Rick Frost became CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation back in 1997. Now, 23 years later, he is leading the organization into its monumental 100th year.

Last year, In 2019, the Winnipeg Foundation distributed over $57.5 million to the community, thanks in large part to Rick’s vision and leadership.

Now, dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic means Rick’s team is responding to community need in an unprecedented fashion, while practicing social distancing and working primarily from home.

I sat down with Rick Frost over video chat, to talk about Covid-19 and the Foundation's response, how the world is changed and will continue to change, and what plans and strategies are in place moving forward.

*** Trigger warning for this episode, as it deals heavily with child abuse. ***

My guest today, Christy Dzikowicz has been helping to keep vulnerable children safe for over 25 years.

As the Executive Director of Snowflake Place, Christy is helping to lead the way by changing systems, challenging norms, and advocating for the rights and comforts of abused kids.

Christy was also the winner of The Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch 2020, where 12 non-profit organizations presented their stories in the hopes of winning 10,000 dollars.

I sat down with Christy, to talk about her experience at Fast Pitch, her incredible career helping children in their biggest time of need, and how we can have tough conversations with our kids that might just save their lives.

Kristy McFee gave up her life as a real estate agent, and completely shifted her focus to helping Children, Youth, and Families, through the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association. As Executive Director, Kristy continues to fight for inclusion and equality, while giving kids the experience of a lifetime.

Kristy participated in the Winnipeg Foundation’s Fast Pitch, where she honed her presentation skills and competed against 11 other non-profits here in our city for a $10,000 grand prize.

I sat down with Kristy McFee from the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association, to talk about her experience at Fast Pitch, the power of inclusion, and her her deeply personal connection to the organization that’s helping these kids learn, grown, and live their best lives.

Diane Roussin is making the lives of children and families better. Diane is the Project Manager of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, and she uses her platform to empower and encourage the leaders in our community to live their best lives.

I sat down with Diane Roussin, to talk about empowerment, equity, and vulnerability, her strong indigenous female roots, and what needs to happen to help the children and families in our city that need a hand.

Spencer Duncanson is a champion for the arts. He fell in love with opera as a child, and has been obsessed ever since. As founder and Artistic Director of the Little Opera Company in Winnipeg, Spencer has built his career on making opera approachable, enjoyable, and digestible to as many people as possible.

As a lifelong educator and mentor to countless young artists, Spencer is guiding the next generation of top tier singers, and helping create strong, capable adults.

I sat down with Spencer Duncanson, to talk about the importance of art in our culture, the value of mentorship, and how to recognize the value of artistic expression.

Connie Newman knows seniors’ issues. As the Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Seniors Centres, Connie has been devoting her life to advocating for the needs of seniors here in our province for nearly 15 years.

As a retired highschool teacher, Connie’s ability to bring people together and solve problems makes her perfect in this role. 

I sat down with Connie Newman, to discuss generational issues, mental and physical health in seniors, and the importance of staying connected to one another.

Janine Stephens is a Winnipeg-based Olympian-turned coach, who was recently awarded the Rowing Canada’s President’s Award for her dedication to the sport.

After winning Silver in the 2012 London Olympics, Janine is now focused on coaching and helping the next generation of athletes compete, grow, and thrive.

We sat down with Janine Stephens, silver medalist in the London Olympic Games in 2012, talks about sport psychology and the mindset of a champion, her transition into coaching and the lessons she's learned through sport, and her devotion to Manitoba.

Today’s episode features one of the greatest entertainers of our generation, actor, author, singer/songwriter and keynote speaker, Fred Penner.

Mr Penner is gearing up for his upcoming cross-Canada tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Cat Came Back, released back in 1980.

He joined my via video chat from Beautiful British Columbia, and we talked not only about his legendary career, but also about the current media landscape, mindfulness and meditation, reconciliation, and so much more.

Our entire conversation is on The Winnipeg Foundation’s YouTube Channel, so if you go there you can watch along as well.

For additional information, including tour dates, visit http://www.fredpenner.com/

Welcome to BeCause & Effect, a podcast from the Winnpieg Foundation, where we talk to people about the causes they care about, and the effect that it has on their lives. My name is Nolan Bicknell.

Loren Remillard is the President and CEO of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. He’s been with the organization since 1997 and has a great perspective on the importance of small business to our communities.

We talk about business profits and social impact, national trends in entrepreneurship, and the intricate relationship between healthy communities and a thriving business sector.

Welcome to BeCause and Effect, a podcast from the Winnipeg Foundation, where we talk to people about the causes they care about, and the effect it has on their lives. My name is Nolan Bicknell.

Today’s guest is one I’ve wanted to talk to since we launched this podcast, and could not be more excited to kick off season three with the amazing Jon Montgomery.

Jon is probably best known for his work as host of Amazing Race Canada since back in 2013, but Jon gained international notoriety for his gold medal win in Skeleton, during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

Jon joined me via video chat from his home in beautiful Victoria BC and we had a great conversation about life, about his meteoric rise to fame, about his infamous beer walk, and even reminisced a little about our shared hometown of Russell, Manitoba.

In a first for BeCause & Effect, our entire conversation is on the Winnipeg Foundation’s YouTube channel as well, if you’d like to see us chatting while you listen.

But without further ado, my conversation with Jon Montgomery.