No Child Alone dinner celebrates good works

Centennial

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This article was published 26/04/2023 (1122 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The No Child Alone Dinner on April 27 at the RBC Convention Centre is more than a fundraising evening; it’s a celebration of the great work Rossbrook House does for Winnipeg’s children year-round.

Executive director Patty Mainville said this year’s event is only the third dinner Rossbrook House has held. The first marked the organization’s 40th anniversary in 2016, and a second one was held in 2019.

The upcoming evening will feature keynote speaker Kevin Chief, a former MLA and Indigenous business leader, as well as a performance by Sierra Noble, who will be accompanied for one song by music students from Rossbrook House’s off-campus school Wi Wabigooni. The hosts will be Rossbrook House board member Colleen Simard, herself a former Rossbrook House member, and current member Dale Turcotte.

Rossbrook House is a non-profit, youth drop-in centre that is open 365 days of the year, Mainville said. Serving Winnipeg’s Centennial neighbourhood and beyond since 1976, it offers programming, daily meals, employment training and more to Winnipeggers between the ages of six and 24. In partnership with the Winnipeg School Division, it runs three off-campus schools, one each for elementary, junior and senior high.

“It’s a safe place for kids and youth to come for programming in the evenings too,” said Mainville, herself a former member.

The breadth of Rossbrook House’s services is commendable. It offers two meals each day and gives people safe rides home. An after-school program helps students with their schooling. There’s an Ojibwa language program. Specific offerings serve young mothers and teens.

“We are open 365 days a year and 24 hours a day, seven days a week when school is not in session,” Mainville said. “We are a safe place for kids.”

Many staff at Rossbrook House were once members, Mainville said. A junior staff program helps members progress into employment by teaching skills and providing leadership. Whether they work at Rossbrook House or elsewhere, they have skills that will help them in the workplace. Scholarships and bursaries are available to assist members in getting more schooling.

“Education is key for us; it is a huge part of what we do at Rossbrook House,” Mainville said.

The last few years have been challenging, Mainville admitted. At the pandemic’s height, Rossbrook House opened its doors to people experiencing homelessness. As restrictions were lifted, attendance at programs like summer camps doubled.

“Children and youth wanted to have those relationships and get involved,” Mainville said. “They missed that in COVID with all of the restrictions.”

Tickets for the No Child Alone dinner are still available at rossbrookhouse.ca