NORTHTRUEOUR OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF TRUE NORTH SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT REPORT2021-22 TO COMMUNITYTHE
LADYBYNGMEMORIAL TROPHYWINNER kyleCONNOR ARE THE FEWEST AMONG NHL PLAYERS THAT HAVE 80 POINTS OR MORE. ALSO, FEWEST PENALTY MINUTES IN THE PAST TWO SEASONS WITH 16 AMONG PLAYERS WITH 135 OR MORE POINTS. 4 shotspppointsassistsshevgoalspimgoalsgoalspoints 45 5TH in NHl 34 2ND in NHl 3 7TH in NHl 44 43RD in NHl 89 16TH in NHl 26 36TH in NHl 308 4TH in NHl
As we reflect on this past season, I believe that True North Sports + Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club share many of the same mixed emotions being felt by the passionate fans of our team and our community.
• Entering the third season affected by the pandemic, play began in late fall with the hope of a more normal season, however the Omicron variant brought with it another wave of capacity restrictions and issues associated with protecting our fans and community as well as the additional financial impacts;
The 2021-22 season was challenging, both on and off the ice:
• Together, we experienced an extended and harsh winter with record snowfall and, as a result, a shortened spring; and
• As discussed at length, there was shared disappointment from our players, coaches, management, and fans alike, in the results of our Winnipeg Jets – ultimately not achieving our goal of a fifth consecutive year of NHL playoff hockey.
As I have shared in this opening section in past Reports to the Community, our organization’s purpose has remained constant since the inception of True North – which is simply to become and remain a source of pride for our entire community.
• Within our community context, we confronted a number of societal challenges from bullying and sexual abuse to the war in Ukraine;
On behalf of my family and partner David Thomson, and the entire True North Sports + Entertainment organization, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for your ongoing support and shared purpose of bringing pride to our community.
Be assured we remain unabashedly resolute in our desire to pursue championship hockey, bringing pride to our community based on team results. But also know that we equally value how success manifests in day-to-day care and support offered to one another on and off the ice.
Despite the challenges listed above, I invite you to review the following pages of this report which I hope both reminds and inspires you with images and a narrative of the positive outcomes of tireless efforts of our employees, coaches, players, corporate and community partners, and the most passionate fans in the NHL.
Respectfully and with gratitude, Mark J. GovernorChipman&Executive Chairman Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club / True North Sports + Entertainment Our True North
However, as our community is known to do, each of these elements of adversity has been engaged head on by our organization and fanbase, demonstrating a resilience and response that has long since been the foundation for this city and province.
NORTHTRUEOUR OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF TRUE NORTH SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT REPORT TO COMMUNITYTHE 2021-22 EDITOR Krista Sinaisky Director, Corporate Communications DESIGN & LAYOUT Allison Ferley Creative Lead Josh Dudych Director, Creative CONTENT CONTRIBUTOR Jason Friesen Coordinator, Communications & Content PRIMARY PHOTOGRAPHERS Jonathan Kozub Head Photographer Darcy Finley Nicole McAlpine PRODUCED BY True North Sports + Entertainment 600-223 Carlton Street Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0V4 SECTION 1 TRUE NORTH SPORTS + ENTERTAINMENT True North Corporate • We Are True North 5 • True North employees in the community 5 • Diversity & Inclusion 6 • True North's commitment to Respect on and off the ice 6 Safety & Downtown • Promoting a return to downtown 7 • Expo Live! 7 • November in the Plaza 8 • Downtown Community Safety Partnership 8 • True North Real Estate Development 9 SECTION 2 COMMUNITY RELATIONS True North Community Relations • By the Numbers 10 • Women in Sport Job Shadow Program 11 • NextGen Game 11 Winnipeg Jets & Manitoba Moose Community Relations • Community Appearances and Events 12 • Awareness and Appreciation Campaigns 14 • Community Support and Donation Initiatives 17 • Player Initiatives 19 Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends 22 Venues & Entertainment 24 SECTION 3 TRUE NORTH YOUTH FOUNDATION Fundraising and Events • Flatlander's Beer Fest 26 • Gala at Home 27 Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy 28 Project 11 30 Camp Manitou 33
True North employees in the community On Dec. 9, True North employees gathered for the long-standing tradition of serving our community through “Service Day”. Employees lent their time to Harvest Manitoba, N’Dinawemak –Our Relatives’ Place, North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, Mama Bear Clan, and Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatawin (OPK).
We Are True North
The talents of more than 270 full-time and 1,000 part-time employees support the dynamic operations of True North’s many and varied entities. True North’s diverse working environments encompass 10 different work locations and include three downtown venues, a four-rink multiplex, a four-season camp, and five retail stores.
True North has again been recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, according to Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition, marking the 15th consecutive year of earning this distinction.
TRUE ENTERTAINMENTSPORTSNORTH+ SECTION 1 Our True North | Report to the Community 2021-22 Section 1: True North Sports + Entertainment • 5
While the goals, projects and offerings will vary greatly across individual teams, all efforts link back to True North’s vision: to be a preeminent organization within the NHL, AHL and North American entertainment industry, and a consistent source of pride for our entire community. As the entire organization collectively strives to contribute to this vision, teams are guided by True North’s long-standing core values of Team, Trust and Respect, Do the Right Thing, and Continuous Improvement. These values are key to fostering an organizational culture that is supportive, empowering and that drives shared success. Thanks to the continued dedication, flexibility, innovation and care shown by all team members, True North was able to seamlessly return to much of our regular programming and in-venue/onsite work over 2021-22, while also navigating periods of disruption and change as the health of our community evolved. Following many months spent working remotely for most employees, being able to again gather in our workspaces and at our events and resume employee engagement and recognition activities has brought a renewed sense of community across the organization.
True North was among 16 downtown businesses that participated in the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Earth Day Clean-Up in April, contributing to collecting a literal ton of garbage from downtown streets. True North’s employees actively support the True North Youth Foundation (TYNF), both by working directly with youth on and off the ice through the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, as well as through several volunteer opportunities during the year. This past year, True North employees made key behind-thescenes contributions by volunteering for the Winnipeg Jets Gala and the Flatlander’s Beer Festival. Employees also continued to support TNYF programs through an internal giving campaign, resulting in more than $100,000 in donations. Read more about the TNYF on p. 26.
• Building on existing True North and NHL reporting mechanisms, a customized web portal has been launched which will provide an additional channel for True North employees to report bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination (BAHD behaviours).
• Additional training is in development for True North’s workforce that will create greater awareness and understanding of the laws and implications surrounding sexual offences.
Over the past year, a robust collection of online resource materials have been made available to all True North employees, along with a library of books, offered with the intention to educate and encourage important Unconsciousconversations.biastraining has been in development over the past year and will be delivered over the coming season as True North’s first step in providing formal D&I training opportunities.
• Jets forward Adam Lowry has stepped into an ambassador role with the Toba Centre to provide support and encouragement for youth who are in the recovery process as well as for those who have not yet come forward (read more on p. 21).
True North’s commitment to Respect on and off the ice True North has always endeavoured to create a safe and respectful environment for all employees and guests at all of our venues and workspaces across all corners of our organization. Our work in this area was underscored last fall when the full extent of harassment and abuse suffered by Kyle Beach came to light. True North made a commitment to working with the NHL and qualified experts to create positive change, both within our own organization, as well as within the larger hockey community and our home community in Manitoba.
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• 100 percent of True North’s workforce (including players) is “Respect Certified”.
Since the formalization of True North’s Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee in 2020-21, our organization has been on a journey of learning, understanding and growth. Over the past year, True North has further defined the scope and direction for this journey and has created three subcommittees to further advance the organization’s D&I goals. Through the focused efforts of these subcommittees, True North strives to incorporate employee learning through moments and events and identify and implement D&I education opportunities with a focus on archiving these efforts in order to evaluate and identify areas for growth.
True North will continue to use our platforms to enhance education and improve resources and programming to prevent future occurrences of BAHD behaviours, while fostering a culture where victims of sexual harassment and abuse can safely share their stories and that will facilitate healing for survivors.
In September 2021, True North partnered with the First Nations Family Advocate Office and Downtown Community Safety Partnership to bring more awareness to the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada. The initiative, which took place on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, saw True North employees wear collaboratively designed orange shirts to honour residential school survivors, their families, and the thousands who did not return home.
