml) peeled and cubed
½ cup – 125 ml chopped fresh basil (or 2 tsp – 5 ml, dried basil)
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
METHOD:
Heat oil over medium-low temperature in a large stock pot. Add in chopped onion, salt, bay leaves, celery. Cook until onion is translucent, stirring often. Add in garlic and cook another 3-5 minutes. Add bell pepper and tomatoes, along with chilies, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric and paprika. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, adding half the broth midway. Add in the chickpeas and sweet potatoes along with the remaining broth and the basil. Increase heat to medium-high to bring to a slow boil. Reduce, heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are at the desired softness. Add water as needed to suit your preferred consistency. Add in chopped parsley, optional, and serve. YIELD: 6 servings
TIP: add 1/4 tsp – 1.25 ml of baking soda and 1 tsp – 5 ml of sugar to tomatoes before adding to the soup – stir in and set aside. The soda neutralizes the acidity and the sugar enhances the bright tomato flavour. Especially helpful if you are using canned tomatoes.
NOTE: This soup is easy to customize – great add-ins include a few cut green beans, or some chopped zucchini, diced carrot or sliced mushrooms. If using carrots, add them with the celery in the early stages of cooking. Beans, zucchini or mushrooms can be added with bell pepper and tomatoes. Spicy Vegetable Soup can be portioned and frozen for later use. Enjoy!
DONATION NEEDS
Ways to support Willow Place
URGENT NEEDS!
Our busy shelter program currently needs pajamas for children and women, new underwear for children and women, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, and non-perishable food items (e.g., breakfast cereal, juice boxes, coffee, tea and canned goods). We are also seeking donations of candy, craft kits, costumes and accessories for Safe Halloween activities and food or monetary sponsorship for Thanksgiving meals and activities.
REPLACEMENT – SHELTER PROGRAM
Due to the high numbers of people we support yearly, we need to repair or replace items from time to time. Current replacement needs include:$1,000 to repair our commercial dishwasher and $1,000 to replace two bed frames.
IN-KIND DONATIONS
Always needed items include gently-used or new towels, blankets and single size fitted sheets; infant diapers size 5 and 6, Winnipeg Transit tickets (women, children and youth), and miscellaneous gift cards (for groceries, medical needs, outing and program supplies – e.g., Walmart, Dollarama, Shoppers, Tim Hortons).
MONETARY DONATIONS
Monetary gifts are always appreciated. Send cheque or bank draft payable to “Willow Place” to P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9, or donate online using Canada Helps.
DONATE ON CANADA HELPS
A safe way to donate to Canadian charities online as a one-time donor, or as a monthly subscriber.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
Donation questions? Contact our Community Team staff (weekdays, daytime hours)
Pam: 204-615-0313, ext. 237
Kimi: 204-615-0313, ext. 245
2026
Summer 2026 E-Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
New Facility Update
Summer Program Support
Connecting with Nature
Volunteer Feature
Donation Needs
Executive Support Staff
Employment News
NEW FACILITY UPDATE
Breaking ground for a brighter future!
Thanks to this wonderful community, the new Willow Place will soon be a reality! Last year, we shared our plans to build a new facility, ensuring more women, gender-diverse people and children are safe and have the opportunity to build hopeful, violence-free lives. We reached out to the community and with the support of caring people like you and civic, provincial and federal government, $18.3 million of the $19 million dollarproject is now committed – thank you! As we approached one million dollars of the project goal, we were able to start construction this spring!
While the construction site does not look like much yet (especially with recent rains), we know that within about 18 months, women and children will have improved space, programs and resources to assure safety, recovery and healing. The new Willow Place has been purposely designed to help families break the cycles of violence and will include:
– 50 emergency beds so more people can access safety
– 6 transitional units for individuals and families needing more time to find safe, affordable housing
– A larger kitchen and dining area so everyone staying with us can eat together
– A bright, child-centered classroom and a child-minding room
– Dedicated spaces for healing care, private meetings, programming
– Comfy lounge spaces for quiet time and getting to know one another
– A fully-appointed medical examination room
– A secure outdoor rooftop space
If you would like to learn more about the new Willow Place facility project or if you wish to make a donation, please get in touch with Willow Place’s Executive Director, Marcie Wood:
Phone: 204-615-0313, ext. 230
Email: marciew@willowplace.ca
You can also give using the link below. Thank you so much for caring about your neighbours!
CLICK HERE TO DONATE!
