An invaluable safe haven for core youth

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Winnipeg Free Press, Monday January 5, 2009
Reproduced with permission.
Photo: Mike Deal/Winnipeg Free Press

Cathy Williams ­Stewart, a Winnipeg Labour Council volunteer, serves up some pizza for Dylan Marsden, 11, at the annual United Way Day of Caring children’s party

"It's awesome."

Rossbrook House was founded in 1976 by Order of Canada recipient Sister Geraldine MacNamara as an alternative to the inner-city street for children and youth.

A United Way partner agency since 1979, it provides a safe, stable environment 365 days a year, 24 hours on weekends and school holidays. A host of programs and activities for ages 4 to 24 aim at developing skills and improving self-esteem.

Last Tuesday 11-year-old Dylan and about 30 of his pals had an "awesome" Christmas party at Rossbrook House complete with pizza, clown-made balloon hats, fire-juggling, and Santa.

The party is an annual event sponsored by the Winnipeg Labour Council, which is partnered with Rossbrook House through the United Way's Day of Caring program.

The unique United Way program partners a workplace or organization with a non-profit agency for one day. Kate Fenske, communications director for the United Way, said it's an opportunity for workplaces to contribute to the community in a special way.

"Workplaces can dream up whatever they want to do. It's a chance for them to boost morale in the office, get out for a day, have some fun, and meet some people that they wouldn't otherwise get to meet in their community."

The Winnipeg Labour Council has partnered with Rossbrook House for almost 15 years. Council president Larry Pelzer believes the centre serves a vital role.

"It keeps them off the street. It's a safe haven for the young kids in this community, to know that they can come to a safe place and have some fun and there's people that love them and care for them."

Rossbrook House co-executive director Phil Chiappetta points out that the United Way delivers more than just funding.

"They've been instrumental in Rossbrook developing and growing, and they've grown and developed with the community agencies they serve because they really do get out there, meet you, find out what your needs are and really work to try to support those needs.

"It's a very interactive process with them."

The United Way estimates 22 per cent of Winnipeg children live in poverty. They want to ensure that number goes down instead of up. To achieve that, and to continue their support of more than 100 agencies, they set a goal to raise 17.8 million by Jan. 15.

That's just 10 days away, but the goal is close -- nearly half a million dollars more is all they need. Donate by phone at 477-5360 or online.