• The Winnipeg Jets advocated for the league-wide implementation of Sheldon Kennedy’s Respect Group training program and were the first team to deliver the training.
• Jets Chairman Mark Chipman has accepted the opportunity to chair a new NHL committee that will focus on the culture of hockey – within and beyond the NHL –and issues including equity, inclusion and diversity, and any type of abuse or lack of respect in the workforce of the game.
• Through a partnership with child advocacy group the Toba Centre, the True North Youth Foundation’s Project 11 mental wellness curriculum will be enhanced to include the topic of abuse and harassment in an age-appropriate way.
Diversity & Inclusion
• True North has made a financial commitment to support the development of the Toba Centre’s to-be-built first-class response facility which will further their ability to provide victim and family-centric care and support.
SAFETY & DOWNTOWN
Photography Our True North | Report to the Community 2021-22 Section 1: True North Sports + Entertainment • 7
150 hockey games, concerts, and other special events hosted at Canada Life Centre and the Burton Cummings Theatre
ExpoLiveWPG.com
Following various periods of shutdown throughout 2020 and 2021, True North resumed operations in earnest for the 2021-22 NHL and AHL seasons. To support this resumption, True North’s full-time workforce was welcomed back to onsite work –including to the primary offices downtown –in August 2021, marking a critical first step in welcoming audiences back to our fullcapacity venues. It was a step True North was committed to making, not only for the benefit of our own organizational culture and business operations, but as part of overall downtown recovery, and as an example and encouragement to neighbouring downtown businesses and offices.
Featuring the Stones’ own personal collections of memorabilia, archives, instruments, stage costumes, art and more, the multimedia touring show brought thousands of guests downtown for a rare backstage pass to the Stones’ storied history – Winnipeg’s engagement was the second of only two Canadian stops. True North looks forward to bringing many more people downtown each year to explore and imagine at a variety of immersive educational, cultural, historical and interactive touring exhibits.
Expo Live!
Promoting a return to downtown While events at both Canada Life Centre and the Burton Cummings Theatre contributed to bringing much-needed traffic back to the city’s core after hours, a bustling nine-tofive downtown is also essential to the overall economic health of our city, and a large majority of the 70,000 downtown workers lost throughout the pandemic had yet to return downtown by fall 2021.
The timing was especially key for downtown’s post-pandemic recovery and the venue’s first offering, The Rolling Stones UNZIPPED, contributed to Winnipeg’s staycation and tourism scene through summer 2022.
True North re-emerged into the exhibition space and introduced a brand new downtown venue in June 2022 with the opening of Expo Live! at Portage Place – a versatile 20,000-square-foot venue that revitalized the former downtown Staples location and created a new entertainment destination within walking distance of the SHED (Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District).
The return of True North’s 185-plus full-time downtown employees bolstered traffic and economic activity and had positive impacts on transit ridership and parking, as well as for local restaurants, stores and businesses.
Complementing the UNZIPPED exhibit, True North also created another downtown destination with the Ronnie Wood Pop-Up Gallery at True North Square. Showcasing original and print works valued as high as 75,000 British Pounds, the gallery provided a rare opportunity for Winnipeggers to get up close and personal with acclaimed and famed pieces painted by the Rolling Stones guitarist.
750,000+ people drawn downtown JULY 2021 AND JUNE 2022: Photos courtesy of Red Tie Productions and Karen Cottrell
BETWEEN
ALREADY THIS YEAR, THE DCSP HAS ASSISTED
As employers welcomed their workforces back to downtown offices, the DCSP has been able to increase engagement with individuals and businesses downtown and doubled the number of educational presentations given over the year prior. This awareness has led to an increase in downloads of its Safety App, which continues to receive positive feedback. With the DCSP setting the pace for creating a safer downtown, the organization has established various community safety committees, several of which are led by DCSP leadership. The DCSP continues to receive unsolicited testimonials from community partners, further validating their collaborative approach to community safety and their everyday efforts to engage with and strengthen the downtown community.
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@WinnipegDCSP DCSP.ca 112 housing referrals 30 people permanently housed 706 follow-up wellness checks 51 individuals assisted with obtaining ID 358 case management meetings 1,914 community/business check-ins in response to call requests 34 interventions in medical emergencies
NovemberIN: in the Plaza
DCSP teams take great pride in getting to know all downtown community members – often on a first-name basis. These relationships have helped to build trust and a stronger sense of community, as well as creating more recognition and awareness for DCSP team members and the services they provide. Because of this growing trust and awareness, the DCSP has been able to increase the positive impacts of their work downtown.
Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) True North remains a collaborative partner of the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP), supporting their efforts to enhance the safety and well-being for everyone downtown. Throughout the pandemic, the DCSP’s three frontline patrol teams – CONNECT, MAC247 (Mobile Assist and Connect) and COAR (Community Outreach Advocacy Resource) – have continued to provide 24/7 proactive, non-emergency response and specialized social needs support, outreach, and follow-up intervention to everyone working, living, and playing in Winnipeg’s downtown.
Over the past year, the DCSP’s focus has been on building community relationships, both formally with area businesses, and informally through daily frontline interactions. Through these relationships, referrals for DCSP services are expected to triple over their last fiscal year.
As part of encouraging downtown traffic, True North partnered with the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ on a series of November in the Plaza events which took place pre-game on Jets and Moose home gamedays and featured live DJs, cultural performances, and hockey hot stoves with Jets alumni. Local businesses were engaged, creating a celebratory atmosphere by decorating their storefronts and encouraging Winnipeggers to visit all areas of downtown. The events also included a holiday tree lighting and Santa made regular appearances for the younger crowd at the later November events.
In December of 2021, TNRED successfully completed and turned over the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s (RWB) new 34,500-square-foot Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Residence on Edmonton Street. The new home for the RWB School will house up to 60 ballet students from around the world in a best-of-class facility and replaces the former residence previously located on the site of True North Square’s Wawanesa North American Headquarters tower.
True North Square has achieved The Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC), recognizing the development’s adoption of Universal Design principles and the resulting inclusive and accessible public spaces that allow everyone to participate and live to their full potential.
Wawanesa North American Headquarters
Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™
Following groundbreaking in spring 2021 and steady progress over 2021-22, Wawanesa’s 23-storey North American Headquarters is approximately one and a half years to completion. At fiscal year-end, the concrete structure was approximately midway completed with the focus on fully enclosing the building (curtainwall/glazing) over the remainder of the 2022 calendar year. Mechanical, electrical, framing, and masonry work continues to take place as the concrete structure is completed for each floor. More than 1,600 Wawanesa employees will join the downtown working community when True North Square’s state-of-the-art fifth tower is fully completed in late 2023.
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Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Residence
Winnipeg Jets Ukrainian Community Support MAR. 1 & APR. 8 ‒ In support of Manitoba’s Ukrainian community, the Jets welcomed the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus to their March 1 game, where the choir followed the singing of the Canadian national anthem with a spirited performance of the Ukrainian anthem, marking the first time an anthem other than O Canada or The Star Spangled Banner has been sung at an NHL game. Hoosli returned on April 8 when the Jets also supported fundraising initiatives for the relief efforts of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Through both a special ticket offer, and the donation of the evening’s 50/50 proceeds, $81,215 was raised. 2 $81,215 total charitable proceeds donated to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation
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SECTION
TRUE RELATIONSCOMMUNITYNORTH
The Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose constantly strive to make consistent contributions to the community, and after two years of primarily connecting with fans virtually, the Community Relations teams were excited to resume many initiatives and have more inperson interactions with Winnipeggers and Manitobans again this season. While many of the teams’ community relations efforts have always focused on youth, new initiatives like the Jets NextGen Game and Moose Women in Sport Job Shadow Program (outlined on next page) joined long-standing events like Reading Takes Flight (p. 12) and Hockey Fights Cancer (p. 17) in putting a particular emphasis on connecting the Jets and Moose with the youth of our community.