SUMMER PROGRAM SUPPORT
Thankful for grants & donations
Willow Place is grateful for and would like to acknowledge grant funding from Canada Summer Jobs (Government of Canada) and The Winnipeg Foundation (Children and Youth Grant), which has allowed us to hire two summer day camp leads as well as a full-time HR Admin Assistant (summer term). The full-time summer day camp staff provide structured, play-based weekday programming for school age children in our busy shelter program. Without grant support, this support would not be possible.
We are also thankful for community donations of gift cards and supplies to help Willow Place provide daily essentials for the summer day camp program including craft activity needs, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray, as well as plants and seeds for our Sunrise Healing Garden –THANK YOU to all who have donated.
Finally, special thanks to community organizations who have generously provided free passes for children in the summer day camp program. Willow Place has received support from The Manitoba Museum, Assiniboine Park (The Leaf, Assiniboine Park Zoo), Winnipeg Goldeyes, The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, MANSO, and the Manitoba Children’s Museum. AMAZING! These valuable contributions will allow summer staff to coordinate weekly outings, which are often first-time experiences and a memorable highlight for children sheltering with us.
ENJOYING TIME OUTDOORS
Fun, no-cost ways to stay active
With technology playing such a central role in daily life, “disconnect” strategies are important. Healthy life balance includes setting boundaries around email. text and other digital communications and media. Being at ease with simply being and doing nothing may be difficult – it may be highly habitual to check messages, scroll social media or play online games. There are many simple, no-cost ways to support daily activity outdoors!
TIME IN NATURE
A short walk and some fresh air is a great way to reduce screen time and harness mental and physical health benefits. All that is needed is comfortable footwear! Walking can be combined with other sensory activities like mindfulness, breathing and sensory awareness to further rejuvenate both body and mind. With a bit of preparation, variety can be added to daily walks, either as solitary walkers, or with friends or family. For instance, why not vary the route, play a simple mental game (how many blue things can I count), bring some chalk and include a game of hopscotch or an art/doodle break during the walk, or include a book and lunch/snack for a nutrition and/or rest stop enroute.
CLEANUP WALKS
Many community groups schedule cleanup events in the early spring, often coinciding with Earth Day (April 22). Typically, cleanup walks leverage group efforts to pick up litter in a designated neighbourhood or location. Often, a social time like coffee or a BBQ is included. For a growing number of nature lovers who are concerned about our shared environment, cleanup walks are not restricted to Earth Day, but may be a weekly or even daily activity. You may have encountered or heard of “ploggers” – folks who combine neighbourhood cleanup with their regular jog or run.
Cleanup walk gear typically includes comfortable shoes, some gardening or rubber gloves, and a bag to collect any litter. After the walk or jog, litter is sorted for recycling and refuse. Where possible and practical, items may be dropped off at sorting bins along or near the planned route. HEALTH BONUS: In the process of reducing human litter, ploggers are also adding additional physical challenges to their regular walk or run (bending, reaching, carrying, balancing), and are possibly achieving some additional steps as well!
SCAVENGER HUNT
Another, no-cost way to add interest and enhance the benefits of walking is a nature-based scavenger hunt. Walkers use a prepared list and try to locate all items. Rather than physically collecting list items, and in the spirit of reducing use of technology (i.e., phone cameras), scavengers make a mental note of what they see and experience. If desired, a small notebook and pencil can be taken along to draw and record details about size, texture, colour, scent, etc. For those who choose to draw or take notes, this step can also be done afterword, and is a great way to challenge memory, and to reflect on what was noticed and felt while walking, Regardless of your approach, it is always important to be respectful of private property, park rules, local laws: e.g., do not pick flowers, deface property, or damage plants or trees – the goals are observation and connecting to the senses (sight, smell, touch, sound) while respecting for our shared environment.
We have prepared a sample Scavenger Hunt handout that can be used as-is or as a guideline to make your own scavenger hunt. Our Nature Scavenger Hunt combines sensory activities with a cleanup walk 🙂
CLICK HERE FOR DOCUMENT (downloadable file to print)
VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Meet Bruna C
How long have you volunteered for Willow Place?
“I have been volunteering with Willow place for a little over a year.”
Why did you choose to volunteer for Willow Place?
“I chose to volunteer for Willow Place as I believe all individuals should be treated with respect and feel safe in their surroundings. Support to those who do not is valuable.”
Do you have any volunteering highlights to share?
