In this issue: Holiday Greetings Shared Traditions Spirit of Giving Spicing it Up! Donation Needs
HOLIDAY GREETINGS Our best wishes for a happy holiday season The change from autumn to winter provides a natural transition to both reflect upon months past and to look forward to the New Year. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of staff, volunteers, board members, community partners, funders, supporters and donors – without these combined efforts, we could not sustain our daily violence prevention services.
While we prepare for the unique challenges presented by winter, we also recognize that with the winter solstice, each day grows a bit longer and brighter, and we inevitably move closer to spring’s promise of renewal. Throughout this paradoxical time, we continue the life-affirming processes of imagining, planning, preparing, and forward motion.
Thank you for sharing 2025 with us, both the difficult times and the precious moments of success and joy. We are so thankful to count you among our supportive community.
However you choose to celebrate the holiday season, whether it is Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Noel, Christmas, Winter Solstice or other community and cultural observances, we hope that you enjoy supportive connections, good health, peace and joy.
SHARED TRADITIONS Our team’s holiday highlights We asked our team members to share holiday traditions, and their responses are featured, below. Amid the holiday busy-ness, we hope you will enjoy some light-hearted fun and time for rest. Happy Holidays from all of us!
SPIRIT OF GIVING Holiday activities in the shelter program Each year our shelter program begins preparations to create a festive, happy atmosphere for program participants. Sadly, violence does not take a holiday – our shelter program staff work a variety of shift rotations year-round, including during the holidays, to provide 24-H crisis support (phone, text, live chat) and to staff the busy violence prevention shelter program – our services never close.
Throughout December, Willow Place plans to support over 100 women and children, some who will be with us through the holiday festivities, some who will depart from shelter during this time, and others who may connect with our supportive teams by follow-up and outreach counseling. Our shared goal is to provide some comfort and holiday spirit during their connections with us, over and above our regular supports.
Winter weather can be especially isolating, and this is more-so for participants that have acute safety risks in the community. Additionally, the holiday season is particularly stressful for those who have experienced violence and abuse among their close personal and family relationships.
To support a homey, welcoming environment, our shelter program plans holiday-themed activities throughout December to provide parent respite, positive focus, social connection, and to help alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression among participants. Special snacks, activities and decorating are always popular!
One highlight in the shelter program is “Santa’s Workshop.” When our school classroom closes (mid-December to early January), staff and volunteers convert the space into a holiday-themed hub. Supported by community donations, Willow Place aims to provide each woman and child sheltering with us with a filled stocking and wrapped gift. We also supply unwrapped new gifts for women and children, so that Mothers can select and wrap a gift for their children, and children may select and wrap a gift for Mom.
SPICING IT UP! Handcrafted holiday ornaments
These cinnamon-scented ornaments make wonderful tree decorations, garlands or parcel tie-ons. Simply make the dough, cut shapes with cookie cutters. Then punch a hole with a straw to allow for hanging, stringing together or tying to a parcel or gift. Air dry, oven-dry or use a food dehydrator, and decorate if desired.
DOUGH INGREDIENTS (decorative – not edible!): 1 cup – 250 ml unsweetened apple sauce 1-1/2 cups – 375 ml ground cinnamon (buy bulk or low-quality brand) 2 Tablespoons – 30 ml non-toxic white craft glue Optional: can add 2-3 tsp. – 10-15 ml of ground cloves – reduce cinnamon by amount of cloves added
OTHER SUPPLIES: Mixing bowl, mixing spoon, spatula Plastic wrap Plastic or metal drinking straw (paper is not firm enough) Rolling pin, assorted cookie cutters (simple shapes work best, e.g., star, circle, tree) Fine sandpaper or emery board Cookie sheets and baking racks Glitter, puffy paints, rhinestones, etc. for decorating (Optional) Ribbon and hooks for hanging
DOUGH AND PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: Measure dough ingredients into mixing bowl – partly combine with spatula or mixing spoon, then mix with hands to form ball of uniform consistency. Depending upon the humidity, you many need to add a bit more apple sauce if dough is dry, or a bit more cinnamon if the dough feels a bit wet.
