Looking back at the Holidays with GenNext

February 26, 2010 | Community News | Archive 2010

The holidays are over, but the memories will last a lifetime. Volunteers from United Way's GenNext Council worked as hard as elves to make Christmas 2009 a very merry one for families in the Fort Garry area.

For the second year in a row, GenNext teamed up with Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre (FGWRC) for a special holiday event held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at FGWRC's Outreach Centre, located at 104 - 3100 Pembina Hwy.

GenNext volunteers were involved in all aspects of the event from setting up to cleaning up; baking cookies to creating one-of-a-kind crafts; purchasing gifts to feverishly wrapping the night before - even Santa stopped by and appeared to have a striking resemblance to one of the GenNexters!

United Way and GenNext would like extend a great big thank you to Qualico Winnipeg for sponsoring the event. Thanks to Qualico's support, a total of 25 kids, aged 1 to 11, and 16 Moms were not forgotten this past holiday season.

"The women and children in our programs are often living on a very low income and in isolation. The gifts, particularly for the mothers, were in many cases the only presents many received during the holidays. The generosity and positive spirit of GenNext volunteers and Qualico gave families a true feeling of hope and holiday magic," said Chris Thompson, Outreach Coordinator.

The GenNext Council has reconvened for 2010 and plans are already in the works for the third annual holiday party in partnership with FGWRC.

FGWRC offers counselling, support groups, referral services, information sessions, workshops and other resources to help women achieve their potential. The Outreach Centre offers a drop-in, clothing program, a harvest program, community support, and emergency assistance for women and their children. FGWRC is also a partner in the AssetBuilder's Partnership, helping families save money and achieve financial independence.

A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012