By the Numbers: $419,600 total charitable proceeds donated $63,250 total fan donations reinvested into the community 219 groups/organizations assisted 203 donation packages
MAR. 27 ‒ For the first time, the Jets hosted a NextGen Game celebrating the future of hockey both on and off the ice. The NextGen Takeover selected nine kids via online audition submissions to participate in various game and broadcast production roles alongside the pros. After meeting their mentors, receiving a custom Jets jersey with their name on the back, and learning about their roles at a Jets morning skate, the nine lucky youth spent the March 27 matchup against the Arizona Coyotes shadowing each professional and trying their hand at on-air and in-game jobs, including as PA announcer, game host, TSN3 host, JetsTV reporter, CJOB radio commentator, organist, and crowd dancer. The evening also included pre-game performances by the School of Rock youth band, and with a notably younger crowd in attendance, the game’s presentation also brought a youthful vibe. Player animations and newly redesigned imagery represented the NextGen theme in all in-game elements along with an all-new pregame hype video and starting lineup introduction.
Manitoba Moose Women in Sport Job Shadow Program
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Winnipeg Jets NextGen Game
MAR. 11 & 12 ‒ As part of the NHL’s Gender Equality Month in March (read more on p. 16), the Moose sparked a new initiative that aimed to inspire young women and show them the possibilities available to them in the sports industry. That took the form of the two-day Women in Sport Job Shadow Program which invited young females to apply for an immersive experience in Moose front office operations. Enthusiasm for the program was immediately evident, with the team receiving 80 applications from which six young women – all current university students or recent graduates –were selected to join the program. On day one, the participants enjoyed a tour of True North’s downtown offices, received complimentary professional headshots, and soaked up information from various departmental presentations and a resumé-building workshop. Day two featured a behind-the-scenes gameday experience that showed how the many roles come together to produce a hockey game. Participants learned about gameday roles from several more departments including video coaches and ticketing team members, and got a truly handson experience that had them clipping replays in the control room, making PA announcements, directing the game’s programming, assisting the promo team, and more. The success of the program was noticed league-wide, as the Job Shadow Program was awarded the AHL’s Most Unique Community Relations Promotion of the season for creativity, uniqueness, and public reception of the program.
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Community Appearances and EventsCommunity Appearances and Events
Winnipeg Jets Holiday Visits DEC. 15 ‒ Jets players brought some cheer to the Winnipeg Children’s Hospital over the holiday season with virtual visits and chats that put smiles on the kids’ faces.
Winnipeg Jets Reading Takes Flight MAR. 3 ‒ Jets players had the opportunity to read virtually with students from 12 different classrooms –both in Winnipeg and in rural communities, including Melita, Blumenort, and Winnipeg Beach. Community Practice Series MAR. 7 ‒ This year’s Moose Community Practice Series, presented by Assiniboine Park Zoo, welcomed four minor hockey teams to an outdoor practice at Camp Manitou.
The Lord Selkirk Fishermen U11 A3 boys, River East Northeast Eagles U13 A1 girls, St. James Rockets U11 A1 girls, and South Winnipeg Blue Flames U9 boys joined Moose captain Jimmy Oligny and defenceman Johnathan Kovacevic as well as Jets Hockey Development coaches for an on-ice training session before heading inside the Travis Price Centre lodge for dinner and a Q & A with the players.
FEB. 16 ‒ The Manitoba Moose celebrated “I Love to Read Month” with a virtual Stick to Reading initiative this year. Players joined students in 12 classrooms across the province to read together and answer students’ questions.
Manitoba Moose Stick to Reading
Winnipeg Jets Official Backyard Rink Contest
APR. 21 ‒ After a two-year wait, the 2020 Jets Town Takeover winning community of Stonewall was able to host the ultimate Winnipeg Jets experience this season. During the day, students from all three local schools engaged in Project 11 mental wellness programming, while local minor hockey teams held a practice with Jets Alumni Derek Meech and Grant Clitsome, and NHL alumnus Jason Simon. The evening brought the Winnipeg Jets gameday package to the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex in Stonewall, complete with a viewing party including Jets game host Brody Jackson, DJ FIN-S spinning tunes, Mick E. Moose and Benny, Jet Dogs, and many prizes. The event was attended by more than 1,000 community members.
MAR. 9 & 10 ‒ Manitobans know how to make the most out of winter, as shown by the many top-end backyard rinks in our province. The Jets sought out to find the 12 best rinks in and around Winnipeg and were blown away by the 168 contest entries for this new initiative. Winning rinks included everything from in-ice lighting to professional boards and glass, rinkside firepits and seating areas. The winners took home more than just bragging rights – each rink’s owner received a visit from Mick E. Moose and the Community Relations team, official game pucks, an autographed Jets jersey, and signage for their rink.
Winnipeg Jets Town Takeover
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SEP. 26 & 29, OCT. 6 ‒ The Jets’ three home pre-season games served as a Celebration of Frontline Workers, in recognition of their efforts throughout the pandemic. Through a combination of season seat holder ticket donations and a draw, more than 2,300 tickets were donated to frontline workers over the three games.
AWARENESS AND APPRECIATION GAMESAWARENESS AND APPRECIATION GAMESTRUE NORTH COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Celebration of Frontline Workers
Winnipeg Jets Canadian Armed Forces Night NOV. 13 150 tickets donated to military members $15,900 funds donated to Military Families Fund, Air Force Heritage Fund, Soldier On, and RCAF Foundation
Scheif’s Healthcare Heroes ALL SEASON ‒ Mark Scheifele and the Jets partnered with Shared Health Manitoba to honour deserving healthcare workers at each home game throughout the 2021-22 season. Healthcare workers were invited to nominate their colleagues for the recognition that included lower bowl tickets for the hero and a guest, a pre-game meal, a Scheifele jersey with a special Healthcare Heroes patch, and an in-game shout-out.
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JAN. 17-31 ‒ At the end of January, the Jets once again focused on bringing awareness to mental health through the annual NHL #HockeyTalks campaign. This included raising awareness for local mental health organizations and the True North Youth Foundation’s (TNYF) Project 11. Players showed their support by wearing #HockeyTalks helmet decals and joining in the conversation with Project 11 students in videos shared throughout the campaign. The Jets also auctioned off player-worn #HockeyTalks hoodies, raising over $3,300 for Project 11. Learn more about Project 11 on p. 30. Black History Month
#HockeyTalks
FEB. ‒
Promoting diversity, equality, and belonging in hockey was top of mind for the Jets and Moose as they celebrated Black History Month in February. Through web content and videos shared during the month, the teams highlighted a pair of goaltenders –Eldon “Pokey” Reddick for the Jets and Fred Brathwaite for the Moose – and their stories of playing professional hockey, and the positive impact of hockey on Black youth participants of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy. Manitoba Moose Project 11 Game
FEB. 27 ‒ The Moose again hosted a Project 11 Game to share the positive messages of the True North Youth Foundation’s mental wellness program, as well as highlight its work in schools and its value for students. Fans were treated to a surprise guest host for the game – radio personality and Project 11 ambassador Ace Burpee – and had the chance to get out of their seats with some instructor-led Zumba during intermissions.
APR. 30 700+ military members in attendance $19,925 funds raised in support of 17 Wing family programs
The Moose celebrated Gender Equality Month with a new initiative – the Women in Sport Job Shadow program. Read more about the experience of the six young female participants on p. 11.
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APR. 2 & 3 ‒ The Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre (WASAC) and Follow Your Dreams (FYD) weekend kicked off at Camp Manitou with the 2022 specialty jersey unveiling and a presentation of over $43,000 to WASAC from funds raised through last year’s initiative.
MAR. ‒ For the second consecutive year, the Jets celebrated Gender Equality Month by hosting the Women in Hockey “Changing the Game” virtual panel streamed on International Women’s Day on March 8. This year’s panel included former Team Canada National Women’s Hockey Team player and current Chicago Blackhawks Pro Scout Brigette Lacquette, Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships for True North Sports + Entertainment Amanda Chau, Regional Director of Client Service for Canada Life Sherry Shindruk, and was moderated by True North’s Coordinator of Community Relations Raquel Payne. The panel was geared toward informing, inspiring and encouraging women, at any stage of education or career, to pursue their dream jobs in the sport or business of hockey. The team’s Gender Equality Night game followed that evening when they welcomed Ste. Anne, Man. native and twotime Olympic hockey gold medalist Jocelyne Larocque, and celebrated women who make hockey happen every day, both within the Jets organization and across the broader hockey community.