Once combined, take 1/3 of the ball of dough and place in on the counter between two sheets of plastic wrap. Roll out to 1/3″ (8.5mm) thickness and cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters. NOTE: if dough is rolled too thinly, the shapes will curl up as they dry.
Punch a hole in the top of each cut-out with the straw, then carefully transfer cut-out shapes to a baking rack placed on a cookie sheet. Pre-heat over to 200 F/93 C and bake 2.5 hours until ornaments are firm and dry. For food dehydrator, dry on high setting for 6 hours. To air-dry, leave on racks in an out-of-the-way area with low humidity for 3-4 days.
Once dry, ornaments can be painted; you can glue on glitter, rhinestones, etc. Prior to decorating, use fine sand paper or an emery board to smooth any rough edges. Depending on your use, thread a ribbon or attach an ornament hook through the punched holes – great for tree ornaments, making garlands or using as parcel/gift tie-ons.
DONATION NEEDS Giving updates and ways to help There are many ways to help Willow Place help others! Whether you choose a monthly monetary gift through Canada Helps, contribute to our New Facility Fund, or plan a donation collection among friends, family or colleagues, we are so grateful. Year-round, Willow Place relies upon monetary and in-kind gifts to provide daily needs for participants in our busy shelter program and to fill gaps in funding, in areas such as food security, cultural programming and children’s needs – thank you for considering a gift for Willow Place.
Every November (Domestic Violence Awareness Month), Willow Place collects new pajamas for women and children in our violence prevention shelter program. Our goal is to collect 250 pairs of PJs, representing the numbers we will serve from November to January. To donate, call 204-615-0313, ext. 245 (Kimi) or ext. 237 (Pam). Thank you for your support!
Willow Place New Facility Exciting news for expanded services
For years, the number of women and gender-diverse people in our region who need more violence prevention crisis and longer-term supports has been growing. Even thought Willow Place is helping more people than ever before, we have been operating over capacity for more than five years and often must turn people away. To address this urgent need, we are moving forward with plans for a new, purpose-built facility that will increase the number of crisis shelter beds, will provide improved living and program space, and – for the first time – offer on-site transitional housing for people and families who need more time to heal and find housing.
Willow Place has acquired property in central Winnipeg which was honoured with a blessing from Indigenous elders in September. This was important to move forward in a good way, as although we are not an Indigenous organization, the majority of those we support in our violence prevention services are Indigenous women and their children. We were excited and grateful to receive a transformational donation from a local philanthropist who kick-started our fundraising and is making is possible to begin construction in the next few months. We invite you to learn more and, if you are able, make a gift toward creating the new Willow Place. You will be supporting thousands of people on their journey toward a safe and a better life. HELP BUILD A NEW WILLOW PLACE CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
Fall Highlights Indigenous cultural observances
September 30 was Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, otherwise known as Orange Shirt Day. This year, we enjoyed exceptional support from Manitoba-born Indigenous artist, Brooklyn Rudolph-Nicholas. Brooklyn was selected as the artist of the year by Walmart Canada for their Orange Shirt Day t-shirts, and she also wrote a grant to help Willow Place and others in the community. The $4,500 grant allowed Willow Place to provide Brooklyn’s t-shirts, for all Willow Place shelter participants and staff. Remaining t-shirts were distributed in the community by Brooklyn. Funds from all t-shirts sold will go to Indigenous residential school survivors.
Brooklyn’s t-shirt tells her family story and resonates with many Indigenous Canadians as well as with allies from diverse cultures: “The children in the painting represent my grandparents, and all the children who have been impacted by Residential Schools. The holding of hands expresses the powerful connection shared with all those who endured these schools – a powerful symbol of unity and resilience. The eagle flying above represents love, one of the Seven Sacred Teachings shared among many Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. A reminder to always share love with all our relations. In the sky, the North Star shines bright. In Cree, this star is called Keewatin – know as the “Going Home Star.”