“Attending a resource fair at the Women’s Correctional Facility was eye-opening for me. Seeing all of the resources offered to these women was amazing. Meeting the women themselves was a pleasure.”
Do you have any tips for those interested in volunteering?
“Find a volunteer opportunity which matches your interests and comfort level.”
What other things do you enjoy in your free time?
“Outside of my volunteering, I enjoy playing pickleball, yoga, hiking and travel.”
What do you look forward to in the summer season?
“I love to go to the cabin in the summer, spending quality time with family.”
Do you have a favourite quote or saying?
‘”If your self compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Buddha’
Thank you, Bruna – we appreciate your willingness to help out, including in the shelter program, with donations, and for community events. We are honoured to count you among our volunteers, and excited to feature you in this edition!
DONATION NEEDS
Helping Willow Place help others
Are you looking for ways to help Willow Place? There are many ways to give. including monetary gifts, in-kind gifts, or by organizing a group collection. Here are some current needs in the shelter program:
REPLACEMENT – SHELTER PROGRAM
We typically have replacement needs due to the high numbers of people we support – this may include furniture and equipment. The following donations are needed right now:
$1,000 to repair commercial dishwasher
$1,000 to replace two bed frames
IN-KIND DONATIONS
Non-perishable food for shelter (breakfast cereal, coffee, tea, canned food)
Gently-used or new towels and blankets
Single size fitted sheets – new or gently-used
Infant diapers size 5 and 6
New underwear for women and children (all sizes)
Gift cards for groceries, medical needs, outings: grocery stores, Walmart, Dollarama, Shoppers, Tim Hortons
MONETARY DONATIONS
Cheque or bank draft payable to “Willow Place” – mail to P.O. Box 1786, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2Z9
Donate online using Canada Helps – either one-time donation, or subscribe to donate monthly
DONATE ON CANADA HELPS – CLICK HERE!
Donation questions? Contact our Community Team staff, Pam or Kimi, weekdays, daytime hours:
Pam: 204-615-0313, ext. 237
Kimi: 204-615-0313, ext. 245
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT STAFF
Thank you, Renee R – Welcome Luella S!
This May Willow Place staff members enjoyed a coffee and cake celebration to mark Executive Support Assistant, Renee’s, retirement. Renee R was like the hub of the wheel, always supporting diverse team needs capably with a kind and easy-going manner. Renee will be greatly-missed by our whole team, but we are excited for her to begin this next journey, allowing her to spend more time enjoying life, including family and friends, travel and hobbies.
Prior to completing her time with Willow Place, Renee supported her replacement, Luella S, by mentoring her in the Executive Support Assistant role. As we bid fond farewell to Renee, we are also very pleased to welcome Luella to the Willow Place team. The Executive Support Assistant role is a vital one, requiring a broad skill set. This role provides admin support to the Executive Director and Human Resources, as well as performing bookkeeping assistance, managing in-coming and out-going email, mail and calls, helping staff with a wide variety of other needs including equipment, supplies and technology, and much more!
EMPLOYMENT NEWS
Career opportunities at Willow Place
Our shelter services team is growing and we are hiring part-time and casual Support Workers as well as a full-time Family Violence Counselor, and full-time term Children’s Counselor. Willow Place offers a supportive team environment with opportunities for growth and development.
For details on all open positions and to apply, visit our website careers page and click on the job links: www.willowplaceshelter.ca/careers/ or visit Indeed.com and search under “Willow Place, Winnipeg.”
Questions? Please direct careers inquires by email to careers@willowplace.ca
Willow Place is an Employer of Choice in the violence prevention sector with demonstrated commitment to staff wellness and professional development. We support survivors of violence and abuse using a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to support recovery and healing.
2026
March 8 – International Women’s Day
Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day (IWD) is recognized and celebrated around the world. IWD is more than an event, it is a movement that began in 1911, in recognition of the need for gender equality. Globally, violence against women is the most significant human rights issue, and the theme of IWD 2026 is GIVE TO GAIN. Giving to women’s equality can be in a number of ways: donating to organizations that serve women, reducing barriers for women in the workplace and in society, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women, ensuring that safety and respect are universally and consistently maintained, giving women rights and freedoms related to their health and bodies, and much more. Learn more by visiting the IWD website
2026
Willow Place Winter 2026 Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE:
Valentine’s Day
Shelter Programming
Volunteer Feature
Cuddle Robes Story
Monthly Donors
VALENTINE’S DAY
Be your own valentine
Valentine’s Day can create stress and discomfort due to social pressures, especially for those impacted by violence and abuse. For single individuals and those struggling with relationship conflict, a shift from romantic idealism toward self-care and self-compassion can be therapeutic. Resisting old patterns and social norms, and placing oneself first can be challenging, but it is possible to forge new paths that support well-being.