Gender Equality Month
The game also debuted a brand new song, Bangishimon (an Anishinaabe word translating to Sunset), which was a collaborative project composed by Anishinaabe DJ and producer Boogey the Beat and performed by the all-female Southern Thunderbird Medicine Drum group.
Manitoba Moose Military Appreciation Day
JERSEY honouring 402 "City of Winnipeg" Squadron 90 th anniversary and 1948 RCAF Flyers
The Jets and Moose were once again able to welcome youth from northern and remote Indigenous communities for the games, and add to their experience with special programming at Camp Manitou that had them skating with NHL alumni Jason Simon and Trevor Kidd and Team Canada Women’s Hockey defender Jocelyne Larocque, and participating in a mindful movement session with Project 11. Music was a focal point for WASAC Night, featuring students from Isaac Brock School performing O Canada in Cree, and singer Krista Rey performing The Métis Anthem.
WASAC/Follow Your Dreams
The Moose Follow Your Dreams Day included a variety of Indigenous performances throughout the game and acknowledged retired RCMP Sergeant Sam Anderson who was key to the team’s inaugural Follow Your Dreams Day in 1999. Fans had the chance to swap pocket change for uncirculated coins from the Royal Canadian Mint featuring the artwork of award-winning Canadian Haida (Pacific coast First Nation) artist Bill Reid.
Manitoba Moose Share the Warmth OCT. 30 $2,050 funds raised 501 kgs of food, hygiene items and clothing collected in support of Siloam Mission Manitoba Moose Teddy Bear Toss DEC. 11 1,365 bears collected $1,150 funds raised in support of Christmas Cheer Board
The 2021 Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) campaign marked significant milestones, both as the Jets’ 10 th HFC campaign, and having surpassed $1 million in donations to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation (CCMF) pediatric clinical trials with $150,000 raised on the season. This fundraising was courtesy of a month-long campaign during which fans could purchase HFC jersey raffle tickets and mystery autographed pucks and mini sticks at Jets home games. The Jets campaign culminated at their HFC game on Nov. 22, where they welcomed four CCMF child ambassadors. As always, the arena was covered in HFC’s signature lavender – from rink boards to the Jets’ warm-up jerseys and stick tape, player-worn ties and special goalie masks that were auctioned off following the game. Defenceman Josh Morrissey also arrived in a purple blazer to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society and honour his late father, Tom (read more on p. 20). For the third season, the Moose hosted their own HFC campaign, featuring their first-ever game-worn HFC jersey. Through the auctioning and sale of the jerseys, special goalie masks, and signed Moose mystery pucks, $20,730 was raised for Camp Quality Manitoba, a charitable organization providing camp experiences to children affected by cancer and blood disorders.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND DONATION INITIATIVESCOMMUNITY SUPPORT AND DONATION INITIATIVESTRUE NORTH COMMUNITY RELATIONS HFC IN SUPPORT OF PRESENTED BY Our True North | Report to the Community 2021-22 Section 2: Community Relations • 17
Hockey Fights Cancer NOV. ‒
Winnipeg kick-start donation from Wawanesa $24,100 total funds raised 1,365 toys donated to Christmas Cheer Board Pride Nights
Jets Toy Drive DEC. 14 $10,000
FEB. 5 $2,030 funds raised in support of Rainbow Resource Centre MAR. 22 $10,000 funds raised in support of Rainbow Resource Centre and You Can Play Manitoba Moose Autism Acceptance
MAR. 5 ‒ While the Manitoba Moose and St.Amant Foundation have partnered for the past six years on an Autism campaign, this seventh year marked a move from Autism Awareness to Autism Acceptance, reflecting a more meaningful focus on inclusion and understanding. The campaign also introduced a new primary-coloured jersey – a mini version of which was worn on the plush Moose featured fundraising toy that again sold out this season. Thanks to the generosity of fans, this season’s $22,000+ donation to St.Amant Foundation was the largest since the team’s return.
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE Manitoba Moose Shutout Hunger
APR. 28 $30,270 funds raised (equivalent of 8,339 meals) in support of Harvest Manitoba 2021-2022
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PLAYER INITIATIVES: TRUE NORTH YOUTH FOUNDATION PLAYER INITIATIVES: TRUE NORTH YOUTH FOUNDATION TRUE NORTH COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Numerous Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose players lent their voices as Project 11 ambassadors this season through virtual classroom visits, #HockeyTalks mental health videos, and the Project 11 Wellness Summit.
Fishin’ with the Jets
JUNE ‒ This summer, Jets young guns Cole Perfetti and Dylan Samberg joined two lucky fans and their guests for a once-in-a-lifetime all-inclusive fly-in fishing experience to Stevenson Island on Island Lake in northeastern Manitoba. The crew enjoyed two full days of fishing courtesy of Triple C Enterprises, who provided all fishing equipment and accommodations for the trip, and Mach 1 Construction, who took care of all the meals and preparation. The lucky fans were chosen via raffle, and all proceeds from raffle tickets purchased – over $25,000 – were sent to Project 11, the True North Youth Foundation’s cross-curricular and bilingual mental wellness program (read more about Project 11 on p. 30).
Winnipeg Jets Gala Winnipeg Jets players continued to contribute to the annual gala event in support of the True North Youth Foundation.
Project 11 Virtual Visits, Program Videos & Mental Wellness Summit
With this year’s virtual event, players participated in the video programming, presentation and entertainment as well as by donating their time as part of experiential auction prizes, including a virtual classroom reading visit with Cole Perfetti and Nate Schmidt, and personalized messages from Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Josh Morrissey Jets defenceman and assistant captain Josh Morrissey has been an ongoing ambassador for the TNYF through his support of Project 11 and Camp Manitou, and continued as a Camp Manitou ambassador and TNYF Board Member throughout the 2021-22 season.
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Josh Morrissey – The Dream Factory, Canadian Cancer Society, Glass Half Full Foundation
PLAYER COMMUNITYINITIATIVES: PLAYER COMMUNITYINITIATIVES: TRUE NORTH COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The Glass Half Full Foundation, started by Morrissey and his wife Margot, supports mental health initiatives and seeks to raise awareness and break down the stigmas associated with mental illness. With the pause that the pandemic provided, the two were able to set the groundwork for the foundation and start several initiatives, including collaborating with Wild Rose Brewery and Local Laundry to create a craft beer called “Sunday Fuzz” that sends all proceeds to the foundation.
It’s no fluke that defenceman Josh Morrissey took home the Jets’ Wawanesa Insurance Community Service award this past season and was the team’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee (recognizing on and off-ice leadership). The assistant captain gave his time and energy to several charitable organizations throughout the year. Morrissey has partnered with The Dream Factory for several seasons, which includes the annual Josh Morrissey Classic golf tournament. The fourth annual event was held on Sept. 10, 2021 at Pine Ridge Golf Club cumulatively raising $472,000.
In honour of his late father, Tom, who passed away from cancer in August 2021, Morrissey wore a purple blazer prior to this year’s Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Nov. 22. Adorned with the autographs of the entire Jets squad in the lining, the jacket raised $3,725 USD for the Canadian Cancer Society through auction.
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Jets captain Blake Wheeler continued his support of PROFYLE – supporting youth who need non-conventional treatment options to beat cancer – throughout the 2021-22 season.
Blake Wheeler – PROFYLE (Precision Oncology For Young PeopLE)
This started with the Voak Sportswear Classic golf tournament at Bridges Golf Course in August 2021, which contributed $40,000 to PROFYLE, along with $20,000 shared between SWYFT (founded by former Moose forward C.J. Suess) and the Glass Half Full Foundation (founded by Josh Morrissey, read more below), as well as The Dream Factory, Make A Wish, and the Falk Fehr Foundation. In partnership with CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, the family’s annual Ride Inside event furthered their support for PROFYLE in November with a virtual event drawing nearly 600 participants who cycled indoors to raise over $330,000. Wheeler continued to offer support through his 1,000 th game celebrations on Dec. 5 by auctioning off one of the jerseys he wore that night to raise an additional $25,000 for PROFYLE.