Willow Place shelter participants have benefited from previous grant-funded projects from Brooklyn over the past several years, including ribbon skirts and beautiful hand-made purses, all of which feature her deeply meaningful and inspiring original artwork. Thank you, Brooklyn – chii megwetch!
October 4, 2025 – Missing and Murdered Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples observance, NO MORE STOLEN SISTERS
Royal LePage Trek Updates Mandy Brown and Nicole Hacault support Willow Place
We are thrilled to share that two Winnipeg Royal LePage realtors, Mandy Brown and Nicole Hacault are participating in the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s fundraising trek in Cambodia (October). All participants must apply and be selected, as participation is Canada-wide and limited. They must also fundraise a minimum of $5,000 and cover all travel expenses.
With over 30 years of diverse experience and a degree in psychiatric nursing, Erin M. is a valued member of the Willow Place Leadership Team and one of two clinicians in our busy shelter program. Erin also serves as President of the MGEU local for Willow Place, a role which includes a seat at the board table with Willow Place. Erin brings many strengths to our shelter program team, including her demonstrated commitment to violence prevention services.
Can you tell us a bit about your current role as Clinical Supervisor? I share the role of Clinical Supervisor with Daniette B. We both oversee the counselling staff and provide day-to-day support and supervision. We help to ensure that counsellors are providing service within our clinical framework. We also work in conjunction with Kathy S, our Facility & Support Supervisor, to ensure all participant needs are being met.
Why did you choose to work at Willow Place? I am passionate about working in the GBV (gender-based violence)field and the organization’s values fit with my own personal values.
Please describe your typical workday in three words. Challenging, Rewarding and Unique.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work? The systemic barriers our participants deal with in order to create a new life free from abuse.
What moments are memorable from your work experience? When ex-participants contact us, and let us know that we made a difference in their lives.
Have you had mentors or individuals who inspired your during your career? The previous Executive Director, Lesley L. Her vision of what Willow Place could be and transforming the way we provided service really spoke to my soul. I would have to say that Marcie W, our current ED, is inspirational in how much “unseen work” she does for Willow Place and the dedication of our participants and staff.
Favourite song lyrics - Leonard Cohen "Ring the bells, that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering, There is a crack, a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in."
Autumn Wellness by Pam Hadder, Community Supervisor
The change of seasons provides a natural opportunity for reflection and transition. As we experience colder weather and shorter daylight hours, it is a great time to take stock of wellness needs: How will I stay active? THINGS TO DO:CLICK HERE FOR INFO! Is there a new hobby I can try? WINNIPEG LEISURE GUIDE: CLICK HERE FOR INFO! How can I eat healthier when fresh produce is less available, and stay within my budget? CANADA FOOD GUIDE TIPS: CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
Reassessing your wellness needs this fall can also help to prepare for the long winter months. Consideration of daily activity, socialization, nutrition and rest needs are all important. There are many free online and community resources to help fulfill activity and social needs. Rest needs may extend beyond getting 6-8 hours of sleep, to include taking breaks from technology, and taking time for self-care. LEARN MORE:CLICK HERE FOR INFO!
EASY CARROT SOUP & CROUTONS – recipes to try!