Although traditional Valentine gestures like flowers, chocolates and cards are lovely within healthy relationships, not everyone finds themselves in this position. Miley Cyrus’ global pop hit, “Flowers,” describes when relationships break down, and how self-acceptance, self-awareness and self-love are fundamental to moving forward. In the song, the woman realizes that, without a healthy relationship context, romantic gestures feel hollow: “I can buy myself flowers, write my name in the sand, talk to myself for hours…” She chooses to love herself unapologetically, and recognizes it’s okay to be on her own. Flowers Lyrics – CLICK HERE!
Even those in healthy relationships can benefit from self-care and self-love practices – in fact healthy relationships should include time and space for individuals to pursue their own interests, and take care of their particular needs independently from their partner. A person who feels complete and fulfilled on their own, offers balance and strength to their interpersonal relationships and shared experiences become richer, more equitable and less prone to manipulation and control dynamics.
Wondering how to be your own Valentine?
Here are some Valentine-themed self-care rituals to try:
1) Write a love note to yourself – don’t spare the praise!
2) Prepare your favourite snack or treat and enjoy it slowly and mindfully, knowing it was made just how you like it!
3) Indulge in a mini home-spa experience with soothing foot soak, hand massage and face mask.
4) Create a music playlist including your favourite feel-good songs.
4) Buy yourself flowers (thank you, Miley)
Face Mask Recipes – CLICK HERE!
Foot Soak Recipes – CLICK HERE!
SHELTER PROGRAMMING
A group effort to support diverse needs
Each month, the Willow Place shelter program hosts a variety of programs and supports, all of which are added to a shared activity calendar. Support staff host house meetings twice weekly where residents can get information, ask questions and express concerns. Support staff also provide wellness and activity groups for women and children on a variety of topics. Shelter counsellors each provide regular groups on topics related to gender-based violence, recovery and healing.
A doctor from Women’s Health Clinic visits bi-weekly, and on alternate dates, a nurse from Manitoba Public Health is on site. Additionally, Willow Place hosts a variety of informational sessions coordinated by the Community Team, including financial literacy, library services, sexual health, independent living, abilities-related supports, women’s resource centers, and much more.
The shelter program also benefits from regular contract supports including Red Road to Healing (Indigenous culture), bi-weekly multi-cultural storytelling, and trauma-informed yoga, which offers twice monthly mini workshops.
Volunteers are regularly on site to help with tasks like child-minding and donation-sorting, but also to provide activities and programs. For example, our longest-serving volunteer, Tanis, is appreciated for her bi-weekly guitar music evenings, and everyone looks forward to volunteer, Pam’s monthly visits for journal and book-making.
Filling each monthly activity calendar truly is a team effort – thanks to all who contribute!
VOLUNTEER FEATURE
Meet volunteer, Doug P.
Willow Place benefits from the time and talents of over 15 volunteers in an average month – we cannot imagine our team without these amazing individuals, including board members, admin volunteers, donation volunteers, and shelter program support volunteers. Doug is unique in that he is our first official “handyperson” volunteer. Doug has capably assisted us with a variety of shelter repairs, furniture and equipment assembly; garden projects, and donation pick-ups – most recently, he has supported weekly bread donation pickups.
How long have you volunteered for Willow Place?
I have been volunteering for Willow Place since spring 2023.
How did you hear about the volunteer role?
It was either the Free Press, or a volunteer opportunities website (Volunteer Manitoba)
Why do you choose to volunteer?
Very simply, I need to be busy, and if there are tasks I can do that help others, all the better!
We understand you do other volunteering, can you tell us a bit about it?
Sure! Since early 2023 I have been volunteering year-round for Habitat for Humanity. From November through March, I typically volunteer two days per week as a carpenter at one of their build sites. From April through October, I do a similar role, except that I lead small volunteer groups at the build site. It’s a very satisfying gig for me; I get to work with my hands, meet interesting people, get exercise (the work can be strenuous), plus I’m helping the Habitat partner families to get their own home.
Do you have any highlights or memorable moments from volunteering at Willow Place?