Jansen Harkins –National Rare Disease Day
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Though Lowry is early in his own journey of learning more about the topic of abuse, he will provide a voice of encouragement for those who are already in the recovery process, as well as for those who have not yet come forward.
In spring 2022, Adam Lowry stepped into an ambassador role with the Toba Centre, an organization seeking to improve Manitoba’s response to child abuse with victim-focused and centralized care.
Winnipeg native and Jets forward Adam Brooks made sure to give back to his home community in summer 2022 by joining First Assist – an Indigenous charitable organization motivating youth to achieve and succeed – and participating in a youth summer sports camp in the Northern Ontario community of Grassy Narrows First Nation.
Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie –Ramona’s Reach
Adam Brooks – First Assist Program
For National Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28, Jets forward Jansen Harkins showed his support to those living with rare diseases – in particular, his older brother Nicklas who lives with Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS), a rare genetic disease caused by the lack of an enzyme needed to break down sugars, resulting in damage to cells – by joining the social conversation with a video to spread awareness.
Adam Lowry – The Toba Centre
Ramona’s Reach is a charitable organization created in memory of Ramona Reimer of Manitoba. Reimer had a passion for helping underprivileged orphan children in Africa, which the organization now fulfills in Pamora, Uganda through a children’s home that houses up to 64 orphans. Through their agent Ray Petkau – who happens to be Reimer’s uncle – Jets goalies Connor Hellebuyck and Eric Comrie have become involved with Ramona’s Reach, helping the organization to provide resources to the children including sports equipment and programming.
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The Alumni & Friends also presented their annual $1,500 Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) scholarship to Andrew, a member of the WJHA since 2015. Andrew has jumped at every opportunity the program has offered, from minor hockey, to volunteering at Camp Manitou, and the academy’s after-school program. He plans to put the scholarship towards starting a degree in Recreational Management at the University of Manitoba.
Community involvement isn’t just something that current Winnipeg Jets players prioritize, it’s also valued by an active Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends Association. Comprised of former Jets players and former pro hockey players residing in Manitoba or with ties to Winnipeg, Alumni & Friends members consistently seek to promote the game of hockey for all ages and give back to the community. Over the past season, this included inspiring the next generation of hockey players and community leaders through scholarships, maintaining connections to the Jets and their fans through participation in team initiatives, and support of various organizations through monetary donations and event attendance, Scholarships
including the following: • Canadian Friends of Hockey in Ukraine • CancerCare Manitoba Foundation • Children’s Hospital Foundation • Fort Whyte Alive Foundation • Hockey Helps the Homeless • Pan Am Foundation • Rady JCC Foundation • The Dream Factory • True North Youth Foundation • Special Olympics By the Numbers: 195+ members in the alumni network 100+ active members WINNIPEG JETS ALUMNI & FRIENDS
The Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends present two $2,500 scholarships to high school hockey players each year based on on-ice skills and leadership in school and community. This year’s winners were Katherine Wilton of Collège Béliveau and Braden Gustafson of Vincent Massey High School in Brandon.
• Jordy Douglas, Randy Gilhen, Trevor Kidd, Derek Meech, Ray Neufeld, Kevin Sawyer, and JP Vigier sat in with JetsTV as post-game analysts throughout the season.
Team and community involvement
Jason Simon, Derek Meech, and Grant Clitsome joined the Jets Town Takeover festivities in Stonewall, Man. by skating with minor hockey teams and signing autographs at a Jets game viewing party.
• Canadian women’s national team alumnus Brigette Lacquette and current star Jocelyne Larocque participated in the Jets Gender Equality initiatives in March. Lacquette joined the Women in Hockey “Changing the Game” virtual panel and Larocque dropped the puck at Gender Equality Night.
Dave Babych, Wayne Babych, Laurie Boschman, Morris Lukowich, Carey Wilson, Frazer McLaren, Ryan Garbutt , Russ Romaniuk , Brigette Lacquette , Bailey Bram, and Jenelle Kohanchuk joined several other NHL alumni for the 2021 Hockey Helps the Homeless Winnipeg tournament that raised funds for three local organizations supporting homeless people in Winnipeg.
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• Grant Clitsome joined the Fishin’ with the Jets fly-in fishing trip to Stevenson Island in northeastern Manitoba in June.
• Dave Ellett gave an honourary toast to the late Dale Hawerchuk at the Jets’ April 6 game as part of Budweiser’s “This Bud’s for Dale” initiative.
• Dave Ellett and Anthony Peluso spoke about their hockey experiences on the Jets Ground Control Podcast.
• Goalies Eldon “Pokey” Reddick and Fred Brathwaite shared stories of their hockey careers in a JetsTV feature video for Black History Month in February.
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• Jason Simon, Trevor Kidd, and Jocelyne Larocque skated with Indigenous youth at Camp Manitou’s outdoor rink for this year’s WASAC/Follow Your Dreams weekend.
Dave Ellett , Jordy Douglas, Kevin Sawyer, Trevor Kidd, and Carey Wilson appeared for hockey hot stoves at the In the Plaza events prior to Jets and Moose home games in November.
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2022 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship
Following a pared down Canadian-only event hosted at Canada Life Centre in 2021, the International Indoor Junior Lacrosse World Junior Lacrosse Championship returned to Winnipeg in August 2022 for its full-scale global competition. More than 200 athletes and coaches from six nations participated, including the Indigenous nation of Haudenosaunee (Ontario/New York), raising the profile of the sport in Manitoba.
2022 Canadian Junior Ball Hockey Championship
Canada Life Centre & Burton Cummings Theatre Community Use
The Canadian Junior Ball Hockey Championships came to Winnipeg in summer 2022 and following qualifying games, including at Bell MTS Iceplex, Canada Life Centre was proud to host the gold medal games in all divisions July 30 and Aug 1. The event welcomed male and female teams from Newfoundland, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC and Manitoba in U15 through U19 divisions including high-level hockey players from high school, AAA, U Sports and the CHL all the way to NHL draft picks. Manitoba U16 girls and U17 boys took home gold medals while the U19 boys won silver and the U15 boys and U19 girls won bronze. Manitoba’s United Warriors all-Indigenous team won B Bronze.
Both Canada Life Centre and the Burton Cummings Theatre make their venues available for non-profit and community group events throughout the year through their Community Use & Access Programs.
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Green Efforts Canada Life Centre waste diverted from landfills since the facility opened in 2004: 216,616 kgs of plastic bottles 275,753 kgs of compost 89,000 kgs of grease 393,565 kgs of cardboard Canada Life Centre GBAC Accreditation Canada Life Centre continues to be recognized as having the highest level of infectious disease and biorisk prevention and management protocols through its accreditation with the gold standard Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation program. VENUES ENTERTAINMENT&
As part of the Winnipeg Free Press’ 150 th anniversary celebrations, The Free Press partnered with Doors Open Winnipeg to offer two free screenings of the movie-musical Stand! Written and produced by Winnipeg’s Danny Schur and based on his 2005 stage musical Strike!, Stand! welcomed an audience of 900 in May. City-Wide Patrol Awards –presented by City of Winnipeg & Winnipeg Police Service
The Little Mermaid –presented by Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Produced and directed by the Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Chorale et Harmonie class and instructor, students put on three performances of The Little Mermaid over two days in May, welcoming nearly 2,000 spectators.
The City of Winnipeg hosted its annual City-Wide Patrol Awards in June to an audience of 800 student patrol supervisors and captains as well as City of Winnipeg Police Constables and Sergeants.
Burton Cummings Theatre Restoration
Committed to preserving and restoring the historic Burton Cummings Theatre, this year’s restoration work included replacing the theatre’s stage and drapes. New high-density composite decks replaced the wooden stage floor and will offer greater durability to withstand the Burt’s growing event schedule. The new stage and loge draping match the red seating and refreshed the theatre’s classic look and feel. Interestingly enough, the materials came from a much more modern source – a touring show of Dora the Explorer!
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Stand! The Movie –presented by Doors Open Winnipeg & Winnipeg Free Press
Over the past year, TNYF programs have positively impacted more than 87,000 youth in our province, and past participants continue to share the enduring positive influence the TNYF has had beyond their time in its programs.