We hope you will enjoy our Easy Carrot Soup with Savory Croutons – hearty and humble, this comforting meal supports good health and is easy on the budget! As this soup is puréed, there is also less time and effort to prepare and cut vegetables. EASY CARROT SOUP INGREDIENTS:3 Tbsp./45 ml olive or canola oil 4-5 large carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped 3-4 celery stalks, washed and coarsely chopped 1 medium-large cooking onion, peeled and coarsely chopped 1-2 small-medium apples, washed, cored and coarsely chopped (no need to peel) 2 cloves fresh garlic, peeled, coarsely chopped 1 tsp/5ml sea salt ½ tsp/2.5 ml ground black pepper 1-2 bay leaves 2-3 Tbsp./30-45 ml grated fresh ginger root (TIP: freeze ginger, it is easier to grate) 1 Tbsp/15 ml dried and crushed sage ½ tsp/2.5 ml crushed red chilies (Optional: increase for spicier soup, or eliminate for milder soup) ½ cup/125 ml red lentils, rinsed well and drained 1 can coconut milk or 1.5 cups/375ml milk 8-10 cups of waterMETHOD: Prepare all fresh ingredients. Measure oil into large soup or stock pot (3- 4 liter size). Heat to medium-low, and add onions, carrots, celery, apples, salt, pepper, garlic and bay leaves. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes, adding water if needed to keep from browning. Add ginger, sage, chili pepper, and stir to combine. Add lentils and the remaining water. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 25 minutes. Remove from heat and blend until creamy with immersion blender (or glass food blender). Return to low heat and stir in coconut milk or milk. Heat through on low for 5-7 minutes.
YIELD: 8 large servings of soup – serve with Savory Soup Croutons, below, with your favourite crackers, or a slice of fresh bread. This soup freezes well and can be portioned for lunches or busy-day dinners – just re-heat and serve.
SAVORY SOUP CROUTONS INGREDIENTS: 4 slices stale bread, cut into bite-size squares 1 Tbsp/15 ml olive or canola oil ½ tsp/2.5 ml granulated garlic ½ tsp/2.5 ml ground paprika 1 tsp/5 ml dried parsley flakes Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD: Measure oil into a medium, non-stick frying pan. Heat oil to medium-high. Add cubed bread and stir quickly to distribute oil over all bread pieces. Continue to stir bread, toasting pieces on all sides. As bread starts to toast, sprinkle on granulated garlic, paprika, parsley, salt and pepper. Continue stirring, reducing heat to low. When bread cubes are evenly toasted, remove the pan from heat, and move croutons into a heat-safe dish or bowl for serving over prepared soup.
Donations and Fundraising Thank you for your kind support!
Our team would like to acknowledge all monetary and in-kind donors who have supported our shelter program throughout recent months – your generosity fills many funding gaps, including in areas of food security, children’s and infant needs, as well as cultural and wellness programming.
Upcoming third-party fundraising campaigns include Urban Barn’s Blanket the Country initiative and Shelmerdine Garden Centre’s Giving Tree Ornament campaign. If you visit these retailers in the next few weeks, please look for the fundraising details! Shelmerdine’s Giving Tree ornaments will retail for $9.99 and all proceeds support local charities including Willow Place. Urban Barn locations will be matching customer donations for Willow Place, and will receive a discount for a future purchase (20% off $100 minimum purchase). The Urban Barn campaign begins November 1, 2025 and extends until September 30, 2026, and Shelmerdine’s ornament campaign will begin in October and runs thru December, or while stock lasts.
Currently, Willow Place is collecting wish list items including, non-perishable food items, hygiene products (toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant are urgent needs), new or gently-used towels, blankets, and unwrapped gifts for women and children for the holiday giving season.
Each November is recognized as DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS month in Manitoba, and Willow Place is also collecting new pajamas for women and children in our shelter program. Through our annual POWER OF PJS campaign, we aim to acquire 250 pairs of pajamas, representing the average number of women and children we will support this winter.
If you have questions or wish to donate, please call Pam at 204-615-0313, ext. 237 or Kimi at 204-615-0313, ext. 245 (weekdays, daytime hours) – THANK YOU!
This year will mark the 6th Annual HOCKEY HELPS THE HOMELESS fundraising event! Willow Place is grateful to be among the three beneficiaries of the event, each supporting homeless populations in our region: Willow Place, Red Road Lodge and Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY).
Willow Place community team members participate on the local committee and provide locker room talks for teams on game day. This year, Willow Place also supported the women’s league in advance of the event date providing support with fundraising raffles. We were also able to provide support for the rainbow and online auctions that will be part of both draft night and game day activities.
