It’s true what they say- that it takes a village to raise a child. Rossbrook House has been that ‘village’ for so many- for almost 50 years! The staff make connections with the children and youth. Everybody needs somebody. If you make a connection, you can have an impact on that child.
I was 11 years old when I first learned about Rossbrook House. My older brother, Dale, and my mom, Vera, were both very involved. My whole family was a part of it. The staff were very strict, they’d ask ‘did you go to school today’ and would send you home if you said no. I wanted to be at Rossbrook House, so I made sure I went to school. Now when I think back, it was their way of looking out for us, because they cared.
School wasn’t my favourite place, but I heard that the Sisters (of Sion) were starting a new school. I asked my mom where they lived and knocked on their door. And that’s how I became the first student at Rising Sun high school, an off-campus school of Rossbrook House in partnership with Winnipeg School Division.
When I was a teenager, I was one of the first Junior Staff members along with Patty Mainville, who is now the Executive Director. Later I became the Educational Assistant at Wi Wabigooni (another off-campus school of Rossbrook House). I thought I’d stay for a year but ended up working there for thirty! After retiring, I came to volunteer in the Learning Always program and that turned into another career! It’s going on ten years now. I look after that program, the volunteers, and the Junior Staff.
I’m a mother of 5 and a grandmother. I like to see kids succeed, love watching them grow. I’ve seen the kids here become adults, follow their passions, become parents… I see the difference that Rossbrook House makes in the lives of children and youth, every day. We couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you for being a Rossbrook House supporter!
Sheila Chippastance
Rossbrook House Staff Member & Past Participant
Your support of Rossbrook House programs is appreciated.
Please consider donating today to help Rossbrook House continue to make a difference in the lives of children and youth through its programs, activities and outings, safe rides home, and daily meals. Keeping our doors open 365 days a year has never been more important.
Donating is easy to do: click here.
There is also the option to mail or drop off a cheque to: 658 Ross Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3A 0M1. Please make cheque out to: Rossbrook House Foundaiton.
Your support will help to keep children and youth safe and engaged and ensure that ‘no child who does not want to be alone, should ever have to be’.
Thank you,
Larry McIntosh
Chair, Rossbrook House Foundation
PS: In accordance with CRA regulations, only those gifts received in 2025, or in envelopes postmarked 2025 (& if a cheque, dated 2025) will receive a 2025 tax receipt. Gifts received in 2026 or in envelopes postmarked 2026, regardless of date on cheque, will be issued a 2026 tax receipt.
Donating is easy to do: click here.