SECTION 3 The True North Youth Foundation (TNYF) plays a significant role in how True North Sports + Entertainment, the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose give back to our community each year. The hand up over hand out approach has fostered a coordinated effort between the foundation’s three core programs –the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA), Project 11, and Camp Manitou –in creating meaningful and lasting impacts on the youth of our community. Enriching, educational, sports-based and character-building programming facilitates physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth in young Manitobans and builds skills, values and self-belief that sets participants up for lifetime success.
In fall of 2021, a partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance saw the release of a Winnipeg Jets Heritage license plate – a special fundraising initiative for the TNYF that raised $500,000 to date.
After one missed year and a virtual event in 2021, the Flatlander’s Beer Festival returned to Canada Life Centre for its 18 th in-person tasting event, featuring more than 365 beers and ciders from local vendors and breweries across the globe. The event, made possible through a partnership with Manitoba Liquor Marts, raised over $100,000 for the True North Youth Foundation.
The TNYF remains grateful to Manitobans for continuing to believe in and support its work and mission to empower youth in our community through both fundraising and support opportunities. This includes a group of community organizations and corporate partners who select the TNYF as the beneficiary of their special charitable events and golf tournaments each year, as well as the more than 200 volunteers who provide hands-on and behind-the-scenes assistance to support the WJHA, Project 11, Camp Manitou and TNYF special events throughout the season.
TNYF.ca@TNYFDN@TNYouthFDN Flatlander’s Beer Festival
This year’s signature events included the Winnipeg Jets Gala and the Flatlander’s Beer Festival. Unable to proceed this season due to the pandemic, the foundation looks forward to the return of the Mike Keane Celebrity Hockey Classic as well as the rescheduling of the inaugural Ducky Pond Hockey Classic at Camp Manitou in 2023.
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TRUE FOUNDATIONYOUTHNORTH
The TNYF is funded through the generosity of our community, primarily through the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose gameday 50/50 program and signature fundraising events. This year’s hockey 50/50 program raised nearly $1.5 million through in-game and online sales. A newer Chase the Ace initiative ‒ an ongoing raffle with weekly and accumulated prizes ‒ also resulted in $76,000 in funding toward the foundation’s programming.
Winnipeg Jets Gala
The ninth annual Winnipeg Jets Gala presented by Scotiabank took a virtual format for the second consecutive year. The 2021 gala had a special focus on mental wellness and the work of Project 11, underscoring how crucial the program has been for teachers and students throughout the pandemic. Hosted by radio personality and Project 11 ambassador Ace Burpee, the event was highlighted by the magical performances of world-renowned illusionist Darcy Oake, exclusive player content, and a fireside chat with Winnipeg Jets Assistant General Manager Craig Heisinger and former Manitoba Moose player, NHL alumnus and current broadcast analyst Kevin Bieksa. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the event raised more than $150,000 in support of the True North Youth Foundation.
Sterling Sponsors: Bronze Sponsors: Silver Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor: Raffle: Beverage: Auction: www.cambrian.mb.caBoschman Wealth Management CUTTING & ASSOCIATES Our True North | Report to the Community 2021-22 Section 3: True North Youth Foundation • 27
Tutoring
The program celebrated the graduation of 37 student athletes at a special event at Camp Manitou in June. Each grad received a Jets jersey featuring a special WJHA patch and several students were honoured with scholarships. The Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends presented their annual scholarship to Andrew (read more on p. 22), while the Birdies 4 Blades scholarship honoured Amos for his dedication to the WJHA over the years. Maple Leaf Construction added a new scholarship this year that went to student Rudra, which will help him cover the cost of tuition for four years of university studies.
the foundation of the WJHA, and both students and coaches were excited to continue building those relationships in person again this past season. Coaches made every effort to continue interacting with students virtually and distanced throughout the pandemic but being back on the ice and in classrooms together meant students were again getting the most out of their WJHA experience. Coaches were better able to gauge students’ interests and challenges and assist them in hockey, with their schoolwork, and in finding their passions.
WINNIPEG JETS HOCKEY ACADEMY
The WJHA’s high school tutoring program continued to positively impact academic performance with an average of 60 students per week taking advantage of the extra school help this past year. More than 2,000 total hours of tutoring boosted students’ grades and also taught a strong work ethic that students will carry with them beyond graduation. WJHA tutors are committed to their students and put that into practice with many extended sessions over the past year. Not even Winnipeg’s winter weather could deter this dedication, highlighted by an instance where tutors spent the day with students at a coffee shop while trapped by a snowstorm.
The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) may revolve around hockey programming, but its end goals reach much further than the rink for the 700 youth involved each year. The WJHA works with socially and economically challenged schools to incorporate sport, academic and extracurricular programming into the school experience of Grade 4 to 12 students, serving those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to engage in team sports, who may benefit from the program’s consistency, or who may be newly immigrated to Winnipeg. Along with the support and mentorship of WJHA coaches, weekly on-ice sessions, tutoring, after-school programs, and participation on minor hockey teams engage youth in their schools and community and increase attendance and graduation rates for participants. The program grows with students, offering successive programming, including presentations, workshops, guest speakers, field trips, volunteering opportunities and more, that teaches life skills and prepares youth for life after high Relationshipsschool.are
Minor Hockey The WJHA was thrilled to welcome 140 players back to the ice to participate on seven minor hockey teams after missing the 2020-21 playing season. The camaraderie and regular physical activity of returning to games and practices – which took place both at community rinks and at Camp Manitou’s outdoor rink – were a big highlight for students. Their passion for being back on the ice was evident both in their smiles, as well as in their on-ice results. Most notably, this year’s U15 A3 Boys team made history as the first WJHA minor team to win a city championship.
2022 Graduates
“The WJHA instilled an attitude of exploring and pursuing opportunities, even when challenging or uncomfortable. I just wanted to fit in, and I had my doubts about joining a program that my friends were not in and doing something I did not know how to do. Today, I enter so many opportunity-filled environments that are challenging and risky, and it always pays off.”
“The WJHA coaches have helped me to be confident that I can do my schoolwork and get it in on time, and have confidence in my ability to do better in school and other aspects of my life.”
Pushing students beyond their comfort zones Joining the WJHA at the start of elementary school was nerve-racking for siblings Tobie and K.D. – now program graduates from 2018 and 2022 respectively –and their younger sister Deny, who’s in Grade 11. When each of them started in the program, they had little skating ability and couldn’t shoot a puck. Through many practices, including ones where Tobie recalls only being allowed to shoot from his backhand or with a slap shot to force him to learn new skills, their abilities improved. More importantly, so did their willingness to try new things. That continued beyond the ice. Tobie and K.D. both took jobs at Skybridge Americas professional call centre in high school thanks to a partnership through the WJHA. That experience prepped both to step further outside of their comfort zones to pursue education and a career. Tobie moved to Kansas to study business, then landed a manufacturing engineering internship, and further studies in management have taken him across the U.S. and to Thailand. K.D., meanwhile, is on her way to Paraguay to volunteer in a hospital for a year before returning to pursue nursing studies. Deny has been bravely reaching out for tutoring help when she needs it, something that will serve her well no matter where her path takes her beyond high school. All of their endeavours have been with an eye on personal improvement – a mentality all three siblings credit to the WJHA. Though they’ve loved the hockey and friendships made, they never showed up to the program with only those things in mind. Each wanted to consistently get better at what they were learning on and off the ice through the guidance of WJHA coaches and staff.
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Driving change through self-confidence
– Tobie, 2018 WJHA graduate
– Marcus, WJHA student
Schoolwork isn’t something that Grade 10 WJHA student Marcus would consider one of his natural strengths. Self-awareness, however, is something he excels in – meaning he knows when to ask for help with his schoolwork. That’s what the WJHA’s coaches are there for, and they’ve taken the time to work with Marcus on both his grades and his communication. Marcus has shown a lot of growth throughout his time in the program, but his progress isn’t the result of his coaches changing his abilities – it’s the result of them showing him his capabilities and building up his Marcus’confidence.newfound self-belief has helped him to independently keep on top of his schoolwork and get passing grades in his classes. Through consistent support and encouragement, Marcus has developed good habits and the desire to hold himself accountable for completing his tasks and Theresponsibilities.boostinconfidence has Marcus looking further down the road than just his next assignment or test. The effort of his coaches to help him along hasn’t been lost on him, making Marcus more considerate to others who might need help in achieving their own tasks. As a result, he wants to have a similar impact on the next generation of youth by volunteering at Camp Manitou – and maybe even working for the TNYF one day so that he can give back in the same ways he’s been helped and encouraged.
