Outreach Team Update

On September 18 the Outreach Team hosted an information session with representatives from Mulvey School including principal, Peter Correia. Peter made a brief presentation and shared a video of the school and its students.

Mulvey School is a nursery to grade 6 school near All Saints and is part of the Winnipeg School Division. Its mission is to provide a learning environment that promotes and fosters the growth of each students’ potential and provides an opportunity for the individual student to develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for meaningful participation in a global and pluralistic society.

All Saints has supported the school in several ways in the past year. This fall we completed our fundraising campaign for playground sports equipment and presented a cheque for $1000. We have donated funds towards Christmas gifts to be given to each student. Several members of All Saints have started volunteering at the school in areas such as the breakfast program and homework help. If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Mulvey School, please contact Amanda Harding.

A seminar on homelessness in Winnipeg took place on October 29. The seminar was organized by Carl Harrison. There were 31 people at the event. The two presenters were Betty Edel from End Homelessness Winnipeg and Devin Bray from Just a Warm Sleep. They described the current state of homelessness in Winnipeg, including the roles of different levels of government and explained what their respective organizations do. There was good discussion and sharing including perspectives from those with lived experience of homelessness. Blankets were collected at the event and given to Just a Warm Sleep. The event was covered by CTV news and a Red River College journalism student.

The Outreach Team has made contributions to Just a Warm Sleep and N’Dinawemak (Our Relatives Place). Operated by 1JustCity, Just a Warm Sleep is a barrier-free shelter, which means shopping carts and pets are allowed inside. It also means that it is operated on a harm-reduction model. Guests who have been drinking or using substances prior to entry are welcome, so long as they can be respectful and quiet once inside. 1JustCity serves guests of all different age groups, genders, religions and cultural backgrounds. N’Dinawemak (Our Relatives Place) is operated by End Homelessness Winnipeg. It is an Indigneous-led, 24/7 low barrier drop-in and warming space with food and clothing for those aged 18 and up.

The Outreach Team will close the year with a collection drive for the Christmas Cheer Board and by supporting the Christmas Party for All Saints and our neighbours at West Broadway Commons. Since the fall the Outreach Team has made contributions to: Just a Warm Sleep, End Homelessness Winnipeg, International Development and Relief Foundation for the Sri Lanka appeal, PWRDF for Pakistan Flood relief, Agape Table, Joy Smith Foundation, Mulvey School, Hospitality House, Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network, and St. Thomas Weston Anglican Church take-out meal program.

The Outreach Team: Amanda Harding, Barbara Shoomski, Nora Fraser, Mitchell Duce, David Wilson, Sandra Tankard, Corie Bryant, Mark Holmes à Court, and the Rev. Rob Schoeck.