BeCause & Effect

Esyllt W. Jones is a history professor at University of Manitoba and is the award-winning author of Influenza 1918: Death, Disease and Struggle in Winnipeg.

So who better to talk about the current pandemic, the parallels to the past, and the historical context of what we’re all collectively going through.

I sat down with Professor Jones, to talk about the flu pandemic of 1918, COVID-19 when viewed through a historical lens, and what we can learn from the past, to avoid making the same mistakes from over a century ago.

Welcome to BeCause and Effect, a podcast form 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 a very special one. Very honored to welcome Dan Lussier to BeCause and Effect. He’s Director of Réseau Compassion Network, an organization that leads 15 health care communities covering all aspects of health and social care. He’s involved with several boards volunteer positions, and was recently added to the Winnipeg Foundation Board of Directors as well.

I sat down with Dan Lussier, to talk about maintaining connection in an increasingly disconnected world, inspiring compassion by practicing presence, and why we have to continue fighting for equity, equality, and social justice.

To celebrate Black History Month, we’re welcoming Nadia Thompson, Chairperson of the Black History Manitoba Celebration Committee to the podcast.

Nadia is an incredible advocate and educator who has been with the Black History Manitoba Celebration Committee since 2007, and is a strong voice in the community, promoting black history, culture, and diversity in our city.

I sat down with Nadia Thompson, to talk about black history and the black experience, racism and representation in media, and Black History as a year-round venture, not just in February.

Welcome to BeCause and Effect, a podcast form 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.

Our guest today is Jessica Miller. Jessica was made for her new role. As the new CEO of the Winnipeg Humane Society, Jessica could not be better suited to take the helm of this incredible organization.

As a long-time volunteer at the WHS, Jessica knows the organization from the ground up, and knows what it takes to continue and improve upon their wonderful work.

I sat down with Jessica Miller, CEO of the Winnipeg Humane Society, to talk about her path up until this point, where her love of animals originated, and what the organization is working towards in 2021.

Joanne Kelly is many things to many people; Journalism instructor at Red River College, incredible advocate for animals, and host of multiple book clubs including The Winnipeg Foundation’s Official Book Club. Joanne is an ardent champion for the causes she believes in, and a huge supporter of local and national journalism.

I sat down with Joanne Kelly, to talk about the current and future state of journalism, where she developed her love of books, and, although she didn’t start as one, how she became a passionate dog lover.

Mitch Bourbonniere has spent his life in service of others. As an educator and community activist in Winnipeg, he’s made it his life’s mission to help others find their voices. He is a founding member of the original Bear Clan Patrol, a volunteer at countless organizations, and an incredible mentor and counsellor of at-risk youth, to help develop self-esteem, empathy, and confidence. 

Mitch received the Order of Manitoba in 2020, the Governor General Award for Bravery in 2019, and dozens of other awards and accolades for his work in the areas of mental health, social justice, and community support.

I sat down with Mitch Bourbonniere to talk about how COVID has affected the most vulnerable among us, how to create and maintain an equitable society, and how he’s been able to stay positive and energetic throughout his decades-long career.

Phil Chiapetta has been with Rossbrook House for 40 years. As their executive director, he is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to how to assist at-risk children and youth. 

Beyond being a safe space for youth, Rossbrook offers alternative school programs, a young moms group, afterschool homework club, sports, music, and a healthy kitchen program that provides daily meals to participants while teaching them about healthy eating and cooking. 

I sat down with Phil Chiappetta, Executive Director of Rossbrook House, to talk about his 40+ years in the philanthropic sector, his recent appointment to the Winnipeg Foundation board, and his community mission to help youth find the right path to success.

Adele Perry is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to history, indigenous studies, and human rights. She is the Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in the Department of History at the University of Manitoba, director of the Centre for Human Rights Research and is a distinguished professor in the departments of history and women’s and gender studies in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Manitoba. 

So, needless to say, she knows her stuff.

 I sat down with Adele Perry to talk about her expertise in indigenous and gender studies, what we can learn from indigenous ways of knowing, and the historical context that’s relevant to the covid-19 pandemic.

My guest today is Karen Velthuys, she’s the Executive Director of Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba, or LDAM. Karen is also a 2020 Fast Pitch Alum, and she is a leading voice and advocate for children and adults with learning disabilities in our province.

I sat down with Karen Velthuys, to talk about how learning remotely due to COVID has affected students, the stigmas that continue to surround this area of work, and how mental health can be adversely affected if learning disabilities aren’t diagnosed and managed.

Paul Soubry is a devoted businessman, philanthropist, volunteer, and advocate for education and University research. 

He was Chair of Manitoba’s largest-ever Fundraising campaign, the Front and Centre Campaign, which raised over 626 million dollars for the University of Manitoba to help students, researchers, and our community. 

I sat down with Paul Soubry, President and CEO of NFI Group and winner of the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards’ 2020 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, to talk about volunteerism, mentorship, business, COVID-19, and giving back to the community any way you can.