Today, many older Manitobans face unique challenges that affect their ability to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Social isolation, limited mobility, and financial insecurity can significantly impact their well-being. These challenges seem to continue growing as our population ages. Seniors are finding themselves stretching the money they receive from their retirement savings, pension, and other government funding. Non-profit organizations continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the most vulnerable members of our community by offering essential services and innovative programming designed to meet the needs of older adults in Manitoba. They offer essential services and create innovative programs specifically designed to meet the new needs of Manitoba’s seniors. But non-profits can’t do it alone. They often rely on grants and donations to fund these critical initiatives. The Healthy Community Partnership Grant is one way Victoria Lifeline and Victoria Hospital Foundation are helping ensure Manitoba’s seniors have access to the support they deserve. Previous years saw funding from this grant invested in projects like a much-needed food pantry that helped combat food insecurity and investments in senior-focused equipment and technologies. This year, the collaborative grant by Victoria Lifeline and Victoria Hospital Foundation is awarding $10,000 to six incredible organizations across Manitoba. These grants will help fund essential equipment and develop innovative programs directly impacting seniors’ physical, mental, and social well-being. 2024 Grant Recipients! Gladstone Senior Support: Cardio Drumming Gladstone Senior Support will introduce a weekly Cardio Drumming Program, a low-impact exercise using an exercise ball and drumsticks to promote physical activity and social interaction. The grant will be used to help fund exercise equipment needed for this program. West Broadway Community Organization (WBCO): Farm Trips for Seniors WBCO’s Food Security Program, the Good Food Club, will offer educational and recreational farm trips for low-income seniors. These trips will allow seniors to visit various farms, such as a berry farm, a bison farm, and an apiary, providing valuable socialization and learning opportunities. Online sessions will also be available. “This project will provide important opportunities for socialization and new learning for low-income urban seniors.” – Representative The Gardens on Tenth: Chair Exercise Program The Gardens on Tenth will introduce a Chair Exercise Program that will run twice a week from September to April. This program will provide an accessible exercise option for seniors, supporting their physical health and balance. “We’re so happy to be able to offer this program with the help of your grant. We want to thank Victoria Lifeline for allowing us to offer our exercise program and equipment to our tenants free of charge. We strive to be a facility that tenants can age in place, having exercise programs readily available to them for no charge allows them to stay active, healthy and strengthen their balance.” – Deandra Braun, Activity & Events Coordinator – The Gardens on Tenth Bethel Place: Exercise Equipment and Storage Bethel Place will use funding from this grant to replace and diversify its worn-down exercise equipment. Also, they will invest in a shelf storage cart, to help make equipment transition easier from their storage area. “Having exercise equipment that is easily accessible, provides opportunities for the residents of Bethel Place to stay physically active within the safety and convenience of their own home. As seniors age in place, senior living facilities must be creative in the ways they meet the needs of their residents.” – Melanie Camara Woodworth Senior Services: iPads Woodworth Senior Services will purchase an iPad to help its clients access the internet. Right now, many don’t own computers and rely on devices provided by them to obtain information, communicate, or print off forms or receipts. They also plan on using the iPads as a tool for their coordinator to take with them when going to client’s homes or showing available programs that could be of assistance. “Hopefully will be a tool for them to use to obtain information for their personal needs and to add to their daily activities, it can be used to obtain information on services and can help them be in contact with other groups or family.” – Representative Prairie Rose Apartments: Portable Wheelchair Prairie Rose Apartments will use the funding to pay for a wheelchair that their tenants can use when they or their partners need to be escorted to important medical appointments. Congratulations to the 2024 Healthy Community Partnership Grant Recipients We look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will bring. Stay tuned for updates on each project’s progress and the benefits they bring to our community. Though only these six organizations were chosen to receive funding from our grant, we want to acknowledge and thank all of the organizations that serve our community. You all provide important support for so many Manitobans in need. At Victoria Lifeline and Victoria Hospital Foundation, we will continue to join you in our mission to serve our community better and help those who need it. “ This project will provide important opportunities for socialization and new learning for low-income urban seniors. Donate Post navigation < BACK NEXT >
In today’s world, cultivating a sense of community and belonging for seniors is more important than ever before. In many communities across the province, local senior resource programs and other not-for-profit organizations provide the vital connections seniors need to thrive and live independently. Along with government programs, non-profit organizations stand as a necessary backbone in our communities. They provide essential services, advocate for those in need, and create a more supportive environment for everyone. Here at Victoria Lifeline and the Victoria Hospital Foundation, we recognize the significant role non-profits play in the well-being of Manitoba seniors and are happy to support organizations that serve our vulnerable older population. About The Healthy Community Partnership Grant Recognizing the connection between healthy living and aging safely in place, the Healthy Community Partnership Grant was established to fund initiatives that promote the health and well-being of older adults. For organizations committed to supporting Manitoba’s aging population, the Healthy Community Partnership Grant presents a valuable opportunity to make a tangible difference. By joining forces, Victoria Lifeline and the Victoria Hospital Foundation aim to empower not-for-profits to further their own mission of providing essential services that promote overall health and well-being of older adults. Together, they are dedicated to fostering a thriving and inclusive community where older adults can lead fulfilling lives. Who Can Apply? The grant is available to programs serving primarily older adults. Funding can be used to purchase equipment and support activities or programs that promote health and independence. The program prioritizes initiatives that create new activities or services or expand existing ones. Eligible applicants are non-profit community organizations in Manitoba that include older adults in their activities or programming. Delivering Impact – an update on the 2023 Grant Winners We’re excited to share an update