Archive for the ‘Recreation’ Category

Wiggle, Giggle and Munch

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

True Sport Grants Banner

Shoshannah Speers, volunteer with “Fun in the Sun” and “Wiggle, Giggle and Munch” program

 

Standing by the doors of Knox United Church, seven excited children run to meet me – they’re ready for some “Fun in the Sun”! As they race up the long staircase to the upstairs gym, the children are welcomed by the facilitators and community volunteers who join them in free play for an active start to the day.

Fun in the Sun / Wiggle, Giggle & Munch #1

After free play, Ujwal stays with mom in the church learning action songs and rhymes and developing movement skills through the “Wiggle, Giggle and Munch” program. Evergreen and the older children head out to Central Park for high-energy, stimulating, interactive and co-operative games.

Fun in the Sun / Wiggle, Giggle & Munch #2

To complement the faster-paced activities, there’s a chance to slow down as we gather together in small groups to share and learn about our healthy snack. From there, the children get creative during a “make and take” craft. As the morning comes to a close with our good-bye song, I wave to those smiling faces with the expectation of seeing them again.

Fun in the Sun / Wiggle, Giggle & Munch #3

This summer program, “Fun in the Sun”, was initiated by Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network and seeks to provide physical activity and healthy snacks in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Thanks to the generous support of the True Sport grant, and the willingness of community volunteers, this program has become a reality and has impacted the lives of many this summer!

Fun in the Sun / Wiggle, Giggle & Munch #4

By Shoshannah Speers, volunteer with “Fun in the Sun” and “Wiggle, Giggle and Munch” program.

Soccer Tournament to Bring Community Together

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

True Sport Grants banner

Jennifer Partridge, Community Grants CoordinatorIt’s a privilege to see the Central Park community coming together to support and participate in a soccer tournament this weekend. This tournament is one of 15 community-based sports programs supported through our True Sport Matching Grants Program. The activities are intended to enhance residents’ sense of belonging, allow community members to give back, and use sport as a tool to strengthen the neighbourhood.

The tournament takes place August 13 and 14 and will consist of eight teams (ages 16 and up) competing for the Central Park Soccer Fest 2011 Championship. Participating teams include Winnipeg Youth Somali Association, Knox Helping Hands, International Discipleship Ministry, Jeunesse Congolese, Ethiopian Biz and others. The Central Park Soccer Fest 2011 is a shining example of how sport can be used to bring individuals and communities together.

Sports programs throughout our city help realize the Foundation’s vision of ‘a Winnipeg where community life flourishes.’ We are pleased to partner with True Sport Foundation to provide grants for sports in Central Park through this pilot project. The True Sport movement fosters healthy lifestyles, sees sport as a valuable community asset, creates safe and welcoming environments and celebrates contributions of community members. Building on those guiding principles, community residents and others have volunteered their time to provide various recreation programs for those living in the Central Park area. Please feel welcome to drop by the soccer tournament in Central Park this weekend to see the culmination of hard work and volunteer hours.

By Jennifer Partridge, Community Grants Coordinator at The Winnipeg Foundation

Central Park Summer Sports

Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011

True Sport Grants banner

This summer the Central Park area will see fifteen new community-led projects. The Winnipeg Foundation is partnering with True Sport Foundation for this exciting new project.

The process began with community consultations in February and May.

Community consultation

Community members were invited for a meeting at Knox United Church, where they learned the grant process and shared ideas for sports programs they wanted to see implemented in the summer.

Learning the process and shared ideas

The grants had a number of criteria; first, they were matching grants. Applicants had to demonstrate their intention to match the funding they received through volunteer contributions. Second, every grant had to involve at least five community members on its project team. The projects had to primarily benefit the residents of Central Park and take place in the area. A committee of community members reviewed the applications and approved 15 projects including; a baseball festival, a basketball league, a soccer tournament, a running group and much more.

Running Group

Community residents and organizations are working together to host these events. Stay tuned for more stories from Central Park True Sport Grants this summer.

Baseball Group

Gretta Brown Unit – Day Nursery Centre

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

Place for Kids to Play banner

The Gretta Brown Unit of the Day Nursery Centre is creating a safe, fun, and durable playground for children who use the facility. Recent renovations include a tiered garden, sloping stairs and a dry bridge for children to enjoy. The Centre also installed an amphitheatre to be used during outdoor programming. The Winnipeg Foundation supported the redevelopment with a $15,000 grant.

Here are some photos of the new features at Gretta Brown Unit – Day Nursery Centre. Click on any photo to enlarge.

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Broadway Neighbourhood Centre

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

Place for Kids to Play banner

Broadway Neighbourhood Centre is home to the largest green space and the only recreational field in the West Broadway neighbourhood. The space—which is roughly the size of one and a half city blocks—has recently been redeveloped and now houses a sports field, hockey rink, playground, wading pool, community gardens and more. It provides residents an outdoor space that can be used by everyone – no matter the season. The Winnipeg Foundation made a $75,000 grant to support the redevelopment project.

Here are some photos of the new features at Broadway Neighbourhood Centre. Click on any photo to enlarge.

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