For the fourth year in a row, FortWhyte Alive generously opened their doors for a fun evening in February to 100 youngsters from Rossbrook House and Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM). We once again celebrated winter with “Cold City, Warm Hearts”.

The elementary school-age children from IRCOM and Rossbrook took part in a bonfire and bannock bake, Inuit and Voyageur games, plus snowshoeing and the thrilling toboggan run.

 

Thank you to the staff at FortWhyte Alive and all of their wonderful volunteers!

“We truly believe that connecting people with nature is essential to overall health. We see huge benefits for youth who spend time outdoors, like increased confidence, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles, helping them to go on to become stewards of the planet,” said Liz Wilson, FortWhyte Alive President & CEO. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to provide the youth at Rossbrook House and IRCOM with outdoor experiences.” 

 

IRCOM brought two buses filled with excited children.

“It’s been 4 years and the event never gets tired!” said IRCOM’s Associate Executive Director, Shereen Denetto. “This event is an important part of the journey of truth and reconciliation. The truth lies in the fact that through play, children see strangers become friends. And reconciliation flows from the new connections that remain in their hearts and minds, long after the event is over.”

 

The staff at Rossbrook House enjoys this annual outing as much as the children do!

“Relationships evolve quickly and positively when smiles and laughter occur during a shared experience”, said Rossbrook House Executive Director Phil Chiappetta. “There are plenty of both when children from Rossbrook House and IRCOM get together for an evening of outdoor experiences at Fort Whyte Alive.

 

The children worked up an appetite running and playing! Thank you to Pizza Pizza for once again generously donating supper for everyone in attendance.

#ColdCityWarmHearts

 

 

Watch how much fun the children had in this short video.

Thank you FortWhyte Alive!