on the 2023 grant recipients and the incredible work they’ve accomplished! Good Neighbours Active Living Centre Thanks to the grant, they established a much-needed free food pantry to address food insecurity amongst older adults. Since opening its doors in October 2023, the pantry has served an impressive 30-145 people per operating day, exceeding expectations! Not only does the pantry provide essential food assistance, but it also fosters social connections and combats feelings of isolation among seniors. “Unbelievable that it’s free!” remarked Georgie Zacharias, a pantry user. Another user, Scott Paling, added, “Amazing variety and I can’t believe how much there is to choose from. It’s great to be able to have things that I don’t normally have because of choices on a small budget.” The pantry has quickly become a vital resource for seniors in the community. Services to Seniors Program Supervisor Megan Wallace is thrilled at the success of the pantry and the feedback from not only the participants but the staff as well. “Pantry users report feeling less stressed, more supported, and grateful for the kindness and acceptance. For us as Coordinators, we too have benefited greatly from being able to offer this program; it brings us joy. The fact that we get to witness the incredible kindness of a community united never fails to impress.” Bridgepark Manor Inc. The grant funded Wi-Fi Assisted Listening System addresses a critical need for residents who are experiencing hearing loss. This innovative system allows them to connect to the sound system in their multi-purpose room, ensuring they can participate in activities and programs. Bridgepark Manor resident Betty Falk expressed her gratitude, stating, “I could hear much better now and more clearly.” That smile really says it all! The Executive Director of Bridgepark Manor, Bonnie Begalke also expressed her appreciation, “Without the grant, the installation of this sophisticated hardware would not have been possible.” The new sound system has enhanced the overall well-being of residents who can now participate more fully in their community. Seniors Independent Services from the RM of Prairie Lakes The grant helped fund additional equipment for their short-term loan program, specifically catering to those recovering from knee and hip replacement surgeries. This equipment has already helped two residents, like J.S. Box who shared, “It helped me with my pain and get mobile faster.” This program is a lifesaver for seniors on a fixed income who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford temporary medical equipment. Senior Resource Coordinator Myra Jonsson also expressed her gratitude for the grant, “We are so appreciative for the funding, and to be able to make these items available for residents within our R.M. I want to sincerely thank Victoria Lifeline, and the Victoria Hospital Foundation for selecting our grant application from the many they received.” Bright Outlook for 2024’s Grant We’re incredibly proud of the impact the 2023 Healthy Community Partnership Grant has made on the lives of so many older adults in Manitoba. Stay tuned! We will be announcing the recipients of the 2024 grant program very soon. “ “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley Donate Post navigation < BACK NEXT >
Victoria Hospital Foundation has announced a $1.78 million investment in two new mental health initiatives to support patient care at Victoria Hospital and the official opening of the Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit. The $1.2 million Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit is a dedicated space in Victoria Hospital’s Urgent Care department designed to provide individualized care in a private and supportive environment conducive to recovery. Urgent Care and mental health teams will work in collaboration to provide specialized mental health assessments and care in a calming, home-like environment. This innovative evidence-based model of care leverages the skills, knowledge, and expertise of the inter-professional team to meet the individual’s unique needs. The six-bed unit is the first integrated space of its kind in Manitoba. Funding for the Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit is made possible through the generosity of Victoria Hospital Foundation’s supporters, including a $500,000 gift from Manitoba Blue Cross. Other significant funding commitments include a $100,000 gift from Canada Life, $60,000 gift from Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg and $25,000 gifts from Johnston Group and Wawanesa Insurance. “We are grateful for the countless individuals and businesses in our community whose ongoing support is helping to ensure the best mental health care is available close to home, particularly with the increased need we are experiencing as a result of Covid,” said Nicole Chammartin, Executive Director, Victoria Hospital Foundation. “We are especially thankful for the generosity of Manitoba Blue Cross and all early project supporters, whose significant contributions are transforming mental health care at our hospital for thousands of Manitobans.” This integrated model of care will consist of a patient-centered approach wherein the inter-professional team engages and empowers individuals experiencing mental health concerns in the decision-making process. The combination of evidence-based practices and patient-focused care is anticipated to create the efficiencies necessary for these individuals to experience shorter wait times and hospital stays, while fostering enhanced therapeutic relationships with the care team. This collaborative approach will also enable more timely connections to community and outpatient resources to support improved recovery and quality of life. The Manitoba Blue Cross Mental Health Assessment Unit features six bright and spacious treatment rooms, two of which have the ability to seclude individuals requiring additional monitoring as part of their care plan. The space also features a patient lounge to facilitate social interaction in a safe environment, which is beneficial to healing and recovery. A central team station will enable individuals to benefit from frequent assessment, monitoring, and intervention as needed. “As our community’s need for mental health care continues to grow, we need to ensure that we have the appropriate settings for individuals to receive the care they need when they need it most,” said Rachel Ferguson, Chief Operating Officer, Victoria Hospital. “This unique patient-centred environment will help to ensure our patients have a safe space to talk openly with psychiatrists and clinicians and know they are being heard.” Victoria Hospital Foundation will also invest $580,000 in Tranquility Trail, a new greenspace on the grounds of Victoria Hospital to enhance the mental health and wellness of our community and support patients in their recovery. This environment will be designed specifically to support socialization and unique outdoor treatment programming such as arts and crafts, recreation therapy activities, exercise programs, cultural ceremonies, and gardening. Construction on this new healing environment is now underway and is anticipated to be complete in Spring 2023. To date, Victoria Hospital Foundation has raised over $1 million toward its $1.78 million goal for these projects and will be rallying community support to raise an additional $500,000. Donations can be made at TheVicFoundation.ca. Donate Post navigation < BACK NEXT >