Nope! All the moments volunteering for Willow Place are memorable. Any work, especially work that helps others, is good work.
Do you have any tips for others who might be interested in volunteering?
Yes. Dig in energetically. It may take a bit of searching to find a volunteer gig that is a good fit, but once you find it, grab it and go all-in.
Thank you, Doug – we appreciate you!
THE CUDDLE ROBES STORY
Over a decade of support
A number of years ago, Wendy Garrity and her sister Cory created a simple fleece housecoat pattern. An ankle-length pullover robe with a large pocket, it slipped on easily – a design that was all about practical comfort and ease. Sewing the robes became a great way for the sisters to bond when visiting. Wendy and Cory typically got together a couple of times a year to sew and then donated the robes to shelter. Usually gifted to women at Christmas, sometimes a second donation would arrive before Mother’s Day.
The sisters’ unique design was replicated hundreds of times in an array of colours as diverse as the shelter participants, and soon became known by staff as “the cuddle robes.” Women in shelter were seen taking a cigarette break, doing laundry, or attending groups with the robe worn over their jeans or pjs, and the cuddle robes became a familiar and popular garment.
During COVID, Wendy and Cory did a little extra sewing for Willow Place, both to pass the time, but also because they knew there was a need. The robes were always well-received by women sheltering with Willow Place, each one finding its way to a grateful owner on their healing journey.
As of today, Cory and Wendy’s legacy of caring has extended over ten years. In recent months, however, Wendy shared with our community team that, regretfully, their project was coming to a close. Both sisters were experiencing vision loss that made sewing too difficult.
At this somber turn in the road, somehow saying “thank you” seems inadequate, particularly when reflecting upon such a remarkable legacy of kindness. But we are truly and deeply thankful.
On the bright side, there is a glimmer of hope that the cuddle robes story is not quite over! In autumn 2025, a faith-based women’s sewing group called Threads of Hope accepted the Wendy and Cory’s cuddle robe patterns. Wendy and Cory had cut the last fabric pieces into several colourful pockets, just waiting for the next robes to be created; a final thoughtful act. We are excited to imagine the cuddle robe legacy continuing on, lovingly created by new caring hands.
We would be remiss if we did not share that Wendy’s spouse, retired reverend, Kenn Garrity, has also supported shelter donation with handmade stained-glass pendants. Muffin the dog, is both a precious companion and fierce “guardian” in the Garrity home.
Interested in donating to the cuddle robe project?
Fabric donations of fleece, flannel and cotton, and monetary gifts are welcome. Threads of Hope has taken on a number of sewing projects to help Willow Place, supplying pajamas, blankets, infant needs and much more!
Cheques payable to: St. Saviour’s Anglican Church – Threads of Hope
Mail to: 690 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg R2K 1j2
Please contact Threads of Hope with any questions – thank you!
Email: threadsofhopestsaviours@gmail.com
Phone: 204-229-9742 (Cindy)
www.threadsofhope-stsaviours.ca
MONTHLY DONORS
Safe, easy donation through Canada Helps
Sometimes donors say, “I wish I could do more!” But Willow Place values all donations – regardless of the dollar amount, each donation has potential for BIG impact. In fact, most of the donations Willow Place receives are small donations. When combined, these donations make a huge difference for Willow Place programs and services – every dollar is truly precious and is put to good use.
One easy way to give is by using Canada Helps monthly subscription program. Canada Helps issues charitable receipts on our behalf which reduces our workload, and donors can subscribe to donate $10, $20 or more each month using a credit card. Ten dollars monthly may seem like a small sum. Generally, ten dollars might buy a fast food meal or two cups of coffee, but it can also help Willow Place provide daily needs for a family in shelter.
DONATE ON CANADA HELPS – CLICK HERE!
The Canada Helps donation forms also allow donors to let us know why they are giving. Here are some of the recent notes we have received:
“We wished to donate …to an organization that creates safe space for others.”
“I want to help women and children in crisis.”
“To support community outreach and public awareness regarding the important work you do.”
“I want to give to the new shelter project.”
“Because women and children must be protected from gender violence.”
“…an act of compassion…as an investment in safety, dignity, and the future of women and children who deserve a second chance through a safe environment.”
Our goal is to build our subscriber/donors to 500 members, which would translate into $5,000 of revenue each month if each donor gives just $10. This revenue will help Willow Place fill gaps in areas like food security, children’s needs and cultural programming Are you one of the 500? Thank you for supporting Willow Place!
