Rossbrook House celebrates 50 years!

January 20, 1976- Rossbrook House began on the corner of Ross and Sherbrook in the Centennial Neighbourhood of Winnipeg.

 

Rossbrook House is a safe place for children and youth to belong, play, learn and become…

We celebrate the last 50 years will all who have walked through the doors of 658 Ross Avenue, all who have attended one of the three schools, anyone who lived at Elgin House or Meegwetch House, those who taught, worked, volunteered or made financial or other donations in support of the children and youth of Rossbrook House.

No child who does not want to be alone, should ever have to be.

Sister Geraldine MacNamara received the Order of Canada on October 13, 1983. This is when she spoke these words in front of Governor General  Edward Schreyer, politicians, community, and Rossbrook House staff and participants. These words continue to guide the staff of Rossbrook House.

Rich History:

Rossbrook House began at 588 Ross Avenue, several houses down from its current location. The Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary moved there in 1974. Sisters Geraldine MacNamara, Marylyn Gibney, and Lesley Sacouman had a small pool table in the basement. Sister Lesley’s students at St. Mary’s Academy fundraised for this pool table, giving the dozens of children and teens something to do when visiting the house.

Soon after moving in, they began welcoming neighbourhood youth with no place else to go. Usually, their young visitors played pool in the basement. The only other pool table in the neighborhood was at Freight House and was in poor condition. But while they were there, Sister Gerry asked them: what do you need to feel safe and hopeful?

The seeds for what would be Rossbrook House were planted at 588 Ross. The doors or Rossbrook House officially opened January 20, 1976.

Since then, up to a thousand children and youth access Rossbrook House annually for programs, meals, to find their friends and a safe place to be.

Celebrations:

Plans are underway for a variety of celebrations to mark this incredible anniversary.

Birthday luncheon: More info here.

No Child Alone Dinner: More info here.

Social media posts. Share your memories here: rossbrookis50@rossbrookhouse.ca

 

Stay tuned to this page and Rossbrook House social media so that you don’t miss out on any upcoming celebrations!

 

Donations to Rossbrook House for programs and operations can be made anytime to the Rossbrook House Foundation. More details here. Thank you!