PROJECT
The program was created in memory of former Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jets player Rick Rypien, who had shared a desire to help children before succumbing to his own battle with depression in 2011. Rypien’s hope that youth could have access to resources that were not available to him was the inspiration behind P11. Those resources, growing mental health awareness, and the tens of thousands of youth who have been meaningfully impacted form an important part of Rypien’s legacy. As our community has been challenged by the effects of the pandemic, P11 has continued to be a valuable classroom resource that has helped students cope with the social and emotional impacts of disruption, change and isolation. Nearly 600 additional teachers were trained over the past year, growing the program’s overall participation in Manitoba schools.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT • HEALTHY FRIENDSHIPS • ACADEMIC SUCCESS FUN WITH FITNESS • MUSIC & RHYTHM • LAUGHING YOGA • FUN WITH FOOD DANCE • RESILIENCY • COMMUNICATION • POSITIVE COPING STRATEGIES SENSE OF COMMUNITY • ART ENERGY • RELAXATION TECHNIQUES PROBLEM-SOLVING STRATEGIES • SELF-REFLECTION TECHNIQUES • DANCE MINDFUL MOVEMENT • HEALTHY FUN WITH FITNESS • MUSIC & RHYTHM RESILIENCY • POSITIVE COPING STRATEGIES ART ENERGY • RELAXATIONSELF-REFLECTIONTECHNIQUES • DANCE MINDFUL MOVEMENT • HEALTHY FUN WITH FITNESS • MUSIC & RHYTHM RESILIENCY • POSITIVE COPING STRATEGIES ART ENERGY • SELF-REFLECTION
465 Manitoba schools 74,675 Manitoba students 7,350 students outside of Manitoba 28 schools participating in all grades 1,053 rural Manitoba classrooms 11
Since first being introduced to Manitoba schools in 2013, Project 11 (P11) has been making the topic of mental health more prevalent in classrooms, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being alongside physical health. The program incorporates mental wellness concepts and activities into daily and weekly classroom curriculum, and through age-appropriate discussions, normalizes conversations about feelings and stress, and teaches healthy coping strategies that students can use to manage difficult situations and emotions. The program is available to kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers/ classrooms in both French and English, and at no cost.
Project 11 expanded its senior years curriculum pilot during the 2021-22 school year, engaging an additional 45 teachers with enhanced lessons and bringing the total number of piloting teachers to 150. The senior years curriculum builds on the K to 8 program and fills a gap in addressing the evolving emotions, stressors and new responsibilities associated with the transition into young adulthood. Following the second successful pilot year with continued positive feedback from teachers and students, the team will work to ensure alignment with upcoming changes to Manitoba’s provincial learning outcomes as a last step before fully launching P11’s high school curriculum province-wide for the 2023-24 school year.
P11 also actively contributes knowledge and expertise to other mental wellness programs and initiatives and is a member of the Government of Manitoba Department of Education advisory committee on provincial health curriculum, and a contributor to the Mental Health and Addictions Evaluation in partnership with the Government of Manitoba’s Social Innovation Office.
Global and Growing
Senior years curriculum pilot
P11 partnerships
P11 works with several partners to ensure the continued growth, evolution and relevance of its curriculum. Over the past year this has included Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids, Active Aging in Manitoba, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and the Toba Centre.
Ukrainian language translation Adding to the effects of the pandemic, world events have also left emotional impacts on youth. The P11 team has been working with Ukrainian bilingual schools to translate key curriculum to Ukrainian language. The translated curriculum will better serve the many new refugee students and families who now call Manitoba home as a result of the unrest in Ukraine.
Project 11 Check In podcast
The Project 11 Check In podcast returned for a second season, again hosted by the True North Youth Foundation’s Director of Educational Programs Suzi Friesen and local singer-songwriter and P11 ambassador Don Amero. The pair welcomed many well-known Winnipeg-connected guests, including Jets defencemen Josh Morrissey and Dylan DeMelo, Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin, child psychologist Dr. Andrew Hall, HR specialist Natalie Bell, resiliency author Blair Kaplan-Venables, Canadian children’s entertainment icon Fred Penner and more, while touching on topics such as believing in yourself and goal setting, among many others. As a complementary resource to the senior years curriculum, the podcast creates additional relatability for young listeners by engaging students in the conversation in each episode. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and YouTube, the podcast also stands alone as a wellness resource for teens, teachers, parents, and young adults, who may not already be engaged in P11 programming.
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The program’s content, ease of use, and resonance with youth has garnered national and international interest. Educators across North America and the world have expressed interest in implementing P11 curriculum in their schools. The program is growing across Canada, in the United Sates and as far away as Australia and continues to expand its reach (the TNYF does not absorb costs associated with out-of-province programming).
“The ease of using Project 11, its organization, and use of different learning styles, like hands-on activities, videos, art, discussions and much more, make the program an easy and wonderful addition to my health program. Through this program, mental health is not seen as something that is wrong with you, but as something everyone has to take care of each day.”
– Caitlin Rose, Grade 4/5 teacher, Lakewood School Mental health prioritization only the beginning of P11 lifelong takeaways
Pandemic challenges eased by common ground of P11
Despite the challenges and how they might have negatively affected students’ social experiences, Rose has observed fewer friendship issues than in past years and credits the positive classroom community, sense of belonging and trust fostered by Project 11’s teachings.
In ten years of teaching, Caitlin Rose has observed the most classroom challenges within her 2021-22 class of Grade 4/5 students – this owed to both the lingering social and emotional effects of the pandemic, and the learning gaps created by two-plus years of disrupted learning.
Rose entered the past school year a four-year veteran Project 11 educator and knew the program would provide a common ground for all students. A classroom treaty was created, inspired by key P11 lessons on building community, empathy, and respect, and set the tone for the experience students hoped to have over the course of the year. The flexibility of the program allowed Rose to keep mental wellness themes top of mind throughout all learning by incorporating P11 concepts into the lessons and activities of other subjects like writing, art, science, and social studies.
Sharing emotions, journaling, and self-care were practices that enhanced their focus and allowed them to be in the moment and get more out of their everyday learning. Their prioritization of mental health became a common ground on which the two built a lasting friendship. Pratik and Inderpal were able to speak openly about feelings, practice active listening and support one another in overcoming personal challenges and Nowobstacles.entering their third year of university, both credit P11 for shaping them in ways that continue to impact their daily life and their friendship. Pratik gained confidence and a comfort in asking for help when needed. Inderpal considers himself to be more open and empathetic. Both are glad to see how P11 has expanded to give thousands more kids the knowledge that has been so valuable to them.
As kids, students Pratik and Inderpal had a typical impression of what health meant – a balanced diet and regular exercise. It wasn’t until they were introduced to Project 11 in Grade 6 that they realized the mental aspects of health. The concept resonated and made mental wellness a daily consideration.
“Project 11 provides great tools for improving mental health and well-being. It helped me tremendously throughout my high school and university years and I will continue to carry on with it for the rest of my life. The earlier students are able to learn these methods, the earlier they will be able to apply them and better their own mental health, and hopefully others around them.”
– Inderpal, third-year physiotherapy student and former P11 student
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– Pratik, third-year criminology student and former P11 student
“If I had any issues I wanted to talk about or discuss, Project 11 had created a safe space to do so. In Project 11, I learned that there was no benefit of keeping your emotions inside and it has brought me so much peace. Without the program I wouldn’t be where I am today as a strong individual who makes mental health a daily priority.”
39 acres 2.6-acre custom-made lake 24+ summer structures/activities 8+ winter structures/activities 168 beds 12 cabins 1 NHL-sized outdoor rink 5 minutes from Winnipeg 12,000+ camper days in 2021-22 CampManitou.mb.ca Camp Manitou is a four-season camp, conveniently located just outside of Winnipeg’s city limits in Headingley and serving corporate and organizational rental groups, community campers and its TNYF sister program, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA). Through diverse activities and programming, and in an inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment, kids are encouraged to challenge themselves with new adventures and learning for well-rounded physical, social, and emotional growth.
From September through December 2021, Camp Manitou hosted more than 1,300 camper days. With restrictions fully lifted, Camp Manitou was able to host more than 3,000 camper days for school and other special interest groups through May and June, as well as a full capacity of summer campers through July and August, totalling 8,000 summer camper days, including for the return of overnight Partnershipscamps.with local organizations including Folklorama and Manitoba Theatre for Young People introduced new “Fun Friday” activities, diversifying the experience for campers each week.
Geographic proximity, accessible grounds, flexibility and attention to detail make Camp Manitou an ideal partner for facilitating custom camping experiences to meet all needs and abilities. This summer, Camp Manitou was pleased to host the Arthritis Society, About Face and Open Access, among others. As well as welcoming more than 200 WJHA student athletes for a week of camp in August, more than 50 high school aged program participants benefitted from volunteer experiences throughout the summer, and past program graduates used their previous volunteer experience to gain summer employment as group and activity leaders, making up more than 15 percent of camp’s total summer staff.
CAMP MANITOU By the Numbers:
teens aged
Camp Manitou Capital Campaign Donor Listing (as of June 2022)
working with youth. Welcoming new Manitobans
$5,000,000 + • Chipman and Thomson Families (TNSE Ownership) $2,000,000 – $4,999,999 • Travis Price Classic & Price Family • The Paul Albrechtsen Foundation $500,000 – $1,999,999 • Richardson Foundation • The Winnipeg Foundation $100,000 – $499,999 • Assiniboine Credit Union • Canada Life • Carolyn Sifton Foundation • Concord Projects Foundation • James E. Cohen • Maple Leaf Construction • Moffat Family Fund • The Kroft Family and Conviron • Quintex Services, David Quinton • Payworks • Wawanesa Insurance $50,000 – $99,999 • Blake and Jack Fitzpatrick • BMO Financial Group • Garth Krulicki – Nor Col EZ Dock • KGS Group • Novak MacDonald Temporary Capital Fund • Jim and Leney Richardson • Jim Gauthier • Krista and James R. Morden • Pinnacle Staffing Solutions • Pollard Family Foundation • Sandy Riley • Robinson Family Fund − The Winnipeg Foundation • The North West Company $25,000 – $49,999 • Anonymous • Anonymous • Anthony Allen Office Furnishings • Brian Lerner • Cambrian Credit Union $25,000 – $49,999 (continued) • Catherine Baldwin Filmon • Charlie and Dayna Spiring • C.P. Loewen Family Foundation • Cowin Steel • CWB National Leasing • Don Solman • Edward and Stella Kennedy • Fillmore Riley • George and Pam Sigurdson • Kevin Neiles and Tracy Koga • Phillip and Debbie Hornby • Rennie and Heidi Balciunas • RG Foundation − Russ Goossen • Steinbach Credit Union • Subhas and Lynn Chandar − Sunwest Screen Graphics • The Townsend Family • Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP $10,000 – $24,999 • Bob and Kim Silver • Brock and Sophie Bulbuck • Derksen Manitoba • Gardewine • Dale and Linda McMillan • MNP LLP • PwC Canada • Taillieu Construction $500 – $9,999 • Anonymous • Bob and Nancy Adkins • Bruce Bennett • Derek Burt • Mark Gray • Matthew Frost Sport Fund • Melanie Tooley • Oliver and Gennie Plett • Sigurdson Financial • Paul Kuzina • Winnipeg Building & Decorating
34 • Section 3: True North Youth Foundation Our True North | Report to the Community 2021-22
with a combined camping/ leadership
group and activity leaders. Targeted
camping experience by
Prospects provide youth experience on the skills needed to become for 14 to 16, the program builds on the traditional incorporating experience
Since acquiring Camp Manitou in 2014, the True North Youth Foundation has been committed to the continuous improvement and expansion of the grounds and programming. In 2019, a capital campaign was launched to further this commitment with new amenities and an 11-acre expansion. Thanks to the generosity of Manitobans, the fundraising goal of over $9 million was reached in 2022 and saw the completion of new developments, giving campers more new experiences and spaces to build relationships. A 2.6-acre lake, complete with a boathouse featuring a rooftop deck, has been filled with canoes and kayaks carrying campers of all physical abilities, thanks to a fully accessible dock with an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant kayak and canoe launch – the first in Manitoba. Bikes have been treading all over the new trails and skills course surrounding the lake, bringing new challenges, particularly for teen campers. A beach volleyball court will officially complete the capital campaign enhancements in 2023. Winter will bring a new set of activities to the space, with pond hockey and the inaugural Ducky Pond Hockey Classic on the frozen lake, and crosscountry skiing taking over the snow-covered trails. Also part of the capital campaign, the Travis Price Centre lodge, completed in 2020, continues to be a hub of activity, as a meeting, dining and activity space for campers and groups. The True North Youth Foundation is grateful to all capital campaign donors who have brought Camp Manitou’s vision to life and whose contributions will positively impact Manitoba youth for years to come.
Program The Prospects Program returned to
In partnership with the Immigrant Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba and the Seven Oaks Neighbourhood Settlement, Camp Manitou brought back the Welcome to Winnipeg initiative in March. More than 75 new Canadians, young and old, had the opportunity to connect with their new community by exploring favourite Winnipeg winter pastimes. 11-acre expansion unveiled
classroom sessions, job shadowing, and practical
focused
“After two and a half years of COVID isolation, this is exactly what we needed – fun, nature, physical challenges, time around the fire, learning new things in a new environment. Students are leaving full: full of energy and full of hope!”
– Hannah Cavey, Principal, Freedom International School Camper experience shapes Camp Manitou volunteer work for WJHA student Xavier was first introduced to Camp Manitou as a Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy student athlete when he joined the program in Grade 4. The opportunity kept Xavier connected with the program during the summer months and introduced him to many new activities and experiences. This past summer, those new experiences included the opportunity to take on more responsibility as a volunteer. The transition from camper to volunteer seemed like it would be intimidating but Xavier quickly got to know the camp team and felt fully supported in exploring his new role, and in finding his confidence working with peers and alongside younger campers.
It didn’t take long for Xavier to realize he could in turn help campers through intimidating circumstances of their own, and he has found it extremely rewarding to support campers in overcoming their apprehensions to try new things. He provided an encouraging voice, making sure campers were able to get as much out of their camp experience as he had. His ability to help kids conquer challenges like homesickness or the fear of heights not only allowed them to have fun-filled and adventure-packed weeks of camp, but also built up his own courage, patience, and communication skills, showing him the positive impact he can have on others.
“The time I have spent at Camp Manitou has meant everything to me. Whether it has given me the chance at having more responsibility, helping me with things that I have been going through outside of camp, or making great relationships with campers and staff, the opportunity I have been given to volunteer at camp has really made me grow as a person."
Camp Manitou provides amazement to young new Winnipeggers Freedom International School was founded in 2018 to help newcomer and refugee students achieve academic success in their new Winnipeg home. Its students often struggle to overcome numerous distractions from both their previous lives in their home country, and in acclimating to their new lives in Canada. These factors only compounded their two-plus years of pandemic isolation. This spring, the students made their first trip to Camp Manitou – and it will not be their last! The opportunity to explore nature and bond anew in experiencing many firsts together was a perfect way for students to rejuvenate and refocus. From sleeping in a cabin to ziplining, rock climbing and eating bannock, students’ eyes were opened to a vibrant world beyond screens. The experience also taught them more about nature, specifically the foliage, animals, and bugs of the place they now call home.
– Xavier, WJHA student athlete and Camp Manitou volunteer
Our True North | Report to the Community 2021-22 Section 3: True North Youth Foundation • 35
To make a donation, visit: $1,800 supports a Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy student for one year $600 supports a Project 11 classroom for one year $325 sends a child to day camp at Camp Manitou for one week $150 provides a pair of skates for a Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy student $50 provides lunch for a week for a Camp Manitou camper SUPPORT THE TRUE NORTH YOUTH FOUNDATION TODAY! TNYF.ca /DONATE True North Youth Foundation | 600-223 Carlton St., Winnipeg, Manitoba | 204-987-7825 | tnyf@tnse.com Charitable Tax Number: 888769478 